805.617.0438

Dining in Santa Barbara

Best Santa Barbara Thanksgiving Vacation Ideas: Events, Dining, and Drinks

Get together with your family and consider doing it as a vacation for Thanksgiving. It’s one of the best Thanksgiving vacation ideas. What better way to give everyone in your family a new experience and an opportunity to try new food, beer, wine, and more? 

Even better is that you could be enjoying Thanksgiving weekend on a beach in Santa Barbara. It’s not that wild an idea, because there are plenty of Thanksgiving events, dining options, wineries, breweries, and more in downtown Santa Barbara. 

However, one of the best Thanksgiving vacation ideas is booking a place for your family with Santa Barbara Vacation Rentals. We have a place large enough to accommodate any family, making it easy for you to explore Santa Barbara’s unique events and its delicious food, wine, and beer scene.

Things To Do In Santa Barbara Thanksgiving Weekend

Thanksgiving weekend is filled with energy. It’s not just families and friends coming together, but also the events and shopping experiences. Here is a peek at some of the best things to do throughout Thanksgiving weekend in Santa Barbara.

Santa Barbara Events During Thanksgiving

If you are looking for something to do on Thanksgiving or in the days that follow in Santa Barbara, consider checking out one or more of these events.

  • Thanksgiving Day 4-Miler: This annual race is 4 miles long and starts early Thanksgiving morning. 
  • ZooLights: The Santa Barbara Zoo hosts ZooLights through the holidays, an immersive experience featuring handcrafted silk-covered lanterns and other light shows.
  • Small Business Saturday: If you want to get a head start on Christmas gift shopping, then Small Business Saturday in downtown Santa Barbara is a great place to find deals and unique things you can only find here.

Santa Barbara Thanksgiving Special Menus

A lot goes into a Thanksgiving meal, and when dinner rolls around, you might be exhausted. Try going out for dinner with the family at one of these Santa Barbara restaurants that feature special Thanksgiving menus.

  • Finch & Fork: The restaurant is hosting a harvest buffet. It will feature “savory carving station, raw bar, soups, salads and decadent desserts” as well as seasonal cocktails and local wines and beers.
  • Marisella: Enjoy an à la carte dinner menu with roasted turkey breast, chestnut stuffing, whipped potatoes, sweet potatoes, and brown butter gravy at Marisella.
  • Caruso’s: Dine at a Michelin-starred restaurant for Thanksgiving with Caruso’s. Here you will be treated to a five-course dinner that puts a local spin on a traditional Thanksgiving meal.

Santa Barbara Thanksgiving Winery And Brewery Events

Grab a drink at the end of your day at one of the many excellent wine bars, wineries, or breweries in the Santa Barbara area.

  • Pearl Social Cocktail Club: Some of the best cocktails in Santa Barbara are found at the Pearl Social Cocktail Club. This establishment also tends to host holiday-themed specialty drinks and more.
  • Santa Ynez Wine Tour: Wine tours are a popular pull to the Santa Barbara area, and you can embark on a special tour when you sign up for the Santa Barbara Wine Country Tours. Enjoy three local wineries, lunch, and door-to-door shuttle service.
  • Brass Bear Brewing: Enjoy some local brews and a Thanksgiving buffet at Brass Bear Brewing. It’s a family-friendly brewery with cocktails and food to dine on, too.

Bring The Family To Santa Barbara For Thanksgiving Weekend

The best Thanksgiving vacation ideas involve your family. Make this Thanksgiving extra special by booking directly with Santa Barbara Vacation Rentals

Santa Barbara Vacation Rentals offers comfortable, charming, and fully furnished vacation rentals that provide a true home-away-from-home experience. Each property is conveniently close to all that Santa Barbara has to offer.

Book your stay today before properties fill up. Visit our website or call 805-617-0438 to speak with our friendly team and reserve the rental that’s ideal for your Santa Barbara escape.

SEA, SIP, SAVOR

When it comes to scenic dining, Santa Barbara sets the table like no other. With ocean horizons that stretch for miles and sunsets that turn dinner into a golden-hour ritual, this coastal city knows how to pair flavor with scenery. Whether you’re sipping cocktails by the sea or savoring fresh seafood above the shoreline, these local spots prove that in Santa Barbara, the view is always on the menu. Explore this curated list of spots for oceanfront dining in Santa Barbara.

