We just returned from five nights in Santa Barbara, and it was an absolutely restorative trip. We needed to escape the nonstop rain back home, soak up some sunshine, and move at a slower pace—and this getaway delivered. The holiday decorations added a festive touch, and the whole area felt welcoming and relaxed. Although we’d long talked about visiting Santa Barbara, this was our first time.
We split our stay into two parts: three nights in Los Olivos at the Inn at Mattei’s Tavern—about a 40-minute drive inland into the Santa Ynez Valley, nestled among hills and vineyards—and two nights right on the water in Santa Barbara at an Airbnb.
Traveling with Hayes, who is 1.5 years old, felt easier than I anticipated. These were his 16th and 17th flights, and we’re always impressed by how adaptable he is. Most days were calm and low-stress, which was exactly what we needed (dining out was the only challenging time—if you’ve traveled with a toddler you know). We found great food, beautiful scenery, ample outdoor time, and a pace that worked for both adults and a toddler. It was one of those trips where you come home feeling genuinely refreshed and already planning the next visit.
I collected recommendations from friends and followers and organized them into this guide. Some suggestions are focused on Los Olivos and Solvang, while others cover Santa Barbara and Montecito.
Los Olivos and Solvang
Sights & Must-See
- The Inn at Mattei’s Tavern: where we stayed for three nights. A charming boutique hotel with excellent food, a pool, gym, and spa.
- The Lavender Barn at Mattei’s Tavern: perfect for a relaxing spa day.
- J. Woeste in Los Olivos: an adorable shop worth browsing.
- Ostrich Land USA: near Buellton and Solvang. You can pay to feed ostriches and emus—an unexpectedly fun experience.
- Sunny Fields: a large wooden playground with a baseball field and walking path—Hayes loved it.
Places to Eat in Los Olivos & Solvang
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner options we enjoyed or received recommendations for:
- The Inn at Mattei’s Tavern: excellent for all meals—try the roast chicken from the dinner menu.
- Solvang Bakery: a classic stop for pastries and sweets.
- Copenhagen Sausage Garden in Solvang: casual outdoor seating, great for kids and dogs.
- Panino in Los Olivos
- Nella Kitchen & Bar in Los Olivos
- Bar le Côte in Los Olivos
- Coast Range in Solvang
Coffee Shops
- Lefty’s Coffee
- The Tavern: we thought this was some of the best coffee we had on the trip.
Santa Barbara
Sights & Must-See in Santa Barbara
- La Arcada: a charming small square with coffee, donuts, shops, and a fountain with turtles.
- Santa Barbara Zoo: a very kid-friendly zoo and a fun stop for families.
- Santa Barbara County Courthouse: a historic Spanish-Colonial landmark with a clock tower offering panoramic views.
- Stearns Wharf: the oldest working wooden wharf in California, with coastal views and dining options.
- Old Mission Santa Barbara: known as the “Queen of the Missions,” featuring historic buildings and a lovely rose garden.
- The Funk Zone: a lively neighborhood with art galleries, boutiques, and tasting rooms for local wine and beer.
- Botanical Gardens: explore diverse landscapes, native-plant trails, and scenic overlooks.
- Channel Islands National Park: reachable by boat from the harbor for wildlife viewing and kayaking adventures.
- Inspiration Point: a popular hike with sweeping views of the city and Pacific Ocean.
- Sea Ranch Montecito: noted by locals for its impressive pool.
- Field & Fort: a home and food shop with a good selection for gifts and healthy bites.
- Summerland shopping district: a short drive with several pleasant shops and cafés.
Places to Eat in Santa Barbara
Breakfast
- Helena Avenue Bakery: we ate here multiple times—great for toddlers and adults. Try the Chinese Chicken Salad for lunch.
- Jeannine’s
- Scarlett Begonia
- Paula’s Pancake House
- Alessia Patisserie
- Oat Bakery in Montecito: founded by a Danish baker who adapted recipes with superfoods—interesting and tasty options.
- Dawn Cafe
Lunch
- Tamar: highly recommended—delicious food and a great atmosphere.
- Rosewood Miramar beach bar: tacos and cocktails are a favorite tip from friends.
- The Lark: locally sourced California cuisine.
- South Post Deli
- Mission Street Deli
- Helena Avenue Bakery (again—get the Chinese Chicken Salad!)
- Santa Barbara Public Market
- Bistro Amasa
Dinner
- Santa Barbara Food Haul: a casual spot with many food options, TVs for games, and family-friendly seating.
- Loquita
- East Beach Tacos
- Third Window Brewing – Smash Burgers
- Flor de Maiz
- Buena Onda
- SY Kitchen
- ‘Que Smoke Shack BBQ
- Rare Society
- Bettina Pizzeria – wood-fired pizza
- Lucky Penny – wood-fired pizza
- Los Agaves
- Sama Sama Kitchen – Southeast-Asian plates and cocktails
- El Zerape – scratch-made Mexican food
- Mony’s
- Gracie
- Pico Los Alamos
- Secret Bao
- Brophy Bros.
- Barbareno
Brewery & Cocktails
- The Good Lion
- Third Window Brewery
- Shaker Mill
- Lion’s Tale Bar
- Test Pilot Bar
- Santo Mezcal
- Dusk Bar
Coffee Shops
- Helena Avenue Bakery
- Handlebar Coffee Roasters
- Dune Coffee Roasters
- Kin Bakeshop (great matcha)
- Cajé Coffee Roasters
- Lighthouse Coffee
- Dart Coffee Co
- Santa Barbara Roasting Co
- Lokum Delights
- Little King Coffee
Family-Friendly & Toddler Activities
- Santa Barbara Zoo
- MOXI (Museum of Exploration + Innovation)
- Kids World (Alameda Park): a large wooden playground that’s great for little ones.
- Shipwreck Playground (Chase Palm Park): a waterfront, pirate-themed play space.
- Lil’ Toot Water Taxi
- Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center
- Shoreline Park & Playground: a convenient and kid-friendly spot near many rentals.
- Pismo Beach and San Luis Obispo for nearby day trips
- Walk the pier or harbor and grab ice cream on the pier
- Lotusland
- Ty Warner Sea Center
- Beaches: Hendry’s Beach, Leadbetter Beach, Miramar Beach, Butterfly Beach, Shoreline Beach
- SB Mission and Rose Gardens
- Bells in Los Alamos
- McConnell’s Ice Cream
Overall, the region offers a mix of relaxed coastal towns, family-friendly activities, and a strong food scene. It’s an ideal spot for a short reset—whether you’re traveling with young children or simply craving a slower, sunnier break.