Curator’s statement
Santa Barbara has always been one of my favorite California weekend getaways. A breezy, coastal town with charm, walkability, and seriously good food. After nearly eight years away, I returned for a girls’ weekend to visit my best friend, and we packed it with beach walks, boutique shopping, and wine tasting. Whether you’re planning a bachelorette, birthday, or just a fun weekend away, this Santa Barbara itinerary has everything you need for the perfect girls’ trip.
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Day 1: Cobblestone & karaoke
Dart Coffee and Santa Barbara Harbor views
Start your Santa Barbara girls’ weekend with a morning walk and some of the best coffee in town. If you’re staying downtown, head to Dart Coffee Co at the Harbor, a scenic three-mile stroll that’s totally worth it. We ordered an iced coffee, an assortment of their fresh baked goods, and a chorizo breakfast burrito that totally hit the spot.
After breakfast, head back toward town and spend the late morning or early afternoon shopping along State Street. This iconic palm-lined boulevard is filled with a mix of local boutiques, national brands, and pop-ups.
Head to Rare Society for a pre-dinner martini. This modern steakhouse has vintage vibes and their cocktail list delivers. Whether you go classic or opt for something with a twist, it’s the only way to start the night.
For dinner, head to Oku, a chic Asian fusion spot right on Cabrillo Boulevard along the water. Pro tip: Make a reservation for golden hour!
Wrap up the night with a local favorite: karaoke at The James Joyce. This Irish pub gets rowdy in the best way—grab a corona and let your inner pop star out. It’s casual, quirky, and a fun way to kick off the weekend.
Day 2: Vines & views
The best afternoon at Fess Parker: wine in hand, cheese board on deck, and the best company
Start your day with coffee from Dune, then head to the Santa Ynez Valley for a wine tasting adventure in Los Olivos—one of the best day trips from Santa Barbara. We stopped at Fess Parker Winery for a rosé flight paired with charcuterie and stunning vineyard views, followed by Stolpman Vineyards for a more casual, cozy tasting experience. (If you’re hungry, check out Bar Le Côte for standout seafood.)
After your wine-country escape, head back to Santa Barbara and stop at Frequency Wine Company to keep the tasting going. It’s one of our favorite in-town tasting rooms with live music on the weekends.
Just a short eight-minute walk from Frequency, Barbareño is your go-to for dinner. This Central Coast–inspired restaurant is locally loved for its seasonal menu, wood-fired dishes, and warm atmosphere. It’s the perfect way to cap off a full day of sipping and savoring.
Day 3: Beaches & breweries
Views from Butterfly Beach
Today is all about relaxing and going with the flow, and that starts with a few blissful hours at Butterfly Beach, one of Santa Barbara’s most serene coastal spots. After two full days of walking, wine, and karaoke, this is the ideal place to reset, catch some sun, and unwind with the girls.
When you’re ready, make your way to The Mill, one of Santa Barbara’s coolest, under-the-radar hangouts. It’s home to Potek Winery and Third Window Brewing, where you can taste, eat, and chill all in one spot. Sip a glass of Potek’s bright white (so crisp), and don’t miss Third Window’s smash burger! It’s the kind of meal that hits just right after a beach day.
Laid-back, local, and delicious, the perfect way to wrap up your girls weekend in Santa Barbara.
Need to know
More local favorites
Miramar Beach Bar: Located at Rosewood Miramar Beach in Montecito, Miramar Beach Bar offers a stunning setting to enjoy refreshing, upscale cocktails and light bites while soaking in panoramic views of the Pacific.
Shaker Mill: A casual cocktail bar on State Street serving fun, tropical-inspired drinks (Jaguar Moon for the girls?). Pro tip: Ask for a topo chico on the side for top-offs, plus oysters and seafood from neighboring Broad Street Oyster Co, which has indoor and outdoor seating.
Boathouse at Hendry’s Beach: Set right on the sand, Boathouse is a beloved beachfront restaurant perfect for ocean-view brunch and fresh seafood.
Loquita: Vibrant, Spanish-inspired cuisine...think tapas, wood-fired paella, and excellent gin and tonics.
Transportation tips
Santa Barbara is a very walkable town. Downtown hotels are centrally located and make it easy to explore on foot.
If you’re not renting a car, Uber/Lyft is easy and reliable.
For wine country (Santa Ynez/Los Olivos), consider a private driver or wine shuttle for convenience and safety!
Final thoughts
Santa Barbara truly has a way of wrapping you up in sunshine, sea breezes, and unforgettable moments. This girls weekend getaway was the perfect mix of connection, fun, and that signature California magic. Whether you’re planning your first visit or your fifth, this beautiful coastal town never stops surprising and it’s always worth coming back for more!
Travel Advisor
Taylor French
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For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Santa Barbara page.