3 Hour Pit Stop in Santa Barbara

Wine, parks and the California Coast views. If I’m being honest, a 3 Hour Pit Stop in Santa Barbara isn’t enough but if that’s all the time you have, here’s how to spend it.

Santa Barbara isn’t a bit city. I’d consider it more of a town, considering there are only 91k people living there. However, there are over 100 wineries and 450 restaurants to choose from. Which is like looking at the Cheesecake Factory Menu 😅. So, here are some great options when you are on a super short time frame!

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3 Hour Pit Stop in Santa Barbara

I swung into Santa Barbara on my way up the 101 from Los Angeles to Santa Cruz. In fairness, the entire road trip was San Diego to Seattle but I didn’t want to walk away from the California Coastline so quickly.

Santa Barbara is absolutely breath-taking. In fact, while driving, I wanted to pull over at the first sight of the Wharf, not realizing we had arrived at our destination. So, if you can spare a few moments, here are my recommendations for your pit stop.

Picnic at the Beach

The views in Santa Barbara are worth the stop itself. Between the rolling California hills to the beautiful calm and easy waves, getting out of the car for picnic in the sun is worth it. You have a few spots to choose from, including:

East Beach – is by far the most recognizable for it’s perfect view of the Wharf.
West Beach – is smack in the middle of the Wharf and the Marina. Tends to be pretty busy.
Mesa Lane Beach – is at the farthest north. More residential but a little more secluded.
Leadbetter Beach – in between the harbor and two state parks, this one is family friendly and lovely.

You can’t go wrong with any of these parks but definitely swing into Metropulos Fine Foods Merchant for gourmet snacks.

Driving & Wine Tasting on the Famous Santa Barbara Wharf

I was just as shocked as you to learn the wharf is drivable. I hated every second of it but happy the speed limit was 10mph and there was a free parking lot in the middle. There are also some of the best views of Santa Barbara and there’s Deep Sea Tasting Room with a back patio that is perfect t unwind for a few hours before getting back on the road again. You’re definitely paying for the atmosphere and a glimpse of the hills, but I’d say it’s worth it.

3 Hour Pit Stop in Santa Barbara at Deep Sea Winery On the Trip Side Blog — Deep Sea Wine Tasting on the Stearns Wharf

Take Some Amazing Instagram Photos

Santa Barbara is known for its red roofs and white buildings. A beautiful nod to an American take on Spanish architecture. There are some fantastic instagram worth spots like the Courthouse, the steps at Paseo Nuevo Shops and the outside of Hotel Californian.

Pick a Winery, Any Winery

If Santa Barbara is known for anything (other than it’s building designs 😉), she’s known for her wine. You could literally pick any one of the wineries/tasting rooms, and you would have a unique experience at each of them. I’ve only had the privilege of going to the Deep Sea Tasting Room but I’ve heard rave reviews for: Pence Vineyards & Winery, Alma Rosa Vineyards & Winery & Municipal Winemakers.

Walk the Town

Honestly, there is no better way to see Santa Barbara than to just get out of the car and walk it. Swing into Handlebar Coffee for a local cup of joe or McConnell’s Ice Cream for an afternoon treat. If you have roller blades/skates (or a skate board in the trunk), pop over to the skate park for a beautiful view of the beach and a quick leg stretch before getting back in the car.

I cannot wait to visit this scenic town and explore it more. Keep an eye out for a SB round two with a longer time frame. Tell me what you would do with a 3 Hour Pit Stop in Santa Barbara.