Why Honeymoon in Santa Barbara
The setting does a lot of the work. Mountains rise behind the city, the ocean sits in front and the climate is mild almost every month. You can walk or bike between beaches, the harbor and downtown. The city feels relaxed rather than flashy.
It also offers a remarkable range for its size. There are luxurious cottage retreats in Montecito, a lively food and wine scene in the Funk Zone, art museums and a historic mission. Inland, the Santa Ynez Valley has more than a hundred wineries known especially for Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Syrah.
For couples coming from elsewhere in the country, Santa Barbara is an easy add-on to Los Angeles, Big Sur or Napa. For those on the West Coast, it is an ideal short honeymoon or a long weekend escape after the wedding.
When to Go
Santa Barbara is pleasant year-round, but September and October are the standouts. The summer fog clears, the ocean is at its warmest and days are often sunny and in the 70s. Harvest season brings activity to the wineries.
April and May are also lovely, with green hills and wildflowers, though mornings can be gray. Locals call the marine layer that often lingers from May into July "May Gray" and "June Gloom"; it usually burns off by early afternoon.
Summer is busy and a little cooler on the coast than you might expect, but it is warm and dry in wine country.
Winter, from December to March, is the rainy season. Most days are still mild and sunny, though storms can bring heavy rain. Rates are lower outside summer weekends and holidays.
Where to Stay
Montecito, just east of the city, has the most romantic hotels. San Ysidro Ranch is a collection of cottages on a hillside, many with fireplaces and private outdoor showers or hot tubs. It has a long history with honeymooners. Rosewood Miramar Beach sits right on the sand, with bungalows, pools and a lively beach bar.
El Encanto, on the Riviera hillside above the Mission, has gardens, bungalows and one of the best sunset terraces in the city.
In town, the Hotel Californian is a stylish option close to the beach and the Funk Zone, ideal if you want to walk to dinner and wine tastings.
For a resort feel, the Ritz-Carlton Bacara in Goleta, about 20 minutes west, has a large spa and a long beach. In wine country, inns and small hotels in Los Olivos and Santa Ynez make a good two-night add-on. The Montecito retreats typically run from roughly $1,000 to well over $2,000 a night (approximate); downtown hotels cost less.
Romantic Things to Do
Spend an afternoon on the Urban Wine Trail, hopping between tasting rooms in the Funk Zone, a neighborhood of converted warehouses near the beach. Then walk out on Stearns Wharf for sunset.
Climb the clock tower at the Santa Barbara County Courthouse for a free view of red roofs, mountains and ocean. Visit the Old Mission, founded in 1786, then the rose garden across the street.
Drive about 45 minutes over San Marcos Pass to the Santa Ynez Valley for a day of wine tasting. Los Olivos has dozens of tasting rooms on a few walkable blocks.
Book a sunset sail from the harbor, or a boat to the Channel Islands National Park for hiking, kayaking sea caves and spotting dolphins. In Montecito, book a tour of Lotusland, an extraordinary garden, well ahead, then watch the sun set at Butterfly Beach.
Getting There and Around
Santa Barbara Airport (SBA) has nonstop flights from several West Coast and Mountain West cities, including San Francisco, Seattle, Denver and Phoenix, with some service from farther east. It is about 15 minutes from downtown.
Many couples fly into Los Angeles (LAX) and drive about two hours north, or take the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner, which follows the coast and drops you near the beach.
In town, you can walk or bike between downtown, the Funk Zone and the waterfront. A downtown shuttle and rideshares fill the gaps. You will want a car or a driver for Montecito, the wine country and Lotusland. If you plan to taste wine, book a driver or a small group tour rather than driving yourselves.
Food and Drink
Santa Barbara's food is all about the coast and nearby farms. Look for Santa Barbara spot prawns, sea urchin from local divers and fish straight off the boats at the harbor. The Saturday morning farmers market downtown is one of the best in California, with avocados, citrus and berries much of the year.
Santa Maria-style barbecue, tri-tip grilled over red oak, is a regional specialty worth seeking out, especially in wine country.
The wine is the main event. The Sta. Rita Hills, west of Buellton, is known for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Warmer areas inland make Syrah and Rhône-style blends. Many wineries have tasting rooms in town.
For a special dinner, the Montecito hotels have romantic dining rooms. The city has excellent Italian and Mexican restaurants as well as casual taco stands.
Honeymoon Tips
- Book Lotusland ahead. Tours are limited and the garden is open seasonally.
- Pack layers. Mornings can be cool and foggy even in summer.
- Plan a driver for wine days. Santa Ynez tasting rooms are spread out and the roads are winding.
- Watch for fire and storm closures. Check road conditions in Montecito and on the mountain passes after major storms.
- Consider a midweek stay. Weekend rates in Montecito are high, while midweek is quieter and often cheaper.
- Combine trips. Santa Barbara pairs well with Big Sur to the north or Los Angeles to the south.
