The Charm of Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara was on my bucket list long before I was of drinking age, so it’s not just the wine that lured me there during a recent road trip North on the Pacific Coast Highway.
Stories from family members and friends helped to in grain this city in the back of my mind. Stories of a seaside town done up in Mediterranean architecture, beset beneath mountain peaks and sunsets protruding through sailboat masts. Tales of elaborate hiking trails leading to beautiful plateaus with gorgeous vistas across rolling hills. Ending the day with stops at legendary dockside seafood restaurants.
In short, it was the sea, the mountains and the food that lured me to Santa Barbara. This nautical vibe backed by mountain peaks to the East is one of the most unique in the United States. If you take the mountains out of the equation, you still have downtown Santa Barbara — with its alcoves, terrace eateries and “speak easy” enclaves.
RELATED: The Essential Guide to Visiting Santa Barbara County
RELATED: Guide to Exploring Sonoma Wine Country for a Weekend Getaway
Yes, my friends, it’s the charm of Santa Barbara that stood out most to me, and it’s something you need to experience for yourself the next time you decide to visit Southern California’s coastline.
THE Oyster Shooter at Brophy Bros.
Brophy Bros. has earned a reputation for harboring perhaps the most delicious oyster shooter in the world. I’ve had my fair share of this unique and delicious aphrodisiac concoction in the past, so after hearing that Brophy’s is credited with having THE best, you better believe it was the first restaurant I decided to visit.
Located conveniently in the heart of the Santa Barbara Wharf scene, with stunning views of both the harbor and mountain backdrop, the setting here in and of itself is enough to captivate your senses. Add a little vodka, fresh oyster, horseradish, grated Parmesan, cocktail sauce, lemon juice, Tabasco sauce to a shot glass and pretty soon you’ll be in for sensory overload. This was confirmed when I sampled the oyster shooter pictured to the left.
While the Oyster Shooter is good enough to fill up on by itself, we recommend you sample the menu. The seafood at Brophy Bros. is exemplary of the culinary scene in the area. It doesn’t get much fresher.
The Wine
Santa Barbara offers one of the most unique wine routes in the world. The Urban Wine Trail isn’t your typical vineyard hop. It’s an urban route comprised of 26 different tasting rooms, owned and operated by wineries with vineyards in the San Ynez Valley and San Rafeal, among some other lesser known growing regions near by.
The Urban Wine Trail is for the most part concentrated within two special areas — The Funk Zone and the Presidio Neighborhood. Both of these downtown locations are within just a few blocks of each other, so there’s no need to worry about driving or walking long distance to taste your way around the town.
Wine enthusiasts can expect to taste a wide array of varietals and wine styles from innovative vintners from a range of backgrounds. From Australian producers concocting delicious Grenache Blanc to American producers experimenting with Southern Rhone (GSM) blends, there’s something for everyone.
The best part? The climate and terroir that is Santa Barbara County is incredibly conducive to producing world-class wines made of Pinot Noir, Syrah, Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon and many other grapes.
Santa Barbara County officials recommend parking downtown for the day (only $9 to park for the full day), as many travelers tend to enjoy the wine so much they end up buying bottles from the tasting rooms along the trail. Having a car with you makes for a great storage spot. Just remember to pace yourself, drink water and don’t overdo your tour. Spread it out over a few days and be safe. The vibe here is incredibly relaxed, so there’s no need to rush.
Take a look at the Urban Wine Trail here and plan your route on your next visit.
Hiking in Santa Barbara
If we haven’t already sold you on visiting SB, adventure enthusiasts and active travelers will no doubt enjoy the hiking scene throughout the county. Santa Barbara frequently touts itself (and has actually trademarked itself) as “The American Riviera.”
It’s the Mediterranean vibe (thanks to a Spanish-colonial history) that permeates the city — which has more of a small town feel to it — that helps gives it this designation. Venture outside of the city into the landscape, and you’ll feel like you’re navigating some ancient coastal hillside in Spain.
RELATED: A Practical Itinerary for Visiting Spain’s Priorat Region
The nice thing about hiking within Santa Barbara is that it has it all. From the Los Padres National Forest to the San Ynez Mountain Range, you have a diverse assortment of hikes and vistas of the Pacific to traverse. Trail difficulties vary, luckily Visit Santa Barbara was kind enough to craft a list of their 8 most recommended hiking trails. Check them out and decide which trails work best for you and or your group.
Beaches and Watersports
Last but not least, we can’t forget to encourage you to savor the sea herself. From miles of beaches, to sailing, fishing, surfing, scuba diving, whale watching, island hopping, paddle boarding and kayaking — it’s literally impossible to be bored if you’re an outdoor enthusiast. Here are some of the most recommended waterfront activities to indulge in.
Beach lover? The question isn’t whether or not you can visit the beach (which is accessible year-round), it’s how to decide which beaches to visit. The beauty of one always seems to outdo another.
Take a look at 7 of the best beaches to visit around Santa Barbara.
Did we mention that Santa Barbara is also a golfers paradise? Whoops. Yeah, there’s that too. From links and Par 4s that ride North to South along the coast, golf enthusiasts are advised to sample the region’s courses.
BOOK YOUR SANTA BARBARA HOTEL: Find LAST MINUTE Santa Barbara Hotel Deals on TripAdvisor at the Lowest Price
Have We Given You Enough Reasons to Visit Santa Barbara?
In summary, Santa Barbara is the perfect seaside town and romantic getaway for travelers who enjoy seafood, have a sense of adventure and also a palate that’s content with fine (but affordable) wine.
Tell us in the comments what your favorite things to do in Santa Barbara are! If you’re researching a trip, please don’t hesitate to ask us any questions!