Santa Barbara, CA Local Area Information

Day One -- Restaurants Day Two -- Hotels Please note: -- The Four Seasons no longer manage the Four Seasons Aviara Resort, it is now run by Park Hyatt and the proper link is: Park Hyatt Aviara Resort, Carlsbad -- I included a listing for the Spa at the Island Hotel Newport Beach; the link to the hotel proper is: Island Hotel Newport Beach -- The Montage Beverly Hills and Studio, Laguna Beach a... (read more - PDF guide)

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. read more about Couple's Retreat (read more - PDF guide)

All the sunshine here does not go to waste! Given a little care and water, plants will thrive in Los Angeles. For a break from all that asphalt, here are some gardens worth checking. Photo of peacock at Los Angeles Arboretum courtesy of Zabowski read more about Gardens of Los Angeles (read more - PDF guide)

Santa Barbara’s pristine shores, rugged mountain pass, and famous wine country are musts for anyone traveling to the Central Coast of California. read more about My Santa Barbara Guide (read more - PDF guide)

Indulge in the Santa Ynez Valley wine region with a tour through vineyards and tasting rooms nestled in the area's bucolic scenery. Pamper yourself with a night's rest and a spa treatment at Fess Parker's Wine Country Inn & Spa, and fuel up with hearty eats at valley haunts. read more about Wine Tasting in Santa Ynez (read more - PDF guide)

Hit the urban wine trail, indulge in Mediterranean eats and fresh fish, and catch live music during a weekend of downtown happenings. read more about Urban Santa Barbara (read more - PDF guide)

When you have kids in town, you can't go wrong with the Santa Barbara Zoo, barbecue, gardens, pasta, and more. read more about Family Fun (read more - PDF guide)