Travel & Things To Do
Here are some options on where to stay, our favorite restaurants and coffee shops, and info about traffic.
Places to Stay
If you're looking at AirBnB, include Goleta, Santa Barbara, and Ventura in your search. There is no shortage of incredible hotels close to the beach in Santa Barbara. We tried to link some options on the more affordable side here. If you are flying in, the closest airport is Santa Barbara Airport (SBA), but cheaper flights can be found at LAX. There is a reliable airport shuttle that runs from LAX to Four Points Sheraton in Ventura.
A new boutique hotel about .5 miles from our venue.
9 minutes from our venue.
.5 miles (11 min walk) from our venue.
Located in Ventura, about 35 minute drive to our venue.
9 minutes from our venue.
Shuttle access to LAX, but around 40 minutes from our venue,
For a memorable stay, check out these adorable vintage airstreams. Located about 30-40 minutes from our venue.
A note about traffic for out of town folks.
If you are staying in Ventura, be checking your maps app to monitor traffic on the 101 North to Santa Barbara. At 25 miles away, if there's no traffic, the drive should take around 35 minutes, but with all the lovely construction and the nature of a two lane highway, it's easy for traffic to get backed up.
Things to Do
Here are some of our favorite places to hang out, eat, and drink in Santa Barbara and Ventura!
SB: Handlebar Coffee
Right across the street from our venue is Sienna's favorite coffee shop! Snag and cappuccino before crossing the street to find your seat for the ceremony. There are several locations, so be sure to go to their location on Canon Perdido St if you're grabbing a pre-ceremony coffee.
SB: Public Market
If you're in a bigger group (or are just really indecisive) head over to Public Market. This large indoor space includes dozens of local offerings ranging from barbecue to Mexican to Thai to pizza. Finish it off with an overpriced but insanely yummy scoop from Rory's Ice Cream (they have GF cones!).
SB: Backyard Bowls
The best açai bowls around, a true sunny day staple (so every day in SB).
SB: East Beach Tacos
Say hey to the ocean and then walk a block or two to East Beach Tacos. A perfect day, in our humble opinion.
SB: Loquita
Absolutely wonderful Spanish cuisine. Is it bad that Sienna prefers a dinner here over anything she had in actual Spain during her summer abroad? If you're willing to splurge, Laquita will not disappoint. Their menu is the perfect blend of California farm to fork and Spanish classics.
SB: Good Lion
A classy Santa Barbara bar (owned by the same hospitality group Grayson first bartended for). If you're in the mood for some classic cocktails after dinner, this is your spot.
SB: Test Pilot
Who doesn't love a good Tiki drink? Test Pilot is well renowned for their crushable tiki cocktails and excellent bartenders. A couple blocks off State Street, in the heart of Santa Barbara's Funk Zone. You may or may not find us here after the reception.
VTA: Singing Sun
Our favorite Ventura coffee shop. There are two locations, but the Mission Street location is only 30 seconds from our apartment (yes, we go way too much).
VTA: Santa Cruz Market
A great convenience grocery store that also has delicious Mediterranean food to go. Grab a combo plate and enjoy nearby at Cemetery Park!
VTA: Mothers Tacos
A little more pricey, but super fun for a small group or date. Try their margaritas and churros!
VTA: Taqueria Tepatitlan
Only open Wednesday through Saturday, this is a classic McCoy family lunch and dinner spot. Great family friendly restaurant.
VTA: Ventura Sandwich Company
Tiny but classic Ventura lunch spot, great for grabbing sandwiches to go. Grayson's order: hot Italian chicken add avocado. They also have a delicious hot pastrami, if that's your thing.
VTA: Strange Beast
Grayson's first bartending job! Delicious drinks, burgers, and Japanese-inspired fare. Outdoor seating is available, and kids are welcome during dinner hours. Check out their sister bar next door, Bank of Italy, for some delicious Italian-inspired cocktails.