Santa Barbara: The American Riviera

With its sun-soaked beaches, Spanish-style architecture, and world-class wine country, Santa Barbara is a coastal paradise for every traveler. Whether you’re here for adventure, romance, culture, or relaxation, let Destination Sitters handle childcare so you can experience the best of Santa Barbara stress-free!

Santa Barbara blends natural beauty with rich history, offering breathtaking landscapes and must-see landmarks.

Must-See Outdoor Spots

• Stearns Wharf – California’s oldest working pier with ocean views, shops, and seafood dining.
• Santa Barbara Botanic Garden – A peaceful oasis showcasing native Californian plants and scenic trails.
• Lotusland – A hidden gem featuring one of the world’s most stunning private gardens.
• Butterfly Beach – A picturesque spot perfect for sunset strolls and oceanfront relaxation.
• Santa Ynez Mountains – Enjoy scenic hikes and breathtaking vistas over the Pacific.

Where to Eat Nearby (4 & 5-Star Picks)

• The Stonehouse at San Ysidro Ranch – Michelin-rated fine dining in a romantic hillside setting.
• Bouchon Santa Barbara – A farm-to-table gem featuring the best of the Central Coast.
• Toma Restaurant & Bar – Award-winning Italian-inspired seafood with ocean views.

For outdoor lovers, Santa Barbara is a dream destination for water sports, hiking, and adventure!

Top Adventures

• Kayaking the Channel Islands – Explore hidden sea caves in California’s Galápagos.
• Surfing at Leadbetter Beach – Take a lesson with local surf instructors.
• Biking the Cabrillo Boulevard Path – Ride along the scenic waterfront route.
• Sailing & Sunset Cruises – Take a luxury yacht tour or whale-watching cruise.
• Wine Country Jeep Tours – Off-road through Santa Ynez Valley for wine tasting with a view.

Where to Eat Nearby

• Lucky’s Steakhouse (Montecito) – A celebrity-favorite steakhouse with old Hollywood charm.
• Bettina (Montecito) – A cozy spot for artisanal pizza and fine wines.

From boutique finds to high-end designers, Santa Barbara is a shopper’s paradise.

Best Shopping Destinations

🛍 State Street – A walkable boulevard filled with boutiques, outdoor cafés, and local artisans.
🎭 Funk Zone – A hip district featuring galleries, breweries, and unique pop-up shops.
🏬 Montecito’s Coast Village Road – Upscale shopping featuring designer brands and luxury boutiques.
🌊 La Arcada Plaza – A hidden gem with charming courtyards and independent shops.

Where to Eat Nearby

• Convivo – Coastal Italian dining with sweeping ocean views.

Finch & Fork – A chic, contemporary bistro in downtown Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara is a food lover’s dream, blending ocean-to-table seafood, local wines, and farm-fresh ingredients.

Must-Try Restaurants

🌅 Boathouse at Hendry’s Beach – A beachfront favorite known for seafood and brunch.
🍷 Loquita – Spanish-style tapas and craft cocktails in the heart of Santa Barbara.
🥩 San Ysidro Ranch’s Stonehouse – Michelin-recognized fine dining with an award-winning wine list.
🦐 The Lark – A seasonal California-inspired eatery in the Funk Zone.

🌊 Dinner with a View? Try Tydes (Montecito) or Bella Vista at the Four Seasons

Santa Barbara is home to a thriving arts and culture scene, perfect for an enriching escape.

Best Art & Culture Experiences

🎨 Santa Barbara Museum of Art – Features European, Asian, and contemporary collections.
🎭 Granada Theatre – Catch Broadway-style performances and live concerts.
🏛 El Presidio de Santa Bárbara – Walk through a historic Spanish fort from the 18th century.

Where to Eat Nearby

• The Black Sheep – Globally inspired dishes in a trendy, artistic setting.
• Nikkei – Japanese-Peruvian fusion dining, perfect for a unique culinary experience.

Indulge in five-star spa treatments while taking in breathtaking ocean views.

Best Spa & Wellness Centers

💆‍♀️ The Spa at El Encanto – A peaceful retreat in the hills of Santa Barbara.
🌿 Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Spa – Oceanfront wellness at its finest.

Santa Barbara is one of the most romantic destinations in California, perfect for couples getaways and special occasions.

Most Romantic Spots

• Gondola Rides at the Santa Barbara Harbor – A Venetian-inspired cruise at sunset.
• Butterfly Beach at Sunset – A serene, picture-perfect spot for a romantic stroll.
• Wine & Dine in the Santa Ynez Valley – Explore California’s famous wine country with a private tour.

💍 Planning a Wedding or Honeymoon? The Ritz-Carlton Bacara and San Ysidro Ranch offer luxurious venues with stunning ocean or garden backdrops.

Santa Barbara offers plenty of kid-friendly attractions for families to explore!

Santa Barbara Zoo

• Known as the “Zoo with a View,” featuring over 140 species, a mini train, and interactive exhibits.

MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation

• A hands-on science and technology museum designed for kids and families!

Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History & Sea Center

• Get up close with marine life at this interactive aquarium on Stearns Wharf.

Old Mission Santa Barbara

• Discover Santa Barbara’s rich Spanish heritage at this historic 18th-century mission.

🎟 Pro Tip: Many attractions offer family discounts and skip-the-line tickets – check in advance

• 📅 Best Time to Visit – Year-round, but spring and fall offer mild weather and fewer crowds.
  ⏳ Time Zone – Pacific Standard Time (PST).
  🛬 Airport – Santa Barbara Airport (SBA) – A stress-free alternative to LAX!

Destination Sitters: Trusted Babysitting Services in Orange County

👶 Why Choose Destination Sitters?
✔ CPR-certified, background-checked, and reference-verified babysitters
✔ Sitters bring books, toys, and games to keep kids entertained
✔ Available at hotels, vacation rentals, theme parks & special events
✔ Multilingual sitters available upon request

📍 Also Available in Nearby Cities:
✔ Los Angeles
✔ San Diego
✔ Palm Springs
✔ San Francisco