This laid-back California beach town doesn't try too hard, but it still managed to come in third on the New York Times' list of 52 Places to Go in 2019. Perfect weather may have something to do with that: the city's Mediterranean climate was ranked best in the country, according to U.S. News & World Report.

Visit Mission Santa Barbara, still an active Franciscan mission, for a taste of California history — or for a taste of something different, head straight for the city's many wine tasting rooms and excellent eateries. The beach also beckons any visitor, so make time to soak up the sun and surf while you're in town, and don't forget to catch a spectacular Pacific sunset before you go.

Fortunately, there are plenty of relatively inexpensive flights between Raleigh and Santa Barbara, at least according to travel site Skyscanner.

Here’s a list of flights, hotels, restaurants and local attractions in Santa Barbara to get you excited about your next excursion.

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Cheapest Santa Barbara flights

Currently, the cheapest flights between Raleigh and Santa Barbara are if you leave on May 31 and return from California on June 4. Frontier Airlines currently has tickets for $498, roundtrip.

There are also deals to be had in August. If you fly out of Raleigh on Aug. 2 and return from Santa Barbara on Aug. 4, Frontier Airlines can get you there and back for $538, roundtrip.

Top Santa Barbara hotels

To plan your stay, here are two of Santa Barbara’s top-rated hotels, that we selected from Skyscanner's listings based on price and customer satisfaction.

The San Ysidro Ranch (900 San Ysidro Lane)

For a pricey option, there is The San Ysidro Ranch. Rooms are currently set at $595/night. It checks in with five stars. 

Situated near the airport, this Santa Barbara hotel is also close to Westmont College, the Santa Barbara Zoo and the Presidio Santa Barbara. Additional attractions in the area include the Santa Barbara Botanical Garden.

The Hyatt Centric Santa Barbara (1111 E. Cabrillo Blvd.)

Another option is The Hyatt Centric Santa Barbara. The 4.3-star hotel has rooms for $149/night.

"Located across the street from a really nice beach. They have a great pool with views of the ocean. The rooms have been recently redone in a clean, modern style that was surprising given the old Spanish mission style exterior," wrote visitor Travis.

Featured Santa Barbara restaurants

If you're looking for a popular spot to grab a bite, Santa Barbara has plenty of excellent eateries to choose from. Here are a few from Skyscanner's listings to help you get started.

Brophy Bros. Clam Bar & Restaurant (119 Harbor Way)

First things first: where to get seafood. For a popular option, check out the Brophy Bros. Clam Bar & Restaurant, which has an average of 4.6 stars out of 51 reviews on Skyscanner.

"Grab a beer and clam chowder, or an oyster shooter and fish basket," wrote visitor Steve. 

Arigato Sushi (1225 State St.)

One of Santa Barbara's most popular restaurants is the Arigato Sushi, with 4.8 stars from 29 reviews.

"A delicious and well-rounded menu with a nice vegetarian selection," wrote reviewer Maria. "The sake and wine were both wonderful as well."

Los Agaves (600 N. Milpas St.)

Also worth considering is Los Agaves, with 4.7 stars from 35 reviews.

"Los Agaves is an authentic Mexican restaurant with several locations. The chicken enchilada is delicious," wrote Leila. 

Top Santa Barbara attractions

Santa Barbara is also full of sites to visit and explore. Here are a couple of popular attractions to round out your trip, again from Skyscanner's listings.

Stearns Wharf (217 Stearns Wharf)

First up is Stearns Wharf, with 4.6 stars from 93 reviews.

This ocean pier is lined with restaurants and classic California entertainment, and it's popular with locals and tourists alike.

"Lovely and chill," wrote visitor Kajsa. "Lots of art, a couple good places, a museum and the small aquarium. Gorgeous beach."

The Santa Barbara Zoo (500 Ninos Drive)

The Santa Barbara Zoo is another popular destination. It has 4.6 stars from 78 reviews on Skyscanner. 

"It's a smallish zoo but the exhibits are first rate," wrote visitor Tracy. "We spent about 2.5 hours here. The animals look well cared for and the informational displays are well curated."

This story was created automatically using flight, hotel, and local attractions data, then reviewed by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.