Small and Largely Overlooked, Summerland Inspires During a Girl’s Weekend in Santa Barbara

As I gazed out the window of the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner, watching the California coastline unfold before me, I couldn’t help but feel a surge of excitement. My girlfriends and I were on our way to Santa Barbara for a long-awaited weekend getaway, and the journey itself was already setting the perfect mood.

The stunning ocean views were a prelude to the relaxation and adventure that awaited us in this charming coastal town. Santa Barbara had been calling our names for months – its Mediterranean-style architecture, pristine beaches, and vibrant culinary scene promising the perfect backdrop for our girls’ trip.

We hope you love Santa Barbara and the Mason Beach Inn! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.

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Where we stayed: beachside bliss

Photo courtesy Mason Beach Inn

For our accommodation, we were hosted by Mason Beach Inn, and it turned out to be an ideal home base for our getaway. Located just steps away from the beach, this cozy inn embodied the essence of Santa Barbara’s beach-chic vibe. As soon as we stepped into our room, we were greeted by bright white linens, driftwood accents, and colorful throw pillows. It was the perfect comfortable and stylish retreat to return to after our days filled with exploration and adventure.

Culinary highlights in Santa Barbara

Photo: Steve Cukrov/Shutterstock

One of the highlights of our trip was undoubtedly the food. We started each morning at Helena Avenue Bakery, fueling up for the day with flaky croissants, rich mocha lattes, and the cafe’s signature breakfast sandwiches. The aroma of freshly baked goods and coffee was the perfect way to kick off our days of exploration.

For dinner one night, we treated ourselves to the waterfront Bluewater Grill. As we indulged in fresh seafood, we couldn’t help but be mesmerized by the stunning harbor views. We paired our meals with crisp white wines, toasting to our friendship and this perfect getaway.

Summerland: A design lover’s paradise

A vintage car parked outside Summerland’s Inn On Summer Hill. Photo: Logan Bush/Shutterstock

A highlight of our Santa Barbara getaway was a day trip to the nearby town of Summerland. As someone who loves interior design, I was in heaven browsing through the abundance of home boutiques and antique shops. We spent an entire afternoon exploring, with Field + Fort being a standout favorite. The beautifully curated collections of vintage furniture, lighting, and home goods had us all dreaming of redecorating our homes.

When we needed a break from shopping, we enjoyed a light lunch and iced coffee at Feast, the cozy eatery within Field + Fort. It was the perfect spot to rest our feet and plan our next shopping conquest.

While in Summerland, we stumbled upon a gem: Godmothers, a new indie bookstore and community space. As soon as we walked in, we were captivated by the entryway decorated with a portrait gallery of “real-life godmothers” like Oprah Winfrey and Gloria Steinem. The space exuded an inspiring and empowering energy that resonated with all of us. We spent a good hour browsing the thoughtfully curated book selection, each of us leaving with a new read and a sense of inspiration.

No girlfriends’ trip would be complete without some wine tasting, and the Santa Barbara area didn’t disappoint. We visited the charming Summerland Winery, where we sampled award-winning Chardonnay and Pinot Noir while admiring stunning views from their tasting room patio. My friend doesn’t drink alcohol much, and we appreciated that they offered non-alcoholic options, ensuring that everyone could participate in the experience.

Exploring Santa Barbara’s waterfront

Photo: ByDroneVideos/Shutterstock

On the trip’s last day, we took time to stroll along Santa Barbara’s picturesque waterfront. We explored the iconic Stearns Wharf and the lively Santa Barbara Harbor, popping into local shops along the way. As we wandered, we couldn’t stop admiring the city’s distinctive Mediterranean-inspired architecture. There was something about the laid-back coastal vibe that made Santa Barbara – and indeed, Summerland – feel so special – we all agreed it was the perfect antidote to our busy lives back home.

As we reluctantly boarded our train back home, our hearts were full of memories and our suitcases were bursting with treasures from our shopping adventures. Whether it was shopping in Summerland, wine tasting, or simply relaxing on the beach, the Santa Barbara area offered the perfect weekend getaway.

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