LizS

My husband and I recently moved to Los Angeles and are taking a day trip (with my parents who are visiting)up the coast to the Santa Barbara area. What are some "definites" we must do. I know the Santa Ynez winery area is beautiful, is it worth going there too to just one or two wineries and coming back to the town of Santa Barbara? or should my husband and I just do Santa Ynez on a different trip? Also, what's a good lunch spot? I think we're going on a Monday. Thanks!

enjoylife

I recommend eating at Bay Cafe on Anacapa. The food and service are great!

State Street is the main drag. It is full of shops.

pepsicola

Might I suggest the Santa Barbara Mission or the Santa Barbara courthouse. Also if you don't mind driving another 30-40 min more go to the Danish town of Solvang which is north of SB. You could take highway 154 or just stay on highway 101 til highway 246. Very cute touristy area with nice shops and good eats. Also there are wine tasting rooms in Solvang.

minnie17

Hi LizS,
I would stick to Santa Barbara and not try to drive to the Solvang/Santa Ynez area. It is just too much time in the car. Also, they are still working on Highway #154 going from SB to Solvang/SY, so there are construction delays for up to 20 minutes at a time. I would save it for another trip.
Eat in SB? Paradise Cafe is good for soup/salad/ sandwich lunch.
Ca Dario is good for yummy Italian.
minnie.

mowmow

You didn't say where in LA you live, but it will take you 2-3 hours to get to SB depending on traffic.

You will easily find enough to do in SB to fill the rest of the day.

See the mission, stroll along the beach promenade and perhaps the pier. Then head down State street which is lined with great shops, cafes, and restaurants. The old courthouse and El Paseo area are nice old historic areas of SB. We like to eat at El Paseo, and get goodies up and down the street.

You'll be sufficiently worn out after all that, trust me.

mako

Hi everyone,
I'm spending 4nights in LA, and I'm thinking to go to the wineries of SB.
But the problem is, that I cannot drive a car.(I don't have intl license)
Does anyone know any day trips from LA?
Or, Is there any way to get there?
I will be staying near rodeo drive.
thanks!

kimamom

I would just enjoy SB since you only have one day. You could go to Intermezzo and do some really nice wine tasting. I would also suggest their fine dining restaurant the Wine Cask for a special dinner. Olie e Limone is also very good for an Italian meal.

Stearns' Wharf is a very nice place to stroll around and take in the gorgeous scenery. Try the lobster bisque or the lobster dinners at the SB Shellfish Co. They also have great crab melts there.

Shopping on State Street is really fun. Lots to do there and plenty to see. I would also suggest lunch at the Patio at the Four Seasons Biltmore in Montecito. I wished we would have spent more time exploring Montecito, it's a beautiful place. You also might want to check out the El Encanto for apps and a glass of wine. The views are really pretty up in that area. have fun! ***kim***