Outdoor activities in Santa Barbara
Getting outside and exploring nature’s beauty makes for an ideal date activity. Santa Barbara, to no surprise, is the perfect romantic getaway for outdoor enthusiasts. There are plenty of hiking trails in the area offering incredible views, a great workout, and opportunities for some one-on-one time with your S.O. For a challenging but rewarding 7-mile hike, follow the Jesusita Trail to Inspiration Point. The trek is uphill, gaining an elevation of 1,574 feet, and the views of the ocean at the top are spectacular. If you want a great view without breaking a sweat, you can always take an easy sunset walk along the bluffs at More Mesa.
To get a real sense of Santa Barbara’s natural surroundings, make sure to visit the Santa Barbara Botanical Gardens. This curated landscape offers visitors a close-up look at Santa Barbara’s gorgeous variety of native plants. Stop and smell the California roses or feel humbled amidst the garden’s enormous and ancient redwood trees. Whenever you two want to hit the beach, Miramar Beach, Leadbetter Beach, and East Beach are just a few of the many phenomenal options you have to choose from.
Relaxing and dining in Santa Barbara
Although Santa Barbara’s natural landscape is enough on its own to warrant plenty of visitors, the city also hosts top-of-the-line amenities. Start your day off with a freshly roasted coffee from Handlebar Coffee Roasters or a pastry from the locally loved D’Angelo Bakery. If your itinerary entails time for you to relax and unwind, you and your partner should schedule a treatment at one of Santa Barbara’s many luxury spas. For an exceptional couples massage, we recommend Float Luxury Spa. Located right in the heart of Santa Barbara, you can pop in and out of this luxury experience while staying close to the exciting hub of things to do.
Santa Barbara’s culinary scene provides plenty of options for romantic meals for two. For something more adventurous and quirky during the daytime, check out the iconic Cold Spring Tavern. Once a stagecoach pitstop along the San Marcos Pass, this historic Old Western tavern offers an unbeatable ambiance and delicious BBQ menu. Then, indulge in an elegant dinner at the classic Santa Barbara date spot, the Boathouse at Hendry’s Beach. Share some oysters and a drink while seated right beside Santa Barbara’s stunning shoreline. If you two are seeking some nightlife fun, go bar hopping in the artsy Funk Zone for some adorable breweries and chic wine bars.
