5-day Relaxation Itinerary for June 2024

If you're looking for a relaxing vacation filled with beautiful scenery and luxurious experiences, Santa Barbara is the perfect destination for you. Here's a 5-day itinerary to help you make the most of your stay:

1. Day 1: Butterfly Beach
   16 minutes (6.3 miles) from Santa Barbara Airport

   In the morning, take a leisurely walk on the beach and watch the sunrise. Enjoy a picnic lunch on the beach, or head to The Boathouse for a delicious seafood lunch with a view. Spend the afternoon soaking up the sun and lounging on the beach. In the evening, have a romantic dinner at Bella Vista at Four Seasons Resort, known for its Mediterranean-inspired cuisine and breathtaking ocean views.

2. Day 2: Santa Ynez Valley
   38 minutes (32.7 miles) from Butterfly Beach

   Take a scenic drive to Santa Ynez Valley, known for its rolling hills and vineyards. In the morning, visit the Sunstone Vineyards & Winery for a wine tasting and enjoy a light lunch in their beautiful courtyard. Spend the afternoon exploring the Danish village of Solvang and browsing its unique shops. In the evening, head back to Santa Barbara and have dinner at The Lark, a farm-to-table restaurant known for its innovative cuisine and rustic atmosphere.

3. Day 3: Lotusland
   9 minutes (3.2 miles) from The Lark

   Start your day at Lotusland, a stunning 37-acre botanical garden featuring exotic plants and unique sculptures. Take a guided tour to learn about the history and design of the garden. Have lunch at C'est Cheese, a gourmet cheese shop with sandwiches and salads. Spend the afternoon relaxing at the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, known for its serene trails and beautiful wildflowers. In the evening, have dinner at The Black Sheep, a cozy gastropub serving delicious comfort food.

4. Day 4: Spa Day
   5 minutes (1.3 miles) from The Black Sheep

   Start your day with a relaxing spa treatment at the Bacara Resort & Spa, known for its luxurious amenities and beautiful ocean views. Have lunch at The Bistro, which serves delicious Mediterranean-inspired cuisine. Spend the afternoon lounging by the pool or taking a yoga class. In the evening, head to Loquita, a Spanish-style restaurant known for its tapas and paella.

5. Day 5: Wharf and Harbor
   16 minutes (6.3 miles) from Bacara Resort & Spa

   Start your day at Stearns Wharf, a historic pier featuring shops and restaurants. Have breakfast at Moby Dick Restaurant, which serves classic American breakfast dishes. Take a stroll along the pier and visit the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center. Have lunch at Brophy Bros., a seafood restaurant with a beautiful waterfront view. Spend the afternoon exploring the Santa Barbara Harbor and take a sunset sail on the Sunset Kidd. Have dinner at The Hitching Post II, a classic steakhouse with a cozy atmosphere.

Recommendations

If you're interested in exploring more of the Santa Barbara area, consider taking a day trip to Ojai, a charming town known for its scenic hiking trails and spiritual retreats. Another great option is to take a wine tour of the Santa Ynez Valley, where you can visit multiple wineries and taste some of the best wines in the region.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Butterfly Beach (4 hours, free)
• The Boathouse (2 hours, $30+)
• Bella Vista (2 hours, $80+)
• Sunstone Vineyards & Winery (3 hours, $20+)
• The Lark (2 hours, $50+)
• Lotusland (3 hours, $50+)
• C'est Cheese (1 hour, $15+)
• Santa Barbara Botanic Garden (2 hours, $15+)
• The Black Sheep (2 hours, $30+)
• Bacara Resort & Spa (4 hours, $150+)
• The Bistro (1 hour, $20+)
• Loquita (2 hours, $40+)
• Stearns Wharf (2 hours, free)
• Moby Dick Restaurant (1 hour, $15+)
• Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center (1 hour, $10+)
• Brophy Bros. (2 hours, $30+)
• Sunset Kidd (2 hours, $50+)
• The Hitching Post II (2 hours, $50+)
• Total Estimated Costs: $595+