Santa Barbara Travel and Tourism Blog
20 Free Things to Do in Santa Barbara
January 3, 2013
Spending time in Santa Barbara doesn't have to mean spending money. The many beaches, hikes, and other naturally beautiful surrounds make it easy to spend the day without spending a cent. Consider these free and fun activities the next time you're planning to visit Santa Barbara!
Juice Ranch, Santa Barbara
January 2, 2013
Juice Ranch is a new locally owned cold-pressed juice shop that recently opened on Lower State Street, providing locally grown, 100% organic juices.
2012 Year in Review
December 31, 2012
As 2012 comes to a close we're celebrating with a look back at some of our favorite photos that were taken throughout the year... It was a stunningly beautiful year - enjoy!
Carpinteria Seal Rookery
December 31, 2012
Possibly one of the best sights in Carpinteria - the Harbor Seal Rookery! Every winter the harbor seals take shelter on the Carpinteria beach to give birth to their cubs and warm up on the beach. Since the cubs aren't born with a protective layer of fat, they collect heat by laying out in the sun during the winter months.
24 Hours in Santa Barbara
December 29, 2012
Our laid-back beach town is designed for serendipitous occasions - trying out a new restaurant, spontaneous wine tasting or catching the perfect sunset... whatever it is, the less planning the better. But if you're visiting California and only have a day to spend in Santa Barbara, it's best to know where to go and why. This list will give you a taste of Santa Barbara and hopefully encourage you to come again and stay longer!
Scarlett Begonia Now Serving Dinner
December 20, 2012
Scarlett Begonia is now serving dinner! Their dinner menu is an eclectic mix of dishes from lamb meatballs to short ribs and even lobster...
Bacara Resort’s Afternoon Tea
December 16, 2012
Set in the resort’s grand lobby amidst a warm fireplace and elegant furnishings, Bacara’s Tea & Trunk Shows feature a contemporary twist on traditional high tea by pairing the service with a designer trunk show.
Santa Barbara Restaurants Open on Christmas 2012
December 11, 2012
Take a load off this Christmas and let somebody else do the cooking! These fine Santa Barbara restaurants will be open and serving dinner on Christmas Day (unless noted as Christmas Eve). Keep scrolling below to see all of the menus, times and prices for each of the restaurants.
3 Wineries You Can’t Miss in the Santa Ynez Valley
December 10, 2012
If you only have time to hit a few wineries, these 3 are sure to give you the best taste that the Santa Ynez Valley has to offer!
Nojoqui Falls, Santa Barbara
December 4, 2012
With all of the rain we've been having lately we thought it was the perfect time to take a little hike to Nojoqui Falls....
SBMerge and Hotels.com Partner to Book Hotels Online
December 3, 2012
SBMerge.com, already known for its comprehensive guide to Santa Barbara restaurants and events, has joined with Hotels.com to provide consumers with an easier way to book hotels in Santa Barbara.
Santa Barbara Palettes
December 1, 2012
All of this dull drab weather of late has muted the usual bright & colorful details that decorate Santa Barbara, so these are a reminder of what it's normally like...
Cozy Up By the Fire! — Top 10 Restaurants with Fireplaces
November 25, 2012
The forecast for the foreseeable future is full of cloudy skies, cooler temperatures and even chances for rain! We think the best way to beat the cold is by cozying up next to a warm fireplace, but since we don't…
2012 Santa Barbara Shop Local Guide
November 22, 2012
Invest in our wonderful community by supporting local businesses this holiday season!
Santa Ynez Valley Itineraries
November 16, 2012
Four days of activities and adventures in Solvang and the Santa Ynez Valley.
Pico Iyer on Chaucer’s Bookstore
November 14, 2012
One of our long time favorite travel writers, Pico Iyer, also happens to have been raised in Santa Barbara. When he is in town you can often find him speaking at the Lobero about upcoming books on global travel, the Dalai…
Santa Barbara Public Market
November 6, 2012
The Public Market will showcase the best our land has to offer and the uniqueness of our local flavor.
Ca Dario Pizzeria
November 5, 2012
Located a few doors down from their existing restaurant, Ca Dario Pizzeria will be serving up traditional family recipes.
Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving 2012
November 3, 2012
We're rounding up all of the restaurants that are open on Thanksgiving Day and posting all of their menus for you to read in one convenient location!
Malibu Wineries Day Trip
October 25, 2012
Sometimes the best remedy on a gloomy Sunday morning in Santa Barbara is to go for a drive... Come with us on our quick getaway to the wineries in the Santa Monica Mountains above Malibu.