You work hard for your money, so why not spend some of it on a mini-vacation? After a weekend away, you’ll return completely restored and ready to tackle the week ahead. And Santa Barbara’s the perfect place for a little relaxation. A playground to the rich and famous (Oprah’s got a manse in Montecito), the city is full of great restaurants and quaint wineries. Not sure where to head to first? Let WORKS be your guide.
Where to stay:
Lap of luxury: The Four Seasons Biltmore. Pricey, yes, but the five-star Biltmore is worth every penny. (The Four Seasons is known for ridiculously comfortable beds.) With Spanish colonial buildings scattered throughout sprawling grounds, the Biltmore has old-hotel charm but modern luxury. Rooms from $550 per night; 1260 Channel Drive; 805.969.2261; www.fourseasons.com/santabarbara
Bed-and-breakfast: The Upham Hotel and Country House. Two blocks from the bustling State Street, the Upham is a converted Victorian home with 50 distinctly decorated rooms. Surrounded by a large veranda and an acre of gardens, it’s ideal for a romantic getaway. Rooms from $195; 1404 De la Vina Street; 800.727.0876; www.uphamhotel.com
Trendy trip: Hotel Andalucia. If you’re looking to be in the thick of the action, this new boutique-style luxury hotel will deliver. Make sure to grab cocktails on their rooftop bar—the sweeping views of the city are not to be missed. Rooms from $285; 31 West Carrillo; 805.884.0300; www.andaluciasb.com
Where to eat:
Big breakfast: Montecito Coffee Shop. Also known as the San Ysidro Pharmacy, meals here are as unpretentious as they are huge. Be sure to try the California omelette or their homemade granola. 1498 East Valley Road; 805.969.6250
Must-have Mexican: Los Arroyos. Try their dangerously good Cadillac margaritas and awesome homemade salsas. And with a location on the main drag in Montecito, the patio is a great place for an afternoon of people-watching. 1280 Coast Village Road; 805.969.9059
Splurge on sushi: Arigato Sushi. Innovative rolls and fresh, amazing fish make Arigato a favorite, even if it can be a little pricey. Don’t miss out on the tiger roll or the sushi pizza. They don’t take reservations, but the upstairs SOhO Restaurant & Music Club is a great place to wait for your table. 1225 State Street; 805.965.6074.
Where to drink:
Cocktails at sunset: Brophy Brothers, a seafood restaurant and bar right on the breakwater in Santa Barbara Harbor, serves locals and tourists alike. Though the food is great, the space is small and waits tend to get long (especially for large parties). The best bet is to grab a drink at one of the open bar windows and take in the postcard-worthy view. 119 Harbor Way; 805.966.4418; http://brophybros.com
Dive-bar delight: The James Joyce. This Irish pub often has live, lively music. Wade through the peanut-shell-covered floor toward the back, where dartboards, a pool table, and a jukebox are located for your enjoyment. 513 State Street; 805.962.2688; www.thejamesjoyce.com
Where to chill out:
Seriously sunbathe: Butterfly Beach. Located right across from the Four Seasons Biltmore is the most beautiful beach in Santa Barbara. With majestic cliffs and a view of the harbor, a seat on Butterfly’s seawall is hard to beat.
Wine away your afternoon: The Summerland Winery or Santa Barbara Winery. Instead of making the hour-long trek into Santa Ynez, try the tasting rooms at these two nearby wineries, which feature local vintners. Summerland Winery Tasting Room, 2330 Lillie Avenue, 805.565.9463, www.summerlandwine.com; Santa Barbara Winery Tasting Room, 202 Anacapa Street, 805.963.3633, www.sbwinery.com
