Under 100 miles from Los Angeles and easily reachable on the Pacific Surfliner train, Santa Barbara has earned its status as a weekend getaway. You could be on a golden beach by late morning, walking through a vineyard by afternoon and savoring a chef-made dinner with ocean views on your patio by nightfall.
We'll curate any and every adventure you desire in Santa Barbara and the surrounding Central Coast, or leave it to you to design your villa weekend in Santa Barbara. Here's a sample itinerary.
Arrive in Santa Barbara and head straight to the water. We'll arrange a kayak or stand-up paddleboard rental, with guided tours that take you along the coastline and into sea caves – a perfect introduction to the area's natural beauty. If you prefer something more leisurely, set out on a whale-watching and sunset cruise for stunning views of the Santa Barbara coastline and the Channel Islands.
Return to your villa for an evening at home, elevated by the services of a private chef. Inspired by the season and trained in global techniques, your chef can prepare a dinner party – anything from artisanal pizzas to a Mediterranean seafood spread – that you'll be talking about long after you return home. Close out the evening with roasted marshmallows and drinks on the deck as you stargaze long into the night.
2 BR / 2 BA, Sleeps 6
An Oceanfront Escape in Carpinteria
The Cove at Rincon sits right on the sand in the exclusive gated Rincon Point community, with direct beach access and panoramic views of the Pacific, Channel Islands, and coastline. Sleeping 6 across 2 bedrooms, the primary suite opens to a private hot tub deck, and beach gear, paddleboards, and kayaks are all provided, an easy match for the Friday water-adventure theme in your itinerary.
Stroll along the State Street Promenade, recently reimagined as a pedestrian-first corridor. La Arcada Courtyard is worth a stop for boutique browsing, and DIANI Boutique is a local fashion favorite. Fuel up at Alessia Patisserie & Cafe, a charming downtown spot from a former Four Seasons pastry chef – the blue crab crepe is a standout.
Roughly 45 minutes north is the celebrated Santa Ynez wine country. Sunstone Winery in Santa Ynez offers a stunning Provençal-style tasting experience with stone barrel caves and a beautiful courtyard. In Los Olivos, Fess Parker Winery is open daily and known for its pinot noir and Riesling. After tasting, take a short walk along Grand Avenue in Los Olivos – a walkable village strip lined with additional tasting rooms and galleries.
Settle into the evening at Brophy Bros. Clam Bar & Restaurant, an iconic Santa Barbara spot directly above the harbor. The clam chowder and fresh catch are signature dishes, and the upstairs bar offers some of the best harbor views in the city. For a slightly more elevated option, Loquita on State Street is a Michelin-listed Spanish restaurant with a vibrant bar and wood-fired small plates.
Slow down and enjoy your villa amenities – a terrace breakfast, pool time or a walk on the beach before heading back into town. The Lark Santa Barbara in the Funk Zone is the top brunch pick – a Bib Gourmand with contemporary California cuisine and a lively atmosphere. After brunch, wrap up the weekend with a walk along Stearns Wharf and browse the Funk Zone's independent galleries and wine tasting rooms before heading out.
4 BR / 3.5 BA, Sleeps 8
Private Montecito Garden Estate
Casa Paradiso is a Mediterranean-style estate on a private half-acre in Montecito, with a heated pool, hot tub, and lush gardens surrounded by fully secluded grounds. Sleeping 8 across 4 bedrooms, it's just a short walk to Rosewood Miramar Resort and a bike ride from Miramar Beach — the perfect villa for a slow morning by the pool before brunch in town.
