Santa Barbara is known for its beautiful beaches, and there's no better way to relax than to hop around to a few. Start at Butterfly Beach, known for its luxurious vibe and stunning sunsets. Then move on to Arroyo Burro Beach, a dog-friendly beach with a relaxed atmosphere. Finish the day at the Leadbetter Beach, known for its calm waves and views of the Santa Ynez Mountains.
Unwind on Day 2 with a visit to one of Santa Barbara's many spas. The Spa at the Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara is a popular choice, set within a lush garden and offering a variety of relaxing treatments. For a more holistic experience, try Glow Spa & Holistic Healing, with services that include sound healing, reflexology, and energy balancing.
End your trip on a high note with a visit to the Santa Ynez Valley wine region. Start at Sunstone Vineyards & Winery, known for its Mediterranean-style architecture and scenic views. Move on to Fess Parker Winery & Vineyard, which features a tasting room that serves as a tribute to the late actor and hotelier. Finish at Santa Barbara Winery, one of the oldest wineries in the region with a selection of award-winning wines.
While many of the locations are walking distance from each other, it may be a good idea to rent a car to visit the wineries. Uber and Lyft are readily available in the area as well. Expect to spend around $30-50 a day on transportation.
If you have more time, consider checking out the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden or hiking Knapp's Castle Trail. If you have less time, skip spa day and spend more time at the beaches or wineries.
The nearest airport to Santa Barbara is the Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA), which is located 7 miles from the city center. Other nearby airports include the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) (98 miles) and the Burbank Bob Hope Airport (BUR) (89 miles).