15 things you must do in Santa Barbara

The Mission Santa Barbara gave more than just its name to the city. It gave the city its cool, laid-back vibe, with a courtyard and rose garden begging visitors to take a deep breath and relax. This is Santa Barbara, after all: no one should ever be stressed. 

State Street is jam-packed with things to see. You'll pass by the Arlington Theater, famous for its Spanish interior, and the Promenade, where you can browse the many shops and bars lining the street. You can start your journey at Trinity Church, which is worth a visit in and of itself, and afterward lay out at one of East Beach's many lounges. 

Santa Barbara is to beaches what Giannis is to Milwaukee: there's still plenty of things that work without them, but really, none of us would care if they weren't apart of the equation. The best beach in town is Butterfly, a half-mile stretch of cliffs, palm trees and sun-dappled sand. 

Where my alcoholics at?! Probably at the Funk Zone... This place is perfect for an afternoon drink, especially if you need a break from the kids and/or are visiting friends. Things usually open around lunchtime, as bars like Llama Dog, Test Pilot and Valley Project fill up with locals looking to catch an early buzz. 

As the best place to hike in Santa Barbara, this trail is a major tourist attraction. It's got two different paths to the top, which is a gorgeous outlook of Santa Barbara's coastline and Channel Island's cove. The shorter option starts at Tunnel Trail and will take about an hour. The other option is starting at Jesusita Trail, which is another 3 miles and another two hours. 

If you're looking for Instagram-worthy views, head over to Stearns Wharf at sunset. The ocean melts into a swirl of gelato hues; the town disappears into a haze of orange-mist. And the boats drift by like lilies in a Monet painting.

Cold Springs Tavern is a bistro that looks like a witches' coven. It's better than any other tavern in America, and I've been to at least...two taverns...so you know I know what I'm talking about. 

The Santa Barbara area is famous for its parks, and Shoreline Park, located on the bluffs overlooking Leadbetter Beach, is the mother of them all. The two-mile stretch is lined with sidewalks, playgrounds, games of soccer, football and tag, and rays of California sun and Pacific Ocean mist. Get out your running shoes, a beach towel or a yoga mat; there's something here for everyone. 

This family-owned shop has been serving the best ice cream in town since 1949. There's usually a line, but where there's a line, there's something worth waiting for.

Quiet, big, and secluded, More Mesa is one of Santa Barbara's best-kept secrets. Start with a walk on the bluffs, the many pathways leading you to hidden caves and tree-lined canopies, and then take a hike down to the beach, where you can have a stretch of sand all to yourself. Just beware: this is a nudė beach, so be prepared for some unique views should you visit here.

If you're the type of person who enjoys nature, the Santa Barbara Botanic Gardens will be as welcoming as the scent of Redwood. The garden focuses on local plants, with sections devoted to herbs, sages and flowers, and there's even a mile-long walkway devoted to trees. 

Had enough of nature? Head over to Los Agaves for the best Mexican food in town. It's got three locations, but only one has a Michelin Guide. 

Santa Barbara Country Courthouse is the one time you actually want to spend a day in court. In the structure are a number of murals, archways, and Spanish tiles, plus a clock tower that has the best views in town. 

Routinely ranked as the best surf spot in America, Rincon is to surfing what Citizen Kane is to movies. It revolutionized the sport: big waves+long rides=a surfer's wet dream. 

Got an extra day? Take some time to explore the town's many beaches, restaurants, and coffee shops. If you're lucky, you may even run into a celebrity while you're there: Montecito is frequented by Ellen, Oprah, and Brad Pitt.