There’s a lot to love about Santa Barbara. The location is stunning, nestled between the ocean and the mountains. The weather is pretty great too – it’s nicknamed the “American Riviera” for its Mediterranean climate. And the food and wine scene is top-notch.
Bed and Breakfast Santa Barbara
All that said, Santa Barbara is a bit of a tourist trap. It can be crowded, overpriced, and a bit pretentious. But if you go in with your eyes open, you can still have a great time. Here are a few tips for getting the most out of a visit to Santa Barbara.
1. Stay in a vacation rental rather than a hotel. Santa Barbara has some great Airbnb options that will give you more space and privacy than a hotel, and often at a better price.
https://beds-and-breakfast.com/is-santa-barbara-open-during-covid/2. Avoid the busiest times of year. Santa Barbara is busiest in the summer and during major holidays. If possible, plan your trip for shoulder season (spring or fall) or midweek to avoid the crowds.
3. Eat like a local. Santa Barbara has some great restaurants, but they can be pricey. Save money by eating at casual spots or grabbing food to go from one of the many food trucks.
4. Get out of town. Santa Barbara is a great base for exploring the rest of Southern California. Take a day trip to Los Angeles, San Diego, or the wine country in Santa Ynez Valley.
https://beds-and-breakfast.com/is-santa-barbara-expensive-to-visit/5. Enjoy the outdoors. Santa Barbara is a beautiful place, so get out and enjoy it! Go for a hike in the hills, relax on the beach, or take a scenic drive along the coast.
6. Shop local. Santa Barbara has some great boutique shops selling everything from clothing to home decor. Support local businesses by doing some of your shopping while you’re in town.