California has lifted the stay-at-home order and leisure travel is allowed once again. Santa Barbara restaurants are open for outdoor dining and State Street is now a promenade where restaurants and businesses can expand onto the sidewalk giving Downtown a whole new energy.
Not long ago, amidst the pandemic, Santa Barbara transformed its Downtown State Street into a promenade – a pedestrian outdoor mall – closed off to driving traffic, except for that of bicycles and other personal mobility devices. Cars can still drive through cross-streets, but most lights are set at flashing reds, meaning pedestrians rule in this part of State Street.
Al fresco dining in parklets at State Street Promenade
As a result of California orders during COVID-19, restaurants were forced to get creative when it came to serving guests, as only outdoor dining was allowed if at all. One of the positive outcomes were the “parklets.” The parklet became an innovative way to add a temporary outdoor dining area out onto the sidewalk and street, allowing restaurants to expand their dining and seating capacity in a socially and physically distanced manner.
The result has been a phenomenal transformation of Downtown and a lively, yet COVID-responsible atmosphere. Now that the stay-at-home orders have been lifted and restaurants and cafes can resume outdoor dining, State Street Promenade is buzzing with energy and a European al fresco dining experience extends down blocks and into the paseos.
Safe social distance dining
On any given day or evening, while strolling the Santa Barbara State Street Promenade you can feel safe, as face masks are required while in the promenade area and both residents and visitors are kind enough to keep a respectful distance from one another.
Santa Barbara restaurants and cafes have creatively outfitted their outdoor dining areas, making them especially attractive and delightfully decorated with sparkly lights, potted plants, mini-fences and various styles of heat lamps. You can gain a sense of normalcy while you remove your mask to eat and drink, feeling comfortable as you’re seated at socially distanced tables of 6-feet apart.
Come and explore these 10-blocks of State Street, between Sola and Haley, as you’ve never experienced them before. Watch out for bicyclists and scooter riders, as these folks share the road with pedestrians now, yet somehow it all works out; the new State Street Promenade and expanded al fresco dining have provided the community with some much-needed respite from the pandemic situation.
<<Read more about the “Best patio dining in Santa Barbara”>>
To find a vacation rental home near Santa Barbara’s State Street Promenade, search our short-term or long-term rentals.
While the public health restrictions caused by the pandemic have led to canceled events, celebrations and an overall damper on our usual way of life, it’s more important than ever to seek out fun activities that you, your partner or family can enjoy to help provide some relief from the extra stress many of us have been feeling this past year. When you’re outside, fresh air is constantly moving, dispersing the droplets you might encounter from others. Outdoor activities also offer the benefits of an emotional boost and sunlight can give your body a dose of vitamin D, too.
Fortunately, Santa Barbara is located on what’s called the American Riviera, a strip of the California Central Coast that boasts a temperate climate and sunny days most of the year. Outdoor living is a way of life here in this beach town. While staying in Santa Barbara you’ll be able to enjoy any number of stress-relieving outdoor activities that will allow plenty of space between you and others.
Walking, running, picnic at Shoreline Park, Santa Barbara
Shoreline Park is a linear grassy park area on what’s called the “Mesa” of Santa Barbara. Shoreline Park is up on a bluff that overlooks the beach below that can be reached by stairwell. The park is outfitted with paved paths that allow visitors to comfortably walk or jog while taking in the vast ocean views on one side and the Santa Ynez Mountains on the other. Large grassy areas are perfect for spreading out a blanket and picnic or there are benches situated in vista areas for a look out and beyond the cliffs’ edge. Up on the Mesa, high above everything else, you’ll feel a sense of quiet relief at this lovely park favored by Santa Barbara locals.
Cycle Santa Barbara
Bicycling is a popular pastime for Santa Barbarans. This bike friendly town makes it easy to get around on push-peddle bicycle or electric-bike. As an added service for our guests at Haller Coastal Homes vacation rental properties, beach cruiser bicycles and e-bikes are available for rent on a first-come basis.
Zip down State Street Promenade and past the Funk Zone, head toward the Santa Barbara Waterfront and down the bike paths that lead all the way along East Beach and toward Montecito. For a more challenging trip, peddle up the hill passing the Harbor and up to the Mesa. Traffic? What traffic? After a weekend of bicycling or e-biking around Santa Barbara, you might even be tempted to sell your car. Learn more about cycling in Santa Barbara.
