I am often asked by brides planning destination weddings in Santa Barbara what they should suggest that their guests do while visiting Santa Barbara or for their Montecito destination weddings. We are so fortunate to live in such a beautiful place with so many activity options!  Here is a list of some of our favorite activities in Santa Barbara that we like to suggest. We have many more unique and fun ideas too; just ask us!

• Santa Barbara Museum of Art (SBMA) – Take a guided tour and see contemporary and modern works, antiquities, and European and Asian collections. The cafe is also lovely and there are many charming places to eat and shop nearby as well.

• Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History – Learn and experience history in a new way!  See a 72-foot Blue Whale skeleton up close or visit the vast bird, insect, mammals, marine life, paleontology, and Chumash Indians exhibits. This is a wonderful and charming little museum with nature trials behind it as well. This is a particularly fun place to visit with children.

• Santa Barbara Botanic Garden – Enjoy the breathtaking botanic garden, which is dedicated to research, conservation, and showcasing California’s native plants and flowers. It is a wonderful place to spend the afternoon.

• Ganna Walska Lotusland – Explore the intricacy and beauty of Lotusland’s multiple gardens. You must make reservations to visit though, and book early as they do sometimes fill up and then cannot accept more visitors. This is among my favorite gardens in the world (and as a nine year Trustee and now Lifetime Honorary Trustee, I can tell you, this place is the BEST!!)

• Casa Del Herrero – Tour this quaint garden and amazing historic home in Montecito’s upper villagewhile learning about a slice of Montecito history. Once you are done, go down the street to Tecolote Bookshop and peruse their many books on local architecture and history. The have them all!

• Cruise and Whale Watching with Double Dolphin or Condor Express – Take a leisurely cruise about Santa Barbara and the Channel Islands while whale watching and learning about underwater wildlife.

• Shop and Dine on State Street. Some of our favorite downtown restaurants are Downey’s, Cadiz, and Emilio’s (on Cabrillo)

• Go on a Hike – Take in Santa Barbara’s breathtaking scenery from on its many outdoor trails through the Santa Ynez mountains or take a long beach walk at low tide.

• Old Mission Santa Barbara – Visit the historical grounds and take a tour of the Mission Gardens, Church, and Museum. Then stroll across the street to the beautiful and much loved rose garden.