Romantic Date & Makeout Spots in Santa Barbara
The American Riviera delivers red-tile roofs, palm-lined beaches, and mountain-to-ocean sunsets.
Date spots in Santa Barbara
- Shoreline Park Sunset Bench — Picnic Friendly: The benches along the bluff at Shoreline Park are where Santa Barbara shows off without trying. Dolphins surface in the…
- Butterfly Beach — Beach Pull-off: Montecito's backyard beach catches the sunset at an angle that turns the whole sky into a watercolor. The sand here is…
- Franceschi Park — Scenic Overlook: A hidden hilltop garden with a panoramic view that makes you wonder why more people don't know about this place. The…
- Douglas Family Preserve — Trailhead: Seventy acres of open meadow and oak groves perched on the coastal bluffs above Arroyo Burro Beach. The trails wind…
- Elings Park Hilltop — Scenic Overlook: Drive to the top of Elings Park and the whole south coast unfolds beneath you — the harbor, the islands, the mountains…
- The Mesa Lane Steps — Beach Pull-off: A steep wooden staircase drops from the Mesa neighborhood to a narrow, locals-only stretch of sand. At the bottom, the…
- Parma Park — Picnic Friendly: A foothill park that feels more like someone's private estate — old oaks, a seasonal creek, and hiking trails that…
- Leadbetter Beach Point — Beach Pull-off: The grassy point above Leadbetter is where surfers watch the break and couples pretend they came for the view. The lawn…
- Hendry's Beach Parking Lot After Dark — Quiet Parking: After the Boathouse closes and the dog walkers go home, this parking lot becomes one of the most private spots on the…
- Santa Barbara Courthouse Clock Tower — Scenic Overlook: Take the elevator to the top of the courthouse tower and suddenly every red tile roof in Santa Barbara is spread…
- Inspiration Point — Trailhead: The name is not subtle, and neither is the view. A moderate hike leads to a rocky outcrop that overlooks the entire…
- Tunnel Trail Upper Viewpoint — Trailhead: A steady climb through chaparral and sandstone that opens up to views of Mission Canyon and the coast below. The trail…
- Cold Spring Trail East Fork — Trailhead: A shaded canyon hike that follows a seasonal creek through oaks and sycamores. In spring the wildflowers are absurd and…
- Gibraltar Road Overlook — Scenic Overlook: A narrow road that climbs above the city into the stars. The pulloffs along Gibraltar Road offer some of the darkest…
- Rattlesnake Canyon Trail — Trailhead: Don't let the name scare you — the only thing you'll encounter on this creek-side trail is dappled sunshine and the…
- Jesusita Trail Overlook — Trailhead: A foothill trail that switchbacks through sage and chaparral before opening onto a sandstone bench with a commanding…
- East Camino Cielo Gate — Stargazing Spot: The locked gate at the top of East Camino Cielo marks the beginning of genuine wilderness and the end of city-light…
- Paradise Road Riverside — Picnic Friendly: A winding road along the upper Santa Ynez River where sycamores arch over swimming holes and the sound of the water…
- RH Cloud Sofa Challenge — Montecito — Dare: The Montecito RH gallery is tucked inside a converted firehouse, which already makes it the most romantic furniture…
- State Street Busker Duet — Dare: Walk down State Street in Santa Barbara until you find a busker. The dare: ask if you can sing one verse of any song…
- Farmers Market Taste Test — Dare: Find a local farmers market (Santa Barbara's Saturday one is legendary). The dare: sample everything being offered.…
- Hotel Lobby Lounge Pretend — Dare: Walk into the nicest hotel lobby you can find. Sit in the lounge like you're guests. Order one drink. The dare: pretend…