Stand up paddle board Santa Barbara
Surfing is an obvious choice, but what about an alternative to surfing, such as stand up paddle boarding, or SUP. Stand up paddle boards can be rented near the water and it’s an easy outdoor sport for most people to pick up fairly easily. Santa Barbara Harbor is a popular launch off point for paddle boarders. Meander past the beautiful boats and out into the calm open waters where you might encounter the occasional sea lion. Make your way over and across to Stearn’s Wharf and get up close with the barnacles and muscles stuck to the pier. You’ll see plenty of pelicans and other seafaring birds and maybe even spot dolphins. When stand up paddle boarding in Santa Barbara, you’re certain to be at peace with the marine life and nature as you glide blissfully along the calm waters.
Hiking in Santa Barbara
Few places are better than the Central Coast when it comes to a nature lover’s dream come true. Nestled between the ocean and the mountains, Santa Barbara is a picturesque escape that rivals many of the world’s most beautiful landscapes. From the winding Santa Ynez mountain trails and sweeping ocean vistas, the exercise and ocean breeze will quickly melt away city life stress.
When it comes to hiking in Santa Barbara, whether easy, flat terrain or moderately steep and challenging hikes, there is something for everyone and age group. Scenic views abound, but the great thing is, you don’t have to go far. There are so many close Santa Barbara hikes to choose from, check out the map and descriptions of these 11 popular Santa Barbara hiking trails. https://santabarbaraca.com/itinerary/best-hikes-in-santa-barbara/
Where to stay in Santa Barbara
If you want to stay in a vacation rental home that’s ideally located in proximity to outdoor activities in Santa Barbara, search our short-term and long-term rentals. Most homes are either a short walk or quick bike ride away from Santa Barbara’s popular attractions, restaurants, shops, beaches and parks.
The holidays are some of the best times of the year in Santa Barbara. The California coastal days are generally still warm and sunny but give way to cool and crisp evenings or comfortable “sweater weather.” Santa Barbara is one of the rare places in the country where outdoor dining is possible nearly year-round. Take advantage of the weather on the American Riviera and visit some of our favorite Santa Barbara eateries with patio dining that’s great for either daytime drinks under the sun or evening dining under the heat lamp.
Oku
image credit: @okurestaurant
Located in the heart of Santa Barbara and just off the beach, Oku’s menu draws from Asian favorites like Wagyu Steak, Sushi, noodles, dumplings and locally sourced seafood. Enjoy fresh ingredients from Central Coast farmers, local fisherman and California wine. The owners of this fine establishment are longtime Santa Barbara locals who want their guests to feel a unique sense of hospitality and atmosphere. “We want locals to feel like family and visitors to feel like locals…come join our family!”
Flor de Mais
image credit: https://flordemaizsb.com/
Savor tantalizing Mexican food paired with a mouth-watering selection of margaritas and a robust choice of tequilas. Flor de Mais modern Oaxacan cuisine is fresh, colorful and delicious. Located across the street from the Waterfront, restaurant goers can drink and dine on the outdoor patio with the warmth of the sun by day and heat lamps in the evening.
Salty on the Beach
Enjoy lunch or dinner, wine and cocktails at Salty on the Beach located at the iconic Santa Barbara Harbor. Get cozy with heated patio dining as you sip and eat while watching sailboats drift by. There’s something for everyone at this quintessential Santa Barbara spot, with snacks and bites like clam chowder and buffalo wings, burgers, salmon, steak and even vegetarian and vegan options.
Chomp on the Rocks
Located downstairs from Salty on the Beach is the diner-style restaurant, Chomp on the Rocks. This family-friendly joint is known for its burgers, fries and shakes – it has an Old-Fashioned Ice Creamery and Soda Fountain serving up shakes, malts, floats, banana-splits and sundaes. But their menu also boasts salads and sandwiches, wraps, tacos and more. Kids can stick to the root beer, while adults can wash it down with a beer, wine or even a bubbly Spanish brut.
M.Special Brewing Company
image credit: The Restaurant Guy/www.santabarbara.com
The popular spot in Goleta now has new spot on State Street with large outdoor dining areas on the street and in the back. Enjoy a portfolio of beers brewed passionately by this local crew. The new State Street taproom has a full kitchen with a robust menu to enhance your beer-drinking experience. Check out the Loaded Fries, and Dirty Tacos, as well as bratwurst and build-your-own burgers.
We all know the phrase “Wanna get away?” And we all know the feeling, too. The good news is, you can get away for longer. An extended stay in Santa Barbara is easy in a vacation rental home.
Booking a vacation rental home for an extended stay is a lot more comfortable than staying in a hotel room long-term. When you stay longer in a vacation rental home, you begin to really feel at home. You settle in, adopt a routine, and in fact, you might even consider taking up some new hobbies or learning a new skill during your time in Santa Barbara. After all, you’ll have exactly that – time.
