Make this trip your own
Create your own free, personalized itinerary in seconds — then sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version

3-Day Honeymoon Itinerary for Santa Barbara, California in August 2023

  1. Day 1: Beach Day at Butterfly Beach
    10 minutes (2.5 miles) from your hotel

    Start your morning with a romantic walk on the beach at Butterfly Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in the area. The calm waters and clean sand make it perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing. For lunch, head to Boathouse at Hendry's Beach, which offers fresh seafood and ocean views. After lunch, take a stroll along the beach or rent bikes and explore the surrounding area. In the evening, enjoy a sunset picnic on the beach with a bottle of wine and a blanket.

  2. Day 2: Wine Tasting in Santa Ynez Valley
    45 minutes (35 miles) from your hotel

    Start your morning with breakfast at the hotel and then head to Santa Ynez Valley for a day of wine tasting. The region is known for its Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Syrah, so be sure to try some of these varieties. Some of the top wineries to visit include Sanford Winery & Vineyards, Fess Parker Winery, and Bridlewood Estate Winery. For lunch, stop by Industrial Eats in Buellton, which offers delicious sandwiches, salads, and pizza. In the evening, head back to Santa Barbara and enjoy a romantic dinner at Bouchon, which offers French cuisine and an extensive wine list.

  3. Day 3: Kayaking and Whale Watching
    15 minutes (3.5 miles) from your hotel

    Start your morning with a kayak tour of the Santa Barbara coastline. The tour will take you through kelp forests, sea caves, and past sea lions and dolphins. After the kayak tour, head to Stearns Wharf for a whale watching tour. August is a great time to see humpback whales, blue whales, and dolphins. For lunch, stop by Brophy Bros, which offers fresh seafood and excellent views of the harbor. In the evening, head back to your hotel and enjoy a romantic sunset dinner at the Stonehouse at San Ysidro Ranch.

Recommendations

Other local attractions to consider include visiting the Santa Barbara Zoo, exploring the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, and hiking in the Santa Ynez Mountains. For a side trip, consider visiting the charming Danish town of Solvang, which is known for its Danish pastries and wine tasting rooms. To maximize your fun, consider renting a convertible and driving up the Pacific Coast Highway to visit other coastal cities such as Malibu and Ventura.

For a romantic evening, consider taking a sunset sailboat ride or booking a couples massage at a local spa. Don't forget to check out the local events and festivals happening during your visit, such as the Santa Barbara International Film Festival.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Butterfly Beach (2 hours, free)
  • Boathouse at Hendry's Beach (1.5 hours, $40)
  • Santa Ynez Valley Wine Tasting (6 hours, $150+ depending on number of wineries visited)
  • Industrial Eats (1.5 hours, $20)
  • Bouchon (2 hours, $150)
  • Kayaking (2.5 hours, $70)
  • Whale Watching (2.5 hours, $60)
  • Brophy Bros (1.5 hours, $50)
  • Stonehouse at San Ysidro Ranch (2 hours, $200)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $840+

To check hotel and flight prices, click here.

0
Like this trip? Make your own version.
A free, personalized itinerary in seconds — sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version