Forbes 5-star resort directly on Montecito Beach. Michelin-awarded Caruso's restaurant, Forbes Five-Star spa, two pools, beach service. Where Santa Barbara reveals its "American Riviera" side.

In the heart of State Street, Spanish architecture, rooftop with ocean views. Steps from the Funk Zone and everything. This is where you'll truly feel the soul of the city.

Lifestyle boutique hotel with kitchenette in rooms. Residential and relaxed atmosphere. You come home in the evening, make yourself tea, read. That's exactly what I would have wanted.

The best hostel in town. Surf culture, international community, young and warm atmosphere. If you love meeting people and sharing adventures — this is the place.

Michelin Guide. In the Funk Zone, in a former fish market. Small local seasonal plates, terrace with fireplace. Menu constantly changing with the California coast.

Michelin Bib Gourmand. Authentic Spanish tapas, wood-fired paella, homemade sangria. Lively terrace, warm lights, service that knows the menu by heart. It's alive, it's delicious, it's Santa Barbara.

Californian-French cuisine with an exceptional regional wine cellar. Chef Greg Murphy has been working with local producers for years. Small warm dining room, attentive service. A timeless classic.

Modern Mediterranean cuisine with ocean views from Bacara. Relaxed chic atmosphere, ultra-fresh ingredients, carefully curated wine list. Less known to tourists — that's exactly why it deserves its place here.

Classic, warm Italian, peaceful terrace, generous service. Pasta is homemade. It's the kind of place where you order a carafe of wine and spend the evening doing nothing but savouring.

Mediterranean-Lebanese in a townhouse with garden and fountain. Hummus is homemade, grills are exceptional. Ideal for sharing dishes with friends or solo at the counter.

Fresh seafood, fish & chips, burgers and cocktails directly on Arroyo Burro Beach. You eat in your swimwear. That's exactly what I loved about California life — total relaxation.

On-site roasting, passionate baristas, pure local atmosphere. Opposite the historic El Presidio. This is where I went every morning during my 8 months. No other café replaces Handlebar.

In the Funk Zone, artisan sourdough, pastries, weekend brunch. Part of the Acme Hospitality group — the same people behind The Lark and Loquita. Exceptional quality, warm atmosphere.

Local roaster since 2009, multiple locations in Santa Barbara. Consistent quality, relaxed atmosphere. The café of students, locals, and those who take their time.

Independent roaster with multiple locations, curated atmosphere and careful design. Consistently Top 10 Yelp Santa Barbara. Ideal for a working or reading afternoon with a good flat white.

Local institution for decades. Shaded terrace, generous portions, full brunch menu. The place where families and locals meet at the weekend. Expect a small queue — it's worth it.

In the Funk Zone, chic warehouse atmosphere, Central Coast wines produced on-site. No reservations. Large terrace. The best place to watch the sunset with a glass of California Pinot Noir.

Large terrace, friendly atmosphere, California coastal wines. Ideal for a long lazy afternoon sharing a bottle. The place where I would have wanted to end every day.

Specialising in coastal wines, gentle maritime atmosphere, very educational and relaxed. If you know nothing about California wine — start here. The sommeliers take time to explain without ever being condescending.

In Montecito, facing west, frequented by locals and a few discreet celebrities. Calm waters, peaceful atmosphere, promenade lined with bougainvillaea. This is where we apply the horizon rule — 10 minutes facing the sea, nothing else.

Next to the harbour, gentle regular waves — perfect for learning to surf or paddleboarding. Early morning you often have the beach to yourself. The ultimate Swell spot — clear water, open horizon to the Channel Islands.

Santa Barbara's main beach. Volleyball, palm tree promenade, bike access to the Funk Zone. Lively without being crowded. Considered by locals as one of the most beautiful beaches in California.

The go-to for all water activities. Experienced instructors, high-end equipment. Private or group surf lessons, guided kayak tours, electric bike rental to ride along the coast.

Sea kayak, sailing, paddle from the harbour. Sunset kayaking is their most requested activity. Passionate guides, calm harbour water, Channel Islands as backdrop.

Leadbetter Beach is the most beginner-friendly beach in Santa Barbara. Regular gentle waves, local atmosphere without tourists. Morning group lessons are the best way to start without pressure.

Boat trips to the Channel Islands — snorkelling, diving, marine wildlife watching. One of the rare experiences in California where you find yourself surrounded by wild sea lions. Essential to book well in advance.

Reformer and mat pilates in a carefully designed studio in Montecito. Mindful movement, beautiful space, passionate teachers. Exactly the Swell energy — active without being aggressive.

37 acres of extraordinary botanical gardens in Montecito, created by the eccentric Ganna Walska in the 1940s. Giant cacti, rare plants, lotus ponds. A suspended, silent, almost unreal moment.

Panoramic view over the whole city, the coast and the Channel Islands. Trail accessible to all levels. Arrive early before the heat — the trail can be sun-exposed.

Founded in 1786, the Mission is the only one of California's 21 missions to have remained under continuous Franciscan leadership. Pastel pink Spanish architecture, magnificent gardens, views over the city and ocean.

Le plus grand espace côtier naturel de Santa Barbara. Sentiers sur les falaises au-dessus d'Arroyo Burro Beach, vues spectaculaires sur l'océan, observation possible des dauphins et baleines. Free, sauvage, authentique — tout ce qu'on aime.