This Seaside Town Is a Hidden Gem in California

Rising up in Santa Barbara, California, day journeys to close by Summerland, roughly a 10-minute drive from downtown, have been the spotlight of my week. In highschool, I’d head there with pals, grabbing burgers at Tinker’s, hitting the seashore, or looking for bikinis at Bikini Manufacturing unit. Again then, Summerland felt like a secret—a seaside city simply past the rhythm of day by day life.

Through the years, I’ve watched Summerland rework, welcoming new outlets just like the bookstore Godmothers, the cafe and reward store Area + Fort, and the Summerland Vintage Collective. “Summerland was as soon as a sleepy little spot on the map, however over the previous decade, it’s developed, with upscale outlets and treasures for vintage fans,” says Paulette Bermant, proprietor of Inn on Summer Hill.

It’s additions corresponding to these which have helped catapult Summerland from a city simply handed on the 101 freeway right into a must-see vacation spot, one that also maintains its small-town attraction. “The bigger close by cities are great,” says Victoria Jackson, co-founder of Godmothers, sharing why she and her co-founder determined to open a bookstore in Summerland. “However Summerland provided one thing quieter and extra private, the place an area like this might actually change into part of day by day life, reasonably than only a vacation spot.”

Subsequent time you’re driving alongside the coast, maybe in your strategy to better-known Montecito or Santa Barbara, take Exit 91 off Freeway 101 and think about spending the day exploring this hidden gem.

The place to Keep

Inn on Summer time Hill

Overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Inn on Summer Hill is a 17-room boutique lodge with plentiful water and backyard views. Constructed within the late Eighties by inside designer Mabel Shults and her husband, Paul, the property has remained family-run because it opened. “The inn and Summerland are actually a candy reminder of my dad and mom’ passions and love for the realm and hospitality enterprise,” says Bermant, the Shults’ daughter.

Finest Issues to Do

Go to The Sacred House.

Strolling into The Sacred Space in Summerland seems like stepping via a portal to a tropical retreat. The Balinese gardens function a number of seating areas surrounded by lush wildlife, accompanied by the mild trickle of close by fountains. For those who want an escape from the calls for of on a regular basis life, this can be a place to linger.

Make a journey to the Santa Barbara Chicken Sanctuary.

Santa Barbara Bird Sanctuary is one in all just a few parrot rescues within the nation; it focuses on taking in uncared for companion parrots. Right now, it’s dwelling to greater than 50, all of whom you’ll be able to go to on a walk-around tour via the tropical gardens.

Get pleasure from a California seashore day.

Lookout Park is a four-acre leisure space perched alongside the Summerland coast with quick access to each scenic views and the seashore under. Guests can arrive by automotive, bike, or on foot. The park is dog-friendly and options picnic tables, grills, a playground, a self-service canine wash station, and a seashore volleyball court docket. To achieve the seashore, stroll to the tip of the car parking zone reverse the playground, the place a path leads all the way down to Summerland Seashore. You may even go horseback driving on Summerland Seashore, or discover one of many scenic bluff trails, with Summerland Beach Rides.

Finest Eating places

Area + Fort

Newer additions like Field + Fort, a hybrid cafe and reward and residential items store, have helped form Summerland’s rising id. On the cafe, you’ll discover seasonal, chef-inspired breakfasts and lunches, finest loved on the patio with backyard seating. Whenever you’re accomplished, roam the reward store, which has all the pieces from gardening instruments to caviar.

Tinker’s

For those who’re within the temper for a fast burger and fries in Summerland, Tinker’s (or Tinker Burger) is a longtime native favourite. Seize a basic cheeseburger with a facet of curly fries, or go for one of many hearty sandwiches, like a pastrami soften or Philly-style steak sandwich.

Summerland Seashore Cafe

Step contained in the historic Summerland Beach Cafe, set in a restored Victorian-era home in-built 1893, nearly a block from the Pacific. Since opening in 1981, this laid-back spot has been a favourite for homestyle breakfast and lunch with indoor, porch, and backyard patio seating.

The Nugget Bar and Grill

An area favourite, in accordance with Bermant, The Nugget Bar and Grill first started serving burgers, fries, chili, and different basic American fare round 1970, making it a longtime neighborhood staple.

Crimson Kettle Espresso

It’s laborious to overlook the big gnome out entrance of Red Kettle Coffee. Opened in 2016, this cozy cafe serves domestically roasted espresso, hand-blended teas, and freshly baked items, making it an ideal cease for a morning cup of joe or a noon pick-me-up.

Finest Procuring

Summerland Vintage Collective

Summerland Antique Collective is actually an vintage lover’s dream. With greater than 20 distinctive supplier areas unfold all through the shop, you’re virtually assured to search out precisely what you’re searching for. From lamps and plates to work and books, the choice is huge and seemingly unending.

Godmothers

When Godmothers opened in Summerland’s Nineteen Twenties three-story white barn in 2024, it shortly turned greater than only a bookstore; it grew into a real literary and neighborhood hub. Proper within the coronary heart of city, the area presents a wide array of books throughout genres, curated reward objects, studying nooks, and a sunny patio that includes a renovated Airstream espresso cart serving Dart Coffee. “We hope everybody who visits us seems like Godmothers is dwelling away from dwelling,” says co-founder Jennifer Rudolph Walsh. “A spot to seize a espresso and a e-book, and a spot to develop and study and join.”

Bikini Manufacturing unit

Bikini Factory has referred to as Summerland dwelling for greater than 60 years. Whether or not you’re looking for basic beachwear or one thing particular to your subsequent coastal getaway, it stays the place to go for all issues swimwear in Summerland and past.

The Effectively

The Well is a type of locations that speaks to Summerland’s distinctive character. As you stroll in, you’re instantly met by the tranquil sound of trickling water from the various stone fountains all through the property. The outside area showcases backyard and patio furnishings, whereas a number of stand-alone cottages home a curated assortment of indoor items.

Finest Time to Go to

One of the best time to go to Summerland is anytime—actually. Whereas the summer season shines, Summerland boasts sunny climate year-round. Even on a uncommon gloomy or wet day, it’s nonetheless well worth the journey.

Learn how to Get Round

Tucked simply off U.S. Freeway 101, Summerland is simple to achieve whether or not you’re headed north or south. Take Exit 91 in both path, which leads straight into city by way of Lillie Avenue, Summerland’s fundamental thoroughfare. When you arrive, the compact seaside neighborhood is simple to discover by automotive, bike, or on foot, with all the pieces clustered shut collectively.