The laid-back California beach town of Santa Barbara doesn't try too hard, yet it still managed to place third on the New York Times' list of 52 Places to Go in 2019. Perfect weather may have something to do with its chill reputation — the city's Mediterranean climate was ranked best in the country, according to U.S. News and World Report.

As it's still an active Franciscan mission, Mission Santa Barbara is a great place to visit for a taste of California's history. Or, head straight for the city's many wine tasting rooms and excellent eateries for a taste of something entirely different. You can bet the beach also beckons, so make time to soak up the sun and surf by the sea while you're in town, and don't forget to catch a spectacular sunset.

Luckily, there are heaps of relatively inexpensive flights between Seattle and Santa Barbara on 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. (Prices and availability are current as of publication and subject to change.)

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Cheapest Santa Barbara flights

The cheapest flights between Seattle and Santa Barbara are if you leave on Oct. 15 and return from California on Oct. 19. Alaska Airlines currently has roundtrip tickets for $151.

There are also deals to be had in November. If you fly out of Seattle on Nov. 14 and return from Santa Barbara on Nov. 17, United can get you there and back for $214, roundtrip.

Top Santa Barbara hotels

To help plan your stay, here are some of Santa Barbara's top-rated hotels, according to Skyscanner, that we selected based on price, proximity to things to do and customer satisfaction.

Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara (1260 Channel Drive)

If you're looking to splurge on top-tier quality, consider the Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara. The hotel has a 4.8-star rating on Skyscanner, and rooms are currently available for $395/night.

"The rooms are lovely, and the grounds are equally impressive. The service is always a step above the rest, and the hotel has a lot of amenities that are worth the price if you intend to take advantage of them," wrote reviewer Ryan.

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

There's also the 4.3-star rated The Hyatt Centric Santa Barbara, which has rooms currently set at $149/night.

"This is a really nice hotel. Located across the street from a really nice beach. They have a great pool with views of the ocean," wrote visitor Travis. 

San Ysidro Ranch (900 San Ysidro Lane)

If you're looking to treat yourself, there's The San Ysidro Ranch. With a five-star rating on Skyscanner and rooms currently listed for $595/night, the hotel is one of the most luxurious in the city.

Situated near the airport, this Santa Barbara hotel offers convenient proximity to attractions such as Westmont College, Santa Barbara Zoo, Santa Barbara Botanical Garden and Presidio Santa Barbara.

Top picks for dining and drinking

Don't miss out on Santa Barbara's food scene, which has loads of popular spots to get your fill of the local cuisine. Here are a few of the top-rated eateries from Skyscanner's listings.

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

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

Apart from its sustainable seafood, clam chowder and fresh, crusty sourdough bread, this restaurant is known for its lively atmosphere with beautiful views of the ocean and harbor — and of Santa Barbara and the mountains, too.

"Brophy Brothers is the quintessential Santa Barbara restaurant with views of the harbor and the best clam chowder bowls," wrote visitor Leila. "Start with their oysters and a bloody mary cocktail, and then definitely order one of their fish dishes (cooked any way you like)!"

Arigato Sushi (1225 State St.)

Another one of Santa Barbara's most notable restaurants is 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."

Ca' Dario (37 E. Victoria St.)

Finally, there's Ca' Dario.

This charming Italian restaurant is known for its excellent execution of simple pasta dishes, meats and other classics, along with a fantastic wine list.

"The atmosphere is serene," wrote Emily. "Very authentic Italian food. Like, the pasta is handmade."

What to see and do in Santa Barbara

To round out your trip, Santa Barbara offers plenty of popular attractions worth visiting. Here are some top recommendations, based on Skyscanner's descriptions and reviews.

Shoreline Park (Shoreline Drive and Santa Rosa Place)

First up, there's Shoreline Park.

"Awesome park to go for a stroll with your dog, or [for] any kind of activity," wrote visitor Eduardo. "This place is just beautiful."

Stearns Wharf (217 Stearns Wharf)

Then, there's Stearns Wharf.

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

"This is a fun place to explore with lots of shops, restaurants and a small aquarium," wrote visitor Irene. "The aquarium here [has] lobsters that you can actually pet, as they have no pinching claws!"

Butterfly Beach (Montecito)

Lastly, spend some time at Butterfly Beach.

This Santa Barbara beach is popular for stand-up paddleboarding and other water sports.

"The most beautiful beach in Santa Barbara ... go at low tide for a walk in the sand," wrote visitor Anne.

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.