Santa Barbara: an itinerary

I planned my first solo road trip to Santa Barbara in the middle of a pandemic, and here is my itinerary!

*Note: Things I researched but didn't end up doing are denoted with a `` (asterisk)**

General advice

• Make reservations for all activities and restaurants far in advance due to COVID capacity restrictions

Accommodation

I stayed at the Ritz Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara. Currently all restaurants on site are open for outdoor dining!

Activities

Since I planned this trip last minute in the middle of a pandemic I stayed away from group activities that required reservations and instead opted to free style the trip, here is what I did end up doing:

• Yoga at the hotel or on the beach!
• Hanging out at the hotel pool

Water

• Whale watching

Land

• I would recommend checking out some hikes in the area!*
• Watch the sunset at Shoreline Park
• Stop in San Luis Obispo when driving to Santa Barbara from the San Francisco Bay Area.
  • Visit the Bubble Gum Alley
  • Brunch at Novo Restaurant
• Vintage Shopping in Santa Barbara
  • Blue Door
  • The Mill
  • Italian Pottery

Food

• Breakfast
  • Boathouse at Hendry beach
  • Andersen bakery
• Lunch/ Dinner
  • Brophy Bros
  • Santa Barbara Public Market

Drinks

Go wine tasting in the Funk Zone! It's what Santa Barbara is known for! Here are few places to go drinking in the area:

• The speakeasy at The Mill
• The Valley Project*
• Riverbench Santa Barbara Tasting Room*