Santa Barbara is the perfect travel destination for scenic views, California wine, coastal cuisine, and so much more.
Nestled in between the Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, Santa Barbara deserves a spot on the list of the top wonders of the world. Known as the American Riviera, the charming coastal city, which is located less than 100 miles north of Los Angeles, has it all — beautiful sandy beaches, scenic views, and a culture that’s rich with Mediterranean influences, from the architecture down to the food.
But the sun-drenched beach town — home of the world’s first Earth Day celebration — is also the perfect destination spot for any eco-tourist.
Where to stay
Planning the perfect Santa Barbara getaway starts with a perfect hotel or resort.
The Ritz-Carlton Bacara
Enjoy a quiet, relaxing stay at the plush, 78-acre oceanfront Mediterranean-style resort with two miles of secluded beach, three infinity saltwater pools, farm-to-table dining, and a world-class spa. Like all Ritz-Carlton properties, sustainability is a core focus at the Bacara.
The chain’s multi-discipline, Ritz-Carlton Environmental Action Conservation Teams (REACT) use a framework of environmental strategies to identify sustainability projects at each property. To achieve energy and water reduction goals, the Ritz-Carlton uses Energy and Environmental Action Plans as a best practice audit tool for lighting, appliances, heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and central plant conservation and efficiency.
The Ramada by Wyndham Santa Barbara
According to Wyndham Santa Barbara, it has “attained the highest level available for green practices” and is “voluntarily committed to green initiatives and environmental consciousness.” So indulge in a little getaway with a stay that’s as luxurious as it is eco-conscious, including a dip in The Ramada’s pool, which is heated by solar panels.
Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort
With 360 rooms, this eco-certified resort is located one mile away from the Funk Zone district, an eclectic neighborhood that features art galleries, wine-tasting rooms, eateries, breweries, and more. In addition to its terrace restaurant, tennis courts, and spa, the resort’s eco-certifications include meat-free meals and a food waste reduction program.
Hotel Milo Santa Barbara
Featuring 122 quaint rooms, this two-story, boutique hotel is located just steps away from the picturesque West Beach and the harbor. You can rest assured knowing that your stay will be a sustainable one.
Helmed by Independent Collection, the group is no stranger to blending sustainability and luxury, offering eco-friendly amenities like energy-efficient lighting, in-room recycling programs, electric vehicle charging stations, and even offers “green” options for its meeting rooms.
Where to eat
Sure, you could order room service and stare out at the view all day, but these restaurants in Santa Barbara will make you want to venture out for a bite.
Bibi Ji
From the team of Alejandro Medina and celebrated sommelier Rajat Parr, this pink-signed jewel brings modern Indian flair with serious culinary chops. The moody, chandelier-lit interior and lush patio set the tone for shareable plates that go big on flavor. Standouts include crispy cauliflower in chili-garlic sauce, spice-laden coconut curry, and smoky baingan bharta. With a tight, natural wine list to match and desserts that barely register against the savory highs, Bibi Ji knows exactly where its strengths lie.
Satellite Wine Bar
A farm-to-table vegetarian wine bar, Satellite is focused on organic, local produce, and natural wine that’s made with organically or biodynamically grown wine. From smoked mushrooms to stuffed tacos, the food’s fresh, exciting, and full of flavor.
Savoy Café
This healthy staple first opened its door nearly 20 years ago by Paul and Kathy Shields. Now it’s a family outfit, with their four sons now also spotted behind the counter. Savoy offers some of healthiest and tastiest food in town — with a menu boasting organic produce as well as vegan, gluten-free, and paleo options.
What to do
Spend a day sightseeing at all of Santa Barbara’s natural wonders, including its array of sandy beaches, from the dog-friendly Arroyo Burro Beach to the popular surfing spot of Leadbetter Beach.
Natural attractions
Revel in the city’s wondrous wilderness areas and hidden gems like its four captivating waterfalls, or take a relaxing stroll through Labyrinth Trail at the University of California Santa Barbara’s Lagoon Island.
Sustainable wine tour
Santa Barbara is a sustainable wine mecca. So a trip to this seaside city wouldn’t be complete without some time spent wine tasting. Whether you want to visit a private winery or a rolling vineyard estate, Sustainable Wine Tours has everything you need to sip responsibly.
Explore the botanical gardens
After a day spent on Santa Barbara’s sunny beaches, take a trip over to Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, which “invites you to explore the wonder of California all within a day’s visit,” according to its website.
Learn about all of the native plants the region has to offer, or explore the garden’s unique features, from the Mission Dam to the Pritzlaff Conservation Center Gallery and the Meadow Pond.
Got a severe case of wanderlust? Head up to Napa Valley. And for a guide to some of the best eco-hotels the world has to offer, click here.
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