Santa Barbara’s glorious beaches and sublime weather are usually the primary reasons for a visit, but once you are here, consider a trip to the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden. There are displays and activities perfect for the avid outdoors person, amateur gardener, or conservation advocate. You will fill your phone with hundreds of gorgeous pictures and selfies. Here are the details you need to know and our picks for visit highlights: Planning Your Visit to the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden Address: 1212 Mission Canyon Rd, Santa Barbara Hours: 10 am – 5 pm Cost: $20 per adult (some discounts avai ..read more

We have curated the best places to shop in Santa Barbara. Take time for a little retail therapy! Santa Barbara has plenty of sunshine, so take a break from time at the beach and in the water. Whether you’re a list maker bee-lining it to one store or a serendipitous wanderer, we can guide you to the 7 best places to shop in Santa Barbara. Beach souvenirs, designer clothing stores, open-air shopping plazas, and vintage goods are all part of shopping in Santa Barbara. To make it even easier, The Eagle Inn is conveniently located near all these fantastic spots. 1. State Street →The primary shoppin ..read more

Sometimes, despite your best planning, Mother Nature intervenes with a day of rain when you are expecting sun. Don’t be discouraged; there are still many active things to do on a rainy day in Santa Barbara, CA. You can, of course, hunker down and spend the day catching up on sleep, reading that novel you have set aside, or planning a day of shopping. But if your heart is set on exploring and being energetic, here are our suggestions: If You Don’t Mind Getting Wet: *DO NOT be out on the water in the event of a lightning storm. Seek shelter in your car or an enclosed space if you find yourself o ..read more

Santa Barbara is well-known for its wineries and restaurants, but are you aware of the various nightlife options to choose from: music, theater, dance, concerts, and shows, large and small? To ensure you don’t miss a thing, here is our ultimate guide to entertainment in Santa Barbara. And what is in the middle of it all, with easy access to all of these fantastic venues in Santa Barbara? The Eagle Inn! We are just blocks from the waterfront, downtown, the Funk Zone, and everything else you may choose to include in your evening. Where should we start? Let’s take a look at the Historic Theatre D ..read more

Santa Barbara is the perfect destination for red-tiled roofs, fabulous wine, and sparkling beaches. A few steps from the beach is a pedestrian-friendly, 10-block area known as the Funk Zone, where you will find unique art, tasting rooms, and eclectic shops. Spend an afternoon or evening using our guide to Santa Barbara’s Funk Zone. State Street, Stearns Wharf, and East Beach border the Funk Zone. It is easily accessible by the Santa Barbara station of Amtrak. It is a quirky mixture of historical marine structures, industrial buildings, and houses where artists have created studio spaces over t ..read more

Updated June 2023 Santa Barbara’s beauty and appeal are well documented, with the Pacific’s sparkling blue expanse dominating most images. With more than a dozen beaches spanning the proclaimed American Riviera, how do you choose which are the best Santa Barbara beaches? In part, that will depend on your planned beach activity. There are surfers, runners, volleyball players, families building sandcastles, and sun worshippers. Each beach has its own special appeal, and it is true that where the coast and the land embrace is a magical arena that must be experienced. Here are our favorites; sever ..read more

Santa Barbara is a glorious destination for a getaway; it is often called the American Riviera. With so much to see and do, the choices for lodging can be overwhelming. So, we’ve simplified the decision-making with six reasons why the Eagle Inn is the best place to stay in Santa Barbara. The often-used phrase for real estate is “location, location, location,” and the Eagle Inn shines in this area! The location of the Eagle Inn is perfect — the beach, local restaurants, and attractions are mere steps away. Additionally, for those who come via train, it’s only a five-minute walk from the station ..read more

When you think about eating Italian food, what comes to mind? Is it pasta, served family style with meatballs and crusty bread? Or is it pizza with your favorite toppings and a blistered wooden hearth crust? Or, is it fine dining with fresh ingredients in a new and inventive way? Luckily for us, in the Santa Barbara area, we have all three! Here are some suggestions for the best Italian restaurants near Santa Barbara, CA. Family Style Italian ARNOLDI’S CAFE Arnoldi’s is one of the oldest restaurants in Santa Barbara, having opened its doors in 1937. In 1940, Giuseppe Arnold quarried local ston ..read more

When is the right time to start planning for the holidays? We think the 2022 Holiday Events in Santa Barbara will be the best we have had in several years. All of your favorites will be back, including the 36th Annual Parade of Lights at the Harbor and some new events that will surely become your favorites. Start planning now; get your dates set and rooms reserved. Get tickets early if there is a specific performance you have your heart set on. If you have questions, please ask us! We are always happy to help make your stay in Santa Barbara perfect. Holiday Events & Activities 36TH ANNUAL ..read more

The end of summer definitely does not signal the end of fun things to do. With all of the amazing fall festivals near Santa Barbara CA, it seems like there are even more activities! We will break it down for you so you don’t miss anything. But don’t wait too long to book your stay at Eagle Inn; you will want a comfortable place to land after a fun day at the festivals. There are festivals this year to satisfy almost anyone’s interests; from amazing seafood, to film, to wine, and lemons. Margaritas Y Más Festival September 10, 1 pm – 4 pm Elings Park, 1298 Las Positas Rd, Santa Barbara Margarit ..read more