Goop

"Situated right across the street from the Ferry Building, this super-holistic hotel has a full menu of spa treatments for both vacationing and business travelers in addition to plush amenities like rooftop soaking tubs and a bamboo garden. Guest rooms are kept purposely neutral to give all five sense a break at the end of the day. "

"There's not a lot to hate about this Four Seasons hotel: It's sited along Montecito's best beach, and it occupies a rambling set of Spanish Colonial bungalows and buildings that are lushly landscaped in a way that makes every room feel a bit like a hideaway. Though the on-site pool is lovely, hotel guests can pay a bit extra for access to the members-only Coral Casino Club right across the street, which boasts an Olympic-size swimming pool that's great for kids."

"Perched on an olive tree-studded hillside overlooking the Pacific ocean, the Belmond El Encanto is more than deserving of its Forbes five-star accolades. The ninety-two room hotel (consisting of Craftsman-style suites and freestanding bungalows) re-opened in 2013 after undergoing a comprehensive renovation, which added a pool and tricked-out fitness studio to the grounds. Thankfully, the historic property’s architectural integrity and immaculate gardens were kept intact. Complete relaxation is the name of the game at the full-service spa where guests and day-trippers are pampered by way of water therapies, steam rooms, and local ingredient-inspired, seasonal treatments. When planning his California-coastal menu, Executive Chef Leo Andres Ayala takes full advantage of Santa Barbara’s bountiful produce offerings—including herbs from Ayala’s on-site herb garden and cheese made from the milk of the Belmond’s resident dairy cow, Ellie."

"The new Palihouse Santa Barbara is, in a word, dreamy. Located in the heart of the historic Presidio neighborhood, the hotel is perfect for a quiet, relaxing getaway with the cozy feel only a boutique property can deliver. We love the Spanish Colonial-inspired architecture, warm textiles, and pretty pool area. The swish hotel bar is a great spot to grab a Palisade sangria—peaches and white wine—before heading out for a bite to eat at (die-hard pizza fans should hit up Bettina). Thoughtful amenities like complimentary Linus bicycles, a Palisociety-curated neighborhood guide, Smeg toasters, and hot water bottles (nights can be chilly!) on-demand adds to the boutique, home-away-from-home feel. Next time we’re in town, we’ll be staying here. "

"A Santa Barbara classic, this bookstore has been around for almost 100 years and is a local gem. They carry all the standards, and if you’re on the lookout for a book that’s out of print, Tecolote is happy try and find it for you. "

"Made up of cabins and tents (for those who are looking to "glamp" in large decked out tents with a double bed and electric lighting), El Capitan offers a rustic but luxurious way to experience the El Capitan Canyon and beach near Santa Barbara. Perfect for a family trip with kids, choose between doing your own cooking (each cabin has it's own "outdoor kitchen" with a grill/fire pit) and opting for super healthy meals at the Canyon Market and Deli. "

"Fresh, California cuisine meets American classics at Finch and Fork, where the dishes are prepared simply (think only a few select ingredients each) to perfection. There are different daily specials (i.e. burger and beer, pork and cork) and just-caught seafood on the menu. Although the brunch line-up is particularly awesome, this is a solid choice for any mealtime. "

"Diani has been a Santa Barbara mainstay for years, though despite its longevity, it's lost none of its edge: Isabel Marant, Mother, and Tome indicate the type of designers you'll find on the racks, which are airy and perfectly curated. There's a Diani shoe boutique in the same complex as well as the new, Diani Living, which is devoted to really beautiful place settings, linens, and treasures from around the world (the owner, Caroline Diani, was born in Kenya and raised in England, which explains the global slant)."

"Styled like an old-world ship cabin—complete with wood paneled walls, rope-wrapped surf boards, paintings of light houses, and vintage anchors—Mate Gallery is a pretty adorable addition to the Montecito Country Mart. And if a maritime treasure isn't on your to buy list, it sits nose to nose with Intermix, Space NK, and Kendall Conrad. Oh, and did we mention the tacos at Little Alex's and the ice cream at Rori's Creamery?"

"Founded in Santa Barbara by a husband and wife team more than 70 years ago, McConnell's still uses many of the same farms and purveyors they did when they first began. You’ll find flavors ranging from sea salt cookies and cream to lemon and marionberry, as well as top-notch traditional flavors like mint chip and vanilla bean. If you can’t make it to this shop, you can find pints in many upscale grocery stores, and also at LA outposts in Studio City and Downtown LA. "