A Long Weekend in Santa Barbara
Looking for a location that has luxury accommodations, farm-to-table dining and activities for the wine enthusiast? Visit Santa Barbara. We spent three nights in this central California coast city, set between the Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, and it was the perfect getaway.
Dream
Santa Barbara boasts a long list of luxury hotels. We chose to stay at the Belmond El Encanto which is the oldest hotel in Santa Barbara. In 2013, the property reopened after a seven-year renovation and the results are first rate. From the minute we drove up to the porte-cochere, we knew we had made the right choice.
The hotel is situated in the hills above the city, looking out over Downtown Santa Barbara to the Pacific Ocean. Our room tucked away amidst lush landscaping, had a beautifully appointed traditional-style interior.
Both breakfast and dinner at the hotel restaurant were excellent. And the pool was the perfect place to relax and unwind.
Dine
There is no shortage of high quality farm-to-table restaurants in Santa Barbara, taking advantage of the fresh produce the great state of California has to offer. Breakfast was included in our room rate and we were very pleased with both the plentiful selection of dishes and the beautiful views from the restaurant terrace.
We ventured out for lunch and dinner. In order of preference, here are our favorites:
Lucky Penny: Perfect for a casual, al-fresco lunch or dinner, serving delicious wood-fired pizzas.
The Lark: Lively scene with lots of sharing plates.
Finch & Fork: Amazing appetizers and an impressive wine list.
Dining Room & Terrace at El Encanto: Terrace seating is preferred for the views. California cuisine uses ingredients sourced from their on-site garden.
Coffeeholics may enjoy The French Press.
Do
It would have been easy to spend the weekend by the hotel pool, but there is much to see and do in Santa Barbara.
Sustainable Wine Tours was a first-rate experience. We ventured out to the Santa Ynez Valley in a Mercedes-Benz van and visited three vineyards committed to sustainable, organic, and/or biodynamic agriculture. A gourmet organic picnic lunch was served in a beautiful vineyard setting. But the knowledge and expertise of our guide were what made the day extra special.
Our weekend wasn’t all about wine. We also walked out into the area surrounding our hotel to visit the Old Mission Santa Barbara, which was founded in 1786. The original structure was destroyed by an Earthquake in 1812 and the inside structure has been altered significantly since 1820 but remains a fine example of a California mission.
Downtown Santa Barbara streets are filled with Mediterranean-style white stucco buildings with terracotta-tile roofs reflecting the city’s Spanish colonial heritage. There are numerous upscale boutiques, restaurants, and tasting rooms.
But a visit to Santa Barbara would not be complete without a walk by the ocean. We suggest spending time by Butterfly Beach near the Four Seasons in Montecito. This beach is also close to Coast Village Road which has a strip of cute boutiques and restaurants. It’s only about a ten-minute drive from the El Encanto.
nearby destinations
