Santa Barbara, California
During california’s mild winter I like to go on a road trip with my dog, Scarlet. This year’s destination: Santa Barbara. It’s gorgeous and an easy two hour drive from Los Angeles.
Five Star or funky Lodgings Santa Barbara has lots of pet friendly lodging options. Scarlet and I spent a night basking in the classic luxury of the Four Seasons Biltmore, where our cottage came with a dog bed and pet bowls. The hotel even offers a VIP (Very Important Pet) spa treatments like in-room doggy massage and room service selections. Then we spent a few nights in Santa Barbara’s “Funk Zone” staying in a renovated vintage 1973 Airstream Sovereign at the Santa Barbara Auto Camp. Hipsters will love these pimped out motor homes situated in an 80 year old trailer park. The Santa Rosa Suite goes for $179 per night and features a claw foot bath tub. Each Airstream also comes with two beach cruisers if you want to explore the area on two wheels—the Old Santa Barbara Mission is only a mile away.
Hit the Beach Arroyo Burro Beach has an off leash area for dogs and their humans. Located in the Tony Montecito area, Butterfly Beach is a narrow stretch of coastline that has spectacular sunset views and is a favorite of many locals (and their dogs).
Feast & drink Several restaurants allow dogs on their patios. If not, Santa Barbara’s temperate climate made it pleasant for my dog to hang out in the car.
Scarlett Begonia, located just off State Street, has a cute pet-friendly patio and serves organic cuisine. It’s a great pick for breakfast and lunch.
Located in a renovated former fish market in the Funk Zone, The Lark offers a menu focused on shared plates of Santa Barbara’s best local produce. They serves killer cocktails like the Blood & Smoke (made with mezcal, blood orange, chile, lime and egg white) for $12. The Terrace of the Dining Room at El Encanto is a gorgeous secluded spot up in the hills. It’s worth going for lunch or a drink in the their sexy lounge. Their wine list is seriously impressive. If wine isn’t your thing, try one of their signature cocktails like the Pulp Figtion, made with Buffalo Trace bourbon, fresh mint, figs, and Fever Tree Ginger ale, for $15.
You don’t go to Norton’s Pastrami for the atmosphere. This deli is a dive, but their Mom’s PLT sandwich with crispy pastrami and chipotle mayo on sourdough is a delicious bargain at $8.99.