Along with knowing the feeling of wanting to get away – especially these days – you might also be motivated to take more time for your personal enjoyment. Maybe it’s painting more or going on longer hikes, getting back in shape or challenging yourself in new ways. From water sports to golf, and painting to bird watching, Santa Barbara has so much to offer in the way of outdoor activities and hobbies. Why not stay longer and make the most of your time to learn a new skill in the beautiful surroundings of the American Riviera?
Here are a few of the unique hobbies and activities to do in Santa Barbara:
Hiking and bird watching in Santa Barbara
Did you know there are more than 500 species of birds in Santa Barbara County? Birders will certainly want to stay a little longer in town, as Santa Barbara is quite a serious place when it comes to bird fielding. Santa Barbara County boasts a rich diversity of bird life and there is an abundance of trails to explore and spots to watch birds. Check out http://www.sbcobirding.com/ for all things birding in Santa Barbara County and to read the Birder’s Guide to Santa Barbara County for a listing of popular local birding spots.
Food photography and tastings in Santa Barbara
Shoot your food and eat it too! Led by self-proclaimed “local foodies and smartphone photo nerds,” the Eat This, Shoot That crew will take you on a group or private food tour and give you the inside scoop on Santa Barbara’s best eateries. While you eat and drink your way through this informative tour, you’ll also learn quick & easy smartphone photo tips from your tour guide to help you take your foodie photo skills to the next level.
Golfing in Santa Barbara and Goleta
Perfect your putt in Santa Barbara. Golfing in Santa Barbara is certainly an experience to remember. Experience lush fairways and smooth, fast greens. Just Google “golf Santa Barbara” for a variety of courses, some that are just minutes from Downtown.
Popular water sports in Santa Barbara
Learn to scuba dive, sea kayak, surf or simply practice your backstroke. Santa Barbara’s climate boasts more than 300 days of sunshine with comfortably warm temperatures. If your preference is to navigate the ocean from a larger vessel, check out our article on sailing in Santa Barbara.
<<Learn more about our vacation rental homes in Santa Barbara>>
We hope you’ve enjoyed our humble selection of a few of the many activities and hobbies you can try in Santa Barbara during an extended stay.
If you’d like to stay a little longer in Santa Barbara, browse our vacation rental homes using your dates and see what works for you. Take the chance to really settle in and enjoy your time away and maybe learn something new while you’re at it.
Bicycling in Santa Barbara is one of the best ways to explore and take in the scene about town. Those who’ve been to SB know it as a “bike-friendly” town, and now with State Street closed to cars, Santa Barbara is even more welcoming to cyclists and casual bike riders than ever.
From winding mountain roads to beachside paths and plenty of bike lanes on city streets, Santa Barbara welcomes casual beach cruisers, cross-country bicyclists and about town e-bike riders all the same. As a bike friendly destination, travelers to Santa Barbara have plenty of options to rent or purchase a bike at one of the many local bicycle or e-bike retailers. You can also reserve one during your stay at one of our vacation rentals. We have a selection of Sondors e-bikes and beach cruisers for reserve (based on availability) during your stay so you can enjoy cycling in Santa Barbara as soon as you arrive.
<<Find a vacation rental home near the beach or Downtown Santa Barbara>>
Pärchen mit dem Fahrrad im Urlaub
Explore Santa Barbara by bike
Bicycling in Santa Barbara is a way of life for locals. The City of Santa Barbara even has a Bicycle Master Plan and the City’s official bike map shows existing routes. Over the last two decades The City has put in over 40 miles of bikeways. There are plenty of security locations to park your bike while you stop for a bite to eat, relax on the beach or do a bit of shopping.
State Street is closed to cars and open to pedestrians and cyclists to share. Patio dining lines the sidewalks and streets so ride up and down State Street and choose your outdoor dining destination. Pedal a bit further in the direction of the beach toward the Funk Zone, the artsy and alternative neighborhood buzzing with lively tasting rooms, craft breweries, galleries and restaurants. Ride and safely park your bike or e-bike and then meander around this part of town worth at least one long and sunny afternoon.
Santa Barbara is the best cycling destination
Cyclists, both e-bike and push-pedal have a variety of routes to choose from around Santa Barbara. Choose from easy bike trails to intermediate cycling trails and longer routes.
Popular Santa Barbara cycling routes include:
- Cabrillo Bike Path to Butterfly Beach is the most popular bike path in Santa Barbara.
- Ride up State Street to Old Mission Santa Barbara.
- Climb Shoreline Drive on the Mesa then ride down Cliff Drive to Hendry’s Beach.
