Santa Barbara is an enticing blend of dramatic coastal scenery, upscale arts-and-entertainment district, and a laidback way of life that’s enchanted visitors for decades. Spanish-inspired architectural touches, like red-tile roofs, intricate tilework, and archways, dominate the downtown shops and restaurants, infusing the area with a southern European charm. Steps from Mar Monte Hotel, discover sandy beaches, museums, and Santa Barbara institutions like Stearns Wharf.
Make your way to the Café Lido Pool deck every summer weekend to enjoy live music performed by local artists. Grab a craft cocktail and some bites from our poolside menu as you kick back to some mellow tunes.
Bocce Ball Court
Located between Santa Cruz and Santa Rosa buildings, settle into the perfect place to spend time with family and friends, enjoy the ocean views, or simply relax after your day working or exploring the city.
Mar Monte Bikes
Take in the sights and sounds of Santa Barbara from the vantage point of a local by borrowing a signature Mar Monte bike. Explore the streets of downtown by day and coast along the shore down to Leadbetter Beach at sunset.
Beach Yoga
Guests and community members are welcome to join us every Saturday at 10:00 a.m. for a Vinyasa Flow class hosted by Divintree Yoga across the street at the beach. To encourage social distancing, all yoga mats will be placed 6 feet apart. Namaste.
Local Experiences
Lotusland
Lotusland is the historic estate of Madame Ganna Walska, known to be home to a unique garden design, extraordinary plant collection, and conservation and horticulture programs. After Madame Walska’s death in 1984, Lotusland became a non-profit botanic garden and opened to the public in 1993—now globally renowned for its beauty. Advance reservations are required; please visit or call in order to schedule a tour.
Santa Barbara Sailing Center provides unique on-the-water experiences, with the mission of encouraging people of all ages to enjoy Santa Barbara from the water. As Santa Barbara’s only all-ages concierge-level rental, charter, cruise, and bareboat event center, you can take in the surrounding marine life and spectacular coastline views from a variety of public cruises, including whale watching cruises.
Visit some of the region’s top wineries and tasting rooms in the Santa Ynez Valley or downtown Santa Barbara, with Coastal Concierge Wine Tours—the county’s premier purveyor of private wine tours. Guests can enjoy their own vehicle and dedicated guide for a personalized experience, including a customized itinerary and gourmet picnic lunch.
As a unique experience that welcomes and nurtures the body and mind, Santa Barbara Salt Caves comprises the largest salt caves in North America—featuring pink Himalayan salt in crystal cave rooms, health classes, massage, facial and spa treatments and more, as well as an exclusive line of body products.
With the feel of an upscale-yet-cozy neighborhood pizza joint, Bettina specializes in Neapolitan-style pizza crafted with seasonal California ingredients. Enjoy their seasonal lunch and dinner menus offering a wide selection of Italian fare.
Indulge in tapas style dishes inspired by tradition and innovation at this downtown gem voted as “Best Tapas” by the Santa Barbara Independent 11 years in a row. Along with delicious tapas fare, treat yourself to a selection of craft cocktails as you enjoy this local favorite.
Nestled in Santa Barbara’s arts-and-entertainment district, this five-star sophisticated eatery serves up family-style American fare made from high-quality, locally grown ingredients. Vintage and repurposed décor subtly nods to the area’s industrial past.
A community staple for over 40 years, this family-owned and operated restaurant is known for its locally-sourced premium custom cut meats and poultry, as well as it’s “Funk Zone” location with a state-of-the-art kitchen and outdoor event space. From fish tacos to street corn and ribs, Shalhoob’s menu of family recipes is a Santa Barbara must.
Dating back to the first farmers’ market held at the Santa Barbara Mission in 1979, the Santa Barbara Farmers’ Market features some of the original participants. Shop fresh, locally-sourced produce every Saturday and Tuesday.
Arroyo Beach Park—or Hendry’s Beach, as the locals call it—is a stretch of ocean known for its sandy beaches, swimming, surfing and surf fishing, and is located five miles west of the city center. Take a stroll or jog along the water, enjoy breakfast or a sunset cocktail, or bring along your four-legged friend to roam the off-leash areas.
A lively area located between the ocean and Highway 101, the Funk Zone is comprised of converted warehouses, graffiti murals, boutique tastings rooms, cafes, galleries and shops that cater to locals and visitors alike.
A local institution for nearly a century, this recently renovated theater plays host to a rotating lineup of musicals and plays in the heart of downtown Santa Barbara.
Explore 78 acres of native Californian plants as you meander along nearly six miles of nature trails past redwoods, cacti, wildflowers, and a Japanese tea garden.
Go under the sea at this fascinating museum dedicated to all things aquatic, with interactive exhibits on sustainable fishing in a kelp forest, local shipwrecks, whaling, and more.
A landmark in downtown Santa Barbara since 1941, this art museum houses more than 27,000 works of art, with impressive permanent collections of 19th-century French art, Buddhist art, and contemporary regional art.
Made up of five ecologically diverse islands off the coast of Santa Barbara, Channel Islands National Park is home to unique plants and wildlife; visitors come to enjoy hiking, camping, and water sports like scuba diving, kayaking, and snorkeling.
This small, family-friendly zoo is a surefire crowd-pleaser, with natural habitats for more than 500 animals—including island foxes and Chilean flamingoes—as well as a miniature train ride.