Description:
A quiet and comfy stay at the luxe San Ysidro Ranch sets the tone for a romantic weekend getaway. Stroll through the gardens of Lotusland, schedule a couple's massage, take a show at the theater, picnic in the Old Mission rose garden, and linger over meals with a bottle of wine.
View Iternary mapDay Note:
It'd be easy to never leave the hotel during a romantic stay at the San Ysidro Ranch. For a night out on the town, grab cocktails and dinner at the Hungry Cat before a performance at Granada Theater.
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San Ysidro Ranch
Contact:
- +1 805 565 1700 / +1 800 368 6788 (Toll Free)
- visit website
Location:
- 900 San Ysidro Lane
- At El Bosque Road
- Santa Barbara,CA93108
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Map
Description:
A 500 acre property, between the Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, is occupied by this charming heritage structure in Santa Barbara. Catering to guests since 1893, there has been a list of noted writers, politicians and other famous personalities who have stayed here. The rooms are well-equipped with modern amenities. Take your pick from the various accommodations on offer; each one has a set of special features. San Ysidro Ranch is a veritable treat for the urban soul. Call the toll free number for reservations.
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Hungry Cat
Contact:
- (805) 884-4701
- visit website
Location:
- 1134 Chapala Street
- Santa Barbara,CA93101
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Map
Description:
The daily catch is taken to a whole new level at this sleek and intimate downtown restaurant-a sister location to the legendary Hungry Cat in Los Angeles. The popular eatery doesn't take reservations, so get there early to secure a spot at the counter, where you can watch your fish grilled to perfection. If seafood isn't your favorite, indulge in the Pug Burger with bacon, avocado, blue cheese, and an egg if you desire. Whatever you order, rest assured that the produce is fresh from farmers market and your fish and meat have never set foot (or fin) in a freezer. The creative cocktails are ever changing to fit the season. With blackberry, fresh mint, and cucumber cocktails gracing the menu, you can rarely leave without more than one cool beverage down the hatch.
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Granada Theatre
Contact:
- +1 805 899 3000
- visit website
Location:
- 1214 State Street
- Santa Barbara,CA93101
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Map
Description:
After completion of the restoration work in March 2008, the Granada Theater was opened to the public. The performing arts center is now a state-of-the-art venue that offers modern amenities and facilities like comfortable seating arrangement, spacious dressing rooms, high-tech equipments for lighting and sound systems. The events held over here include dance shows, drama, comedy, musicals and much more, it's a world-class entertainment venue.
Day Note:
After a day touring Lotusland in Montecito and relaxing with a spa treatment at the Biltmore Four Seasons Resort & Spa, pack a picnic and take in the sunset in the Old Mission rose gardens.
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Ganna Walska Lotusland
Contact:
- 805/969-9990
- visit website
Location:
- 695 Ashley Rd
- Montecito
- Montecito,CA93108
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Map
Description:
This secluded, lavishly landscaped 37-acre estate is renowned for exotic plants and mysterious garden paths. Named for the estate's vivacious European-born mistress and the romantic, lotus-filled ponds in her gardens, the estate reflects the late Madame Walska's eccentricity and the skill of her prestigious gardeners. She was especially fond of succulents and cacti, interspersing them artistically among native plants and decorative objects. Assembled when money was no object and import regulations were lenient (mostly in the 1940s), the garden contains priceless rare specimens -- even prehistoric plants that are extinct in the wild. Advance reservations are required. Montecito is a 5-minute freeway drive south of downtown Santa Barbara. Note: Advance reservations are required and are available up to 6 months in advance.
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Spa at Four Seasons Resort, Santa Barbara
Contact:
- +1 805 969 2261 (Hotel)
- visit website
Location:
- 1260 Channel Drive
- Four Seasons Resort
- Santa Barbara,CA93108
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Map
Description:
Located inside the Four Seasons Resort, this spa offers complete comfort to its visitors. Forget all worries and make way for relaxation as you take the Thai foot massage or the stone massage. The spa's famous JAMU treatment combines Chinese, Hindu and European procedures and provides soothing relief to your over-stretched muscles. All treatments include marine and botanical ingredients. Reservations are recommended.
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Old Mission Santa Barbara
Contact:
- 805/682-4713
- visit website
Location:
- 2201 Laguna St
- At Los Olivos St
- Santa Barbara,CA93101
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Map
Description:
Established in 1786 by Father Junípero Serra and built by the Chumash Indians, this is a rare example in physical form of the blending of Indian and Hispanic spirituality. This hilltop structure is called the Queen of the Missions for its twin bell towers and beauty. It overlooks the town and the Channel Islands beyond. Self-guided tour booklets are available in six languages.
