RECOMMENDATIONS

We've spent a lot of time in the Santa Ynez Valley over the years, and these are the places we keep coming back to. Whether you're arriving early, staying late, or just looking for a great cup of coffee between events, we hope this list helps you make the most of the area.

And for those of you turning this into a longer trip, we've also included some of our favorite spots in Santa Barbara and Montecito

Los Olivos

Food

  • Lefty’s Coffee — local coffee favorite

  • Bob’s Well Bread — beloved bakery; great for breakfast and a quick lunch

  • Nella’s — restaurant at the Fess Park Inn, farm-fresh casual dining great for lunch and dinner

  • Los Olivos Wine Merchant — boutique wine shop and tasting room

  • Bar Le Cote — rustic French-inspired wine country bistro

  • Mattei’s Tavern — historic 19th-century stagecoach stop turned restaurant

    * This is where welcome drinks will be hosted at 8pm on Friday, May 8th! *

Tasting Rooms

Shopping & Activities

Santa Ynez

Food

Shopping & Activities

  • KJ Murphys — the place to get your cowboy hat

  • Charlotte’s — vintage silver pieces, Native American jewelry and belts

Solvang

Food

Local Wineries

  • Beckmen Vineyards — one of our favorites. Tucked among the trees, it's quiet, calm, and feels like another world entirely. The kind of place where you lose track of time.

  • Sunstone Winery  — stunning Mediterranean-style estate that feels like you've been transported to Italy. Beautiful architecture, long picnic tables, great wine, and an incredible vibe.

    * Join us here Friday May 8th from 11am–2pm. We'd love to see you! *

  • Fess Parker — a Santa Barbara County legend. An iconic winery with a wide range of varieties and the kind of warm, welcoming energy that makes it a must-visit.

  • Pence — small, boutique, and utterly charming. The staff is incredibly warm and knowledgeable, and the whole experience feels like going to a friend's house to drink great wine. Oh, and they have two Rhodesian Ridgeback winery dogs who will absolutely come hang out with you.

  • Presqu'ile — a family-owned winery that feels like a stunning art gallery with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking a breathtaking valley. The wine is phenomenal, but the food pairing experience is even better. Book ahead. It's a bit of a drive but worth it.

  • Firestone Vineyard — the grandfather of Santa Barbara wine country tasting experiences. One of the region's pioneering wineries and a classic for good reason.

Santa Barbara

Hotels

  • Hotel Californian — Right on State Street, a block from the beach and three blocks from the Funk Zone. Great location, beautiful design.

  • Drift Hotel — a newer boutique hotel on lower State Street with an unbeatable location near the Funk Zone and walking distance to the beach.

  • Canary Hotel — boutique hotel in the heart of downtown, walking distance to the beach.

  • El Encanto — tucked into the hills with a gorgeous pool and incredible views of Santa Barabara.

  • Bacara — a beautiful resort on the water on the more elevated end. Worth going for a drink or dinner even if you're not staying.

  • Hotel Santa Barbara — recently re-opened, right on the beach.

  • Pali House Santa Barbara — located in a more neighbor-y section of downtown but still walkable to State Street — restaurants, cafes and shopping.

Breakfast

  • Jeannine's  — the best breakfast in Santa Barbara. Don't skip the French toast or eggs benedict. There are a few locations. Our favorite is the lower state street one, it’s right on the beach with a great outdoor patio area. 

  • The Boathouse — great for brunch right on the beach.

  • Backyard Bowls —amazing açai bowls.

  • Helena Avenue Bakery– Great for breakfast pastries and sandwiches.

Coffee

Lunch

  • La Super Rica Taqueria — Famously known as Julia Child’s favorite Mexican restaurant, this is a can’t miss. There will be a line. It is worth it. Trust us.

  • Natural Cafe — This is technically in Goleta but if you’re looking for a quick lunch after landing at the Santa Barbara airport this is where you should go; incredible salads and sandwiches. A UCSB favorite.

Dinner

Can’t Miss

  • McConnell's Ice Cream (multiple locations) — get the Santa Barbara Strawberry. Even if strawberry isn't your thing, it’s incredible. 

  • The Funk Zone — a two-block stretch of downtown that's been transformed into a hub of winery tasting rooms, breweries, and local art galleries. Just wander and hop from place to place.

Hikes

  • Inspiration Point — the go-to local hike. 3.5 miles with panoramic views of Santa Barbara and the ocean at the top.

  • Lizard's Mouth — more of a scenic walk than a hike, with great views and cool boulder formations.

Hotels

  • San Ysidro Ranch — on the expensive end but one of our favorite hotels in the world. 

  • Montecito Inn — charming historic inn right in downtown Montecito.

  • Four Seasons — definitely a pricey option. It’s right on Butterfly Beach and when you stay here you also get access to Coral Casino, a private oceanfront members club that’s been around since the 30s.

Breakfast & Lunch

  • Jeannine's  — the best breakfast in the Santa Barbara. Our favorite location is the one right off the beach on State Street in SB but they have a Montecito location as well with the same menu.

  • Merci — cute café tucked inside the Montecito Country Mart. Great for breakfast or a light lunch.HIGHLY recommend.

  • Stonehouse Restaurant at San Ysidro Ranch — on the pricier side but the setting is unmatched and it’s a great way to experience San Ysidro without staying there.

Dinner

  • Lucky's — a Montecito institution. Classic American, old Hollywood energy.

  • Bettina — artisan pizza.

  • Tre Lune — cozy Italian restaurant.

Bars

Shopping

Activities

  • Lotusland — named one of the ten best gardens in the world. Book a tour in advance.

  • Butterfly Beach — our favorite beach in the area. Simple, beautiful, quintessentially Montecito.

Montecito