Most visitors to Santa Barbara follow a predictable path: State Street, Stearns Wharf, a winery or two, maybe a walk through Montecito. And honestly, that path is great. But the city rewards curiosity. These are the spots I’d take someone who’s been to Santa Barbara before and wants to see a different side of it.
The Mesa and Hendry’s Beach
The Mesa sits on a bluff west of downtown and has one of Santa Barbara’s most underrated beach access points at Hendry’s Beach (also known as Arroyo Burro). The beach is wider and less crowded than the more tourist-trafficked spots. The Boathouse restaurant at Hendry’s has great food and one of the best ocean-facing patios in the city. This is where locals go on Sunday mornings. If you haven’t been, you’re missing the real Santa Barbara beach experience.
The Courthouse Sunken Garden and Tower
The Santa Barbara County Courthouse is one of the most stunning public buildings in California — but most people who pass by never go inside. The Sunken Garden behind the building is a beautiful, free-to-access public space with manicured lawns and gardens. Climb the clock tower and you’ll get a panoramic view of red-tiled rooftops meeting the ocean that captures exactly why this city is so special. It’s free, it’s open to the public, and it’s worth 45 minutes of anyone’s day.
Summerland
Just south of Santa Barbara on the 101, Summerland is one of those easy-to-miss communities that quietly delivers. Great antique and vintage shops, a beautiful little beach at Lookout Park, and a general unhurried energy that feels increasingly rare in coastal California. It’s worth a 20-minute detour on your way in or out. Stop for lunch, walk the beach, browse the shops. You’ll be glad you went.
The Urban Wine Trail
The Urban Wine Trail runs through the Funk Zone and features tasting rooms from some of the best Santa Barbara and Santa Ynez Valley producers. Municipal Winemakers, Riverbench, Margerum, and Grassini are all worth your time. You can walk between them, taste a broad range of wines, and never get in a car. It’s one of the most enjoyable ways to spend an afternoon in Santa Barbara that most visitors don’t even know is an option.
A Note From Kristina
The longer you spend in Santa Barbara, the more of it reveals itself. These spots are my way of saying: go a little further, turn down the side street, stop at the place that doesn’t have a line. That’s where the real Santa Barbara lives. If you’re planning a trip and want a local’s take on how to spend your time here — whether you’re visiting for a long weekend, scouting neighborhoods as a potential home buyer, or somewhere in between — reach out. I’m always happy to share what I know about this city.
