Best day trip from Santa Barbara

Question

We are staying in downtown Santa Barbara. We plan to go montecito for one day. I am torn between Santa ynez , los olivios , Ojai. We want nice scenery maybe a few cute shops. We weren’t that big on wine but could do a winery. I am open to suggestions!

Answer

Santa Barbara is a fantastic base for day trips with diverse options depending on whether you want scenic drives, charming small towns, or outdoor activities. Since you’re already planning Montecito, here are some options for other day trips that fit your interests in scenery, cute shops, and a touch of wine or local culture.

Santa Ynez Valley / Los Olivos: This area is renowned for rolling hills, vineyards, and small towns with unique shops and art galleries. Even if you’re not big on wine, a brief stop at a scenic winery or tasting room can be enjoyable for the architecture and views. Los Olivos has a walkable downtown area with boutiques, art galleries, and cafes, making it a pleasant half-day or full-day visit.

Ojai: About 1.5 hours from Santa Barbara, Ojai offers a relaxed, artsy vibe. The town has plenty of boutique shops, local art galleries, and excellent small cafes. Ojai is also famous for its scenic valley and Topatopa Mountains backdrop, which provides plenty of photo opportunities and a tranquil atmosphere. Hiking options and olive oil tasting spots are available if you want a little light activity.

Other possible day trips from Santa Barbara worth considering:

Solvang: A charming Danish-style town with bakeries, windmills, and unique shops. Great for strolling, picking up pastries, and enjoying architecture.
Gaviota Coast: Drive along the coastline for dramatic views, stop at beaches or short trails, and enjoy scenic vistas without much walking.
Carpinteria: A small seaside town with a cute downtown, beaches, and the chance to explore tide pools. Good for a more laid-back day close to Santa Barbara.

If your focus is more on charming towns with cute shops and scenic drives rather than wine, Ojai might edge out the others for its mix of small-town charm and natural beauty. However, if you want a taste of the classic Central Coast wine country atmosphere with boutique stores, Los Olivos/Santa Ynez is very appealing and easy to pair with Montecito.

Practical Tips:

Start early to make the most of the day, especially for Ojai or Los Olivos, which may involve more driving.
Consider combining stops: for example, Montecito in the morning and Los Olivos in the afternoon, or Montecito and Solvang for a mix of coastal and inland scenery.
Pack a camera and comfortable shoes for strolling; even short walks around town offer great views.

Overall, both Ojai and Los Olivos offer scenic and relaxing day trips from Santa Barbara. Your choice can be guided by whether you prefer artsy mountain town vibes (Ojai) or classic Central Coast wine country charm with boutique shopping (Los Olivos/Santa Ynez).

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