Day Note:
Fill up with a country breakfast (complete with strong Peet's Coffee) before touring the Santa Barbara Museum of Art and the town's Spanish-style courthouse—all downtown and withing a short walk. Make sure to make your way up to the observation deck of the courthouse to take in views of the city. Wine Cask is the perfect place to wind down with a local varietal and Mediterranean eats.
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Tupelo Junction Café
Contact:
- 805-899-3100
- visit website
Location:
- 1218 State Street
- Santa Barbara,CA93101
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Map
reserve with OpenTableDescription:
Most trendy restaurants have expiration dates, but the countrified Tupelo Junction has proven immune to such patterns. The unpretentious cafe, which produces Southern cuisine with a healthy California touch, is juxtaposed among the European labels and designer boutiques of State Street. Lemonade and mimosas are served up in mason jars, and Jolly Ranchers are generously doled out with the bill. If you're in Santa Barbara long enough to only dine at Tupelo once, plan your pit stop for brunch: The pumpkin oatmeal waffle with candied walnuts and caramelized bananas is divine, and the apple beignets with crème anglaise aren't to be taken lightly. On Thursday nights, the venue hosts live music, with an array of alcohol and appetizer specials on tap.
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Santa Barbara Museum of Art
Contact:
- +1 805 884 6454
- visit website
Location:
- 1130 State St
- Santa Barbara,CA93101
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Map
Description:
This little jewel of a museum feels more like the private gallery of a wealthy collector. Its leaning is toward early-20th-century Western American paintings and 19th- and 20th-century Asian art, but the best displays might be the antiquities and Chinese ceramics. In addition, there are often visiting exhibits featuring small but excellent collections from other establishments.
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Santa Barbara County Courthouse
Contact:
- 805/962-6464
- visit website
Location:
- 1100 Anacapa St
- Santa Barbara,CA93101
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Map
Description:
Built in 1929, this grand "palace" is considered the local flagship of Spanish colonial revival architecture (you've undoubtedly seen its facade on TV during the Michael Jackson trial). It's certainly the most flamboyant example, with impressive facades, beamed ceilings, striking murals, an 85-foot-high observation clock tower, and formal sunken gardens. Free guided tours are offered on Monday, Tuesday, and Friday at 10:30am.
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Wine Cask
Contact:
- 800/436-9463
- visit website
Location:
- 813 Anacapa St
- In El Paseo Center
- Santa Barbara,CA93101
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Map
Description:
Take a 20-year-old wine shop, a large 1920s landmark dining room with a big stone fireplace, an outdoor dining patio, and outstanding Italian fare, mix them with an attractive staff and clientele, and you've got the Wine Cask -- the most popular upscale dining spot in Santa Barbara. You'll be treated to comforting creations by Chef John Pettitt, such as pan-roasted arctic char in a Dijon-artichoke emulsion. Other options include Australian lamb chops, or pasta with chanterelle mushrooms, baby artichokes, and gold beets. The wine list reads like a novel, with more than 2,000 wines ($14-$1,400), and has deservedly received the Wine Spectator award for excellence. A happy hour takes place at the beautiful maple bar from 4 to 6pm daily.
Santa Barbara
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Cold Spring Tavern
Contact:
- (805) 967-0066
- visit website
Location:
- 5995 Stagecoach Road
- Santa Barbara,CA93105
-
Map
Description:
Built in the 1860s, Cold Spring Tavern was once a way station for stagecoach passengers traveling over the San Marcos Pass-at the time, known for dangerous highwayman and rough roads. Since 1941, the tavern has been a local favorite for food and libations. Hidden along a creek in the shade oaks and sycamores, the restaurant is frozen in time. Historic buildings-including a road gang house and a jail house built in 1873-sit near the tavern, begging to be investigated (peek through the boarded windows if you dare). Once you explore the dusty surroundings, step into the stone restaurant for a cozy meal by the always crackling fire. Breakfast and lunch offer moderately priced omelettes, flapjacks, salads, and burgers. Dinner can be pricey, but you get what you pay for-think filet mignon, breast of duck, and rack of lamb. The bar is in a separate building a few steps from the restaurant, and serves up less costly eats (from the same kitchen), stiff drinks, and live music. The Old West atmosphere is romantic for just about anyone-it's the perfect spot to grab beers with buddies or nestle into a corner table on a first date.
- Destination(s): Montecito, Santa Barbara
- Type: Romantic
- 3 DAYS
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