BLUEWATER GRILL

Located just steps from the water, Bluewater Grill immediately draws you in with its signature lighthouse and sweeping harbor views. Featuring multiple levels, this seafood destination is committed to sustainably sourced, local catches. From cedar-plank salmon to ponzu-glazed scallops, every dish reflects the restaurant’s coastal roots. Alongside the vibrant menu, two lively bars are stocked with Santa Barbara’s finest wines and craft cocktails. These elements combine to create a dining experience that is both relaxed and refined.

Photo via Instagram @bluewatersantabarbara

BOATHOUSE AT HENDRY’S

Located right on Arroyo Burro Beach in Santa Barbara, Boathouse at Hendry’s is a must-visit beachfront restaurant known for its fresh seafood and spectacular view. They feature locally sourced dishes like lobster-truffle mac and cheese, crab cakes, and other coastal favorites. Whether you’re stopping by for a sunset dinner or a casual lunch, Boathouse offers an unforgettable dining experience with sweeping Pacific Ocean views.

Photo via Instagram @sb_boathouse

BROPHY BROS

Brophy Bros, a longtime Santa Barbara favorite, is perched right on the harbor, offering unbeatable views of the harbor and waterfront. Renowned for its fresh, sustainably caught seafood, this lively spot serves classics like clam chowder, garlic-baked clams, and hearty cioppino. The casual, energetic atmosphere makes it ideal for sunset dinners or casual gatherings with friends. With a full bar and friendly service, Brophy Bros combines delicious food and stunning harbor views for an authentic Santa Barbara dining experience.

Photo via Instagram @brophys_sb

CARUSO’S

Embark on a culinary journey like no other at Caruso’s, a Michelin-starred restaurant nestled along the picturesque shores of Miramar Beach in Montecito. Indulge in the extraordinary with Chef Massimo Falsini’s world-class menu, presenting both California’s Central Coast and traditional Italian flavors. The dishes showcase a deep respect for the region’s bounty, highlighting close partnerships with local farmers, fishers, and ranchers to deliver fresh, sustainably sourced ingredients. Caruso’s is perfect for those who desire impeccable service, breathtaking surroundings, and melt-in-your-mouth bites.

Photo via Instagram @rosewoodmiramarbeach

THE ELLWOOD

Brand new to the scene on Goleta Beach, The Ellwood offers premier oceanfront dining in Santa Barbara. Dining here is to experience world-class culinary cuisine. Known for its creative, seasonal menu, the restaurant highlights bold flavors in dishes like grilled seafood and house-made pastas. Whether you’re craving coastal comfort food or innovative cocktails, this hotspot delivers an authentic taste of Santa Barbara’s culinary scene.

Photo via Instagram @theellwood

MARISELLA

Marisella, located at The Ritz-Carlton Bacara in Goleta, offers elegant oceanfront dining on the Santa Barbara coast. The restaurant is led by award-winning Chef Danny Grant. His menu features bold, seasonal flavors rooted in coastal California cuisine. In addition, guests can enjoy fresh pasta, wood-grilled seafood, and dramatic tableside desserts. With sweeping ocean views and a refined atmosphere, Marisella is ideal for special occasions or upscale seaside dining.

Photo via Instagram @marisellarestaurant

REUNION KITCHEN + DRINK

Reunion Kitchen + Drink sits just across from East Beach, offering relaxed coastal dining with a modern twist. The menu features comfort food favorites like short rib, steak and eggs, and poke bowls. Moreover, weekend brunch includes everything from fluffy pancakes to spicy Bloody Marys. The warm, inviting atmosphere makes it a great spot for both casual meals and special gatherings. With ocean views and friendly service, Reunion is a go-to for easygoing, beachside dining in Santa Barbara.

Photo via Instagram @reunionkitchen

TOMA RESTAURANT & BAR

Toma Restaurant & Bar offers elegant waterfront dining along Cabrillo Boulevard in Santa Barbara. The menu blends Italian and Mediterranean flavors using fresh, local ingredients. Signature dishes include house-made pasta, seared scallops, and creative cocktails. In particular, the braised beef short ribs and burrata salad are popular choices. With harbor views and a romantic, intimate setting, Toma is perfect for date nights, special occasions, or a relaxing evening by the sea.

Photo via Instagram @tomarestaurant

OKU

OKU is a stylish oceanfront restaurant located along Cabrillo Boulevard in Santa Barbara. It blends Japanese, Californian, and Asian-fusion