A Weekend in Santa Barbara

Coastal views, wine tasting, and the perfect two-day escape from city life

I know I talk a lot about my international trips, but this year I’m making an effort to explore more domestic destinations. With my job being fully remote, I have the flexibility to work from anywhere, and sometimes it’s just fun to hop on a plane and head somewhere new for a quick escape.

Last month, I randomly found myself in Santa Barbara, and honestly, it was such a pleasant surprise. It’s about a five-hour flight from D.C., so I booked an early morning flight and landed just around noon—perfect timing to still enjoy a full afternoon.

Santa Barbara is only about two hours from Los Angeles, so if you're already in LA, it’s an easy day trip. But I wanted a real weekend getaway, something calm and low-key, and Santa Barbara checked every box. The vibe there is super chill—think coastal charm mixed with wine-country elegance. It’s the kind of place where you can genuinely unwind.

For my stay, I chose the Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara, and it was everything I hoped for in a weekend escape. Nestled right on the beach, the resort had this luxurious yet laid-back vibe. Between the multiple pools, jacuzzis, and beachfront access, I barely felt the need to leave the property. My room had a stunning ocean view, and waking up to the sound of waves was exactly the kind of reset I needed. The on-site restaurant was incredible too.

If you’re considering Santa Barbara for a weekend trip (and you definitely should), here are some tips and things to do:

Things to Do in Santa Barbara:

1. Explore State Street:
   This is the heart of downtown Santa Barbara—lined with boutique shops, cafes, wine bars, and some seriously good food spots. It’s the perfect place to stroll around, grab a coffee, or do some light shopping.

2. Visit the Santa Barbara Mission:
   Known as the "Queen of the Missions," this historic site is beautiful and offers a peaceful walk through its gardens.

3. Wine Tasting in the Funk Zone:
   Santa Barbara is known for its wine, and the Funk Zone is where you can do a little winery-hopping without ever leaving downtown. It’s full of tasting rooms, local art galleries, and trendy spots for a bite to eat.

4. Hit the Beach:
   Whether you're into sunbathing, surfing, or just walking along the shore, Santa Barbara’s beaches are stunning. Butterfly Beach is one of my favorites—it’s less crowded and perfect for a sunset walk.

5. Take a Sunset Sail:
   If you're feeling a bit adventurous (but still in that relaxed mode), book a sunset sail from the harbor. There’s nothing like seeing the coastline from the water while sipping on a glass of wine.

6. Relax at the Resort:
   Honestly, if you’re staying at the Ritz-Carlton Bacara as I did, you could easily spend the entire weekend lounging by the pool, enjoying the spa, and sipping cocktails by the beach. No shame in that.

Santa Barbara ended up being the perfect weekend escape—a mix of relaxation, coastal views, and just enough to do without feeling overwhelmed. Whether you’re into food, wine, beaches, or just want a peaceful break, it’s got a little something for everyone.

Let me know if you’ve been or if you’re thinking about going—I’d love to hear your thoughts!