- Visit Elings Park for a view that overlooks the Pacific Ocean and is home to more than nine miles of trails great for mountain biking.
Go car-free with an e-bike or traditional bike in Santa Barbara
Electric mobility is growing in popularity and Santa Barbara is primed for this explosion in green transportation. Riding an electric bike in Santa Barbara is one of the top ways to explore this incredibly bike-friendly city. Many electric bikes, like Sondors, are pedal-assist which are great for all day riding around the city.
Whether e-bike, mountain bike, beach cruiser or even tandem bike, Santa Barbara’s varied landscape offers a route for all cyclists and bike riding levels. Don’t want to bring your bike, or don’t have your own? No problem. Remember you can reserve an e-bike or beach cruiser along with your vacation rental home booking (subject to availability) or rent one from any number of locations around town.
Remember, it’s easy to go car-free during your stay in Santa Barbara. Simply choose a vacation rental home in one of our unbeatable locations at the center of the wagon wheel – with the beach, the harbor, activities, festivals, restaurants, bars, train station, State Street, and The Funk Zone within leisurely distance. No need for a car when you stay at one of our units, everything is a short walk or bike ride away!
<<Search cycling friendly rental properties in Santa Barbara>>
Tucked between the Pacific Ocean and Santa Ynez mountains of Los Padres National Forest, Santa Barbara is the gem of the California Coast. It’s no wonder it’s deemed the American Riviera.
With a vibrant and rich cultural history, proximity to sweeping vineyards, epic surf breaks and a year-round temperate climate, there’s no wrong time to visit Santa Barbara. However, here are a few suggestions as to why we think fall is the best season to visit Santa Barbara.
Lush vineyards, flowing wine
The surrounding vineyards are lush with ripe grapes ready to be harvested, making autumn perhaps the best time to visit the local wineries.
The Central Coast is one of California’s premier wine regions and Santa Barbara and nearby towns boast wineries galore. Santa Barbara’s Funk Zone is a popular neighborhood bursting with wine shops at every corner. Anytime of the day is perfect for wine tasting when you’re on vacation, but a wine tasting paired with a beautiful coastal sunset is one you’ll remember for many more years to come.
Exceptional sailing and whale watching
Santa Barbara Channel is one of the west coast’s best areas for whale watching nearly year-round. But the late spring into the early fall is a great time to catch humpback whales and even blue whales. You’re also sure to see plenty of dolphins and sea lions. The fall weather is still warm and sunny enough to enjoy an open water whale watching adventure. Check out our recommendations for sailing and whale watching trips in Santa Barbara.
Less crowds, more fun
The summer crowds have retreated, kids are heading back to school and the high season mellows out but doesn’t die. Fall is less crowded, but Santa Barbara is still brimming with life. You’re more likely to dodge peak pricing and less likely to have to wait to be seated for Sunday brunch, yet still able to enjoy great weather. Most of the beaches and well-known surf spots will be less populated, as will the town’s most popular attractions.
We keep mentioning weather…
No, it’s not always sunny in Santa Barbara but the fall season tends to be sunnier than the summer – which is often prone to some foggy days and June gloom. Not too hot and not yet rainy or cold, the months of September through October average temperatures in the mid-70’s. By visiting Santa Barbara during the autumn season, you’re likely avoid the occasional rain in the winter months.
If you’re looking for the best time to visit Santa Barbara, consider booking your vacation rental home for the fall season now. With ideal weather and competitive rates, your Santa Barbara getaway will certainly be an autumn to remember.
<<Check rates and availability for Santa Barbara vacation rental homes in fall>>
The latest trend in vacation rentals is long-term stays. With the year’s restrictions, many people are working from home, and though there’s a learning curve to working remotely, people are also figuring out they can work from just about anywhere these days!
Snowbird rentals are typically longer stays allowing families or couples to experience a resort town like Santa Barbara as more of a local and less as a tourist. But as airline travel is obviously down for the year, even those within driving distance to California’s Central Coast are thinking like snowbirds in 2020. With most Americans preferring to travel by car instead of an airplane in 2020, the coastal towns of Santa Barbara, Montecito and Carpinteria are ideal escapes for those living in larger cities within a day’s driving distance.
Vacation rental homes are seeing a surge in bookings, as people trapped in crowded pandemic cities, such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego and Phoenix look to escape to a safe haven like as the beautiful American Riviera. And since it appears COVID-19 will be sticking around through the holidays, now’s the time to start planning your fall and winter getaway.
If 2020 is the year to work-from-anywhere, why not choose Santa Barbara?
Whereas the typical winter break of year’s past would take the family for a week or two to grandma’s house, this year employees and kids are likely to continue working and studying from home. This means families can extend their winter holidays by weeks or even a month.
Vacation rental homes can be a home and a home-office away from home. Fully equipped with all the comforts and amenities of home, renters have much more space than a hotel room would provide and indisputably faster internet connection than hotels offer. If someone in the family needs a quiet space to work, one of the rooms in the vacation rental home can be used as a study room or to take a Zoom call, while the other members of the family are free to hang out in the rest of the house, the patio or walk to nearby Santa Barbara attractions, like the beach.
Safe, inexpensive haven on the American Riviera
With remote workers wanting a change of scenery and folks feeling cooped up after months of lockdown, Santa Barbara offers the perfect pandemic-era getaway. Vacation rental homes allow guests the option of staying longer for less. So why not stay a while? Renting a vacation rental home long-term is cheaper than staying in a hotel room for the same or less amount of time. And unlike a hotel, a vacation rental home can help your group stay safe and reasonably distanced from others since you do not have to pass through a hotel lobby or ride in an elevator every day.
Haller Coastal Homes has implemented strict cleaning protocols, which include special attention to highly touched areas and longer times between guest check-ins to allow for cleaning crews to do more thorough sterilization. And with in-home laundry machines and dishwashers, guests of a vacation rental home have the liberty to keep their space clean throughout their stay to their own level of comfort.
If you’re looking for a safe haven for the fall or winter, check out our long-term vacation rental homes to find your pandemic-era getaway in Santa Barbara.
Browse fall and winter season long-term vacation rental homes
We know your travel plans may have changed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and like it or not, remote education and virtual learning are likely to continue for millions of children this fall. Many school districts will be implementing some version of distance learning in their reopening plans. Fortunately, there are still safe ways to travel and safe places to visit if you do your homework and think out of the box.
In light of the situation, many families are pivoting to vacation rentals as an option for a much-needed escape from the pandemic stress while continuing a somewhat normalcy in life. The responsibility of parents to ensure their children are adequately educated virtually is not without complications. However, there are opportunities to be had. Vacation rental homes in Santa Barbara offer plenty of space, privacy and comfort, and are the safest way for families to enjoy the fall school season despite the COVID-19 pandemic challenges.
So whether you’re looking for a safe staycation or nearby beach getaway for the fall, our family and kid-friendly vacation rental homes boast prime Santa Barbara locations and prices well below the cost of an upscale hotel room. Choose from coastal vacation rental homes within walking distance to well-known beaches, Santa Barbara’s famed waterfront, Downtown State Street or The Funk Zone, one of Sant Barbara’s most vibrant neighborhood pockets.
<<Search vacation rental home availability in Santa Barbara now>>
Set up house in a vacation rental
No one expected 2020 to be a year where vacation plans and summer camps would be cancelled and kids would be home, not only for the summer, but well into the remainder of the year. But all is not lost.
For most families, airline travel is not an option, but road trips within a day or so’s distance are more feasible. And traveling by car allows you to pack for a longer stay. Vacation rental homes can be booked for short-term as well as longer-term stays, such as a month. Families can comfortably set up home and let their kids settle into the surroundings. They’ll have plenty of room to stretch out and explore the property as well as the neighborhood.
High-speed WiFi in all Haller Coastal Homes vacation rentals ensures easy virtual learning in any room in the house. After virtual school, kids can enjoy the pleasant Santa Barbara weather in any number of ways, be it playing on the beach or skateboarding or bike riding the nearby paths. The whole family won’t want to miss a walk together to McConnell’s for its famously made from scratch ice cream.
Laundry facilities and kitchen dishwashers make it easy for your family to keep your surroundings comfortably clean as you would in your own home. We have also implemented enhanced cleaning policies and safety measures at all our vacation rental homes ensuring the property is adequately cleaned prior to your arrival. Please see our Cleaning Protocol PDF which details our deep cleaning and sanitization process in line with the CDC recommendations.
Social distance at spacious Santa Barbara beach homes
If there ever was a time to find a place to call your home away from home, fall of 2020 is it. Head out to the American Riviera where there is plenty of room to spread out and socially distance. Choosing a vacation rental home means more spacious bedrooms, living areas, large kitchens and separate bathrooms for the kids.
Whether you think your kids will be distance learning or if you’ll be personally homeschooling them, there are opportunities for parents to find some rest, relaxation and enjoyment between classes. Check out idyllic coastal beach homes for vacation rental and create a home away from home that you’ve always dreamed of. There is a silver lining to this pandemic and we at Haller Coastal Homes are here to help you find it.
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