Every big city has its popular road trip destinations, and Los Angeles remains blessed to have Santa Barbara, an hour and 40 minutes driving distance from Downtown and just under three hours by Amtrak. Though both routes offer stunning views on the way, Santa Barbara’s landscape is even more breathtaking: The Pacific Ocean is never far from view, while the town’s charming Spanish-style architecture alludes to its long history. In short, this is one of the best regions for California’s finest hotels, seafood destinations, and beachside dining amid rolling hills wrapped around the harbor and beyond.
Here are the best restaurants to try in Santa Barbara. Elsewhere, find Eater’s guide to planning 24 hours in Santa Barbara, or where to stop if venturing
further up the coast.
New to this update are Third Window Brewing, Bistro Amasa, chef Diego Moya’s Montecito hit Little Mountain, Manifattura, the Pacific Ocean-facing Marisella, and Downtown’s popular Dom’s Taverna. This round will take off Chad’s Cafe, Dusk, Jonesy’s Fried Chicken, and the IV Bagel Cafe, as well as Bar Lou Montecito, which closed in 2025.
Mona Holmes finds Santa Barbara to be one of the most compelling places to visit in California. A bike ride along the ocean with multiple drinking or dining stops accompanies every visit, no matter the weather.
