Hello, My husband, young daughter and I will be in Santa Barbara for 2 full days. I'm looking for general suggestions of things to see and do in that time frame that really capture the beauty and uniqueness of Santa Barbara.

Since we will have just arrived from the east coast and are early risers to begin with, our day will begin super early (think 4AM) and end early, so nighttime activities are out. Specific casual but tasty restaurant suggestions (for lunch only) would also be appreciated.

Thanks very much!

Katherine

Oh, and we're heading to SB this Saturday, July 19th!

Here's a good list of things to see and do. It's clickable.

http://www.santabarbara.com/points_of_interest/

And you can spend a few hours in the Santa Inez Valley, just over the hill from SB. Visit the somewhat touristy Danish town of Solvang. This is wine country and was featured in the movie Sideways.

I occasionally stop by to see how the Moreton bay fig tree is doing. It's one humongous tree.

http://www.beachcalifornia.com/sbtree.html

Santa Barbara Mission is very nice and I also second the suggestion of visiting a winery or two.

Thanks for your replies! The mission is on my list for sure. Any hikes to recommend? Neighborhoods to stroll in? Places of natural beauty that are not to be missed? Farmers markets that stand out as unique to the area?

Thanks!

For strolling, or bike riding, it's fun on the beachfront paved pathway. Walk down to the Four Seasons for a beautiful property to visit for a meal or a drink. Walk up past the marina and the pier, where there's a great little beachfront place for fish sandwiches, etc. (Forgetting its name, but it isn't hard to find).

Definitely visit the Mission, and walk along State Street. Drive to a winery, if you don't mind being in your car instead of enjoying the ocean. It's pretty country. We went to Solvang and were underwhelmed, because it's so touristy, but there are other places to visit.

Skip Solvang but if you're in the area, check out Los Olivos.

There is a new public market in SB if you're into food:

http://sbpublicmarket.com/

Also, this place looks great (haven't been), but you need reservations:

http://www.lotusland.org/

There is a wonderful Farmers Market in downtown SB on Saturdays on Cota Street. Others take place around the area for various days.www.sbfarmersmarket.org

How small is your child? He or she would probably enjoy Solvang more than a winery.

Our kids enjoyed touring a vineyard and winery.

Young daughter? Don't miss the wonderful Santa Barbara Zoo! it has wonderful animals, overlooks the ocean and has a wonderful cafe' for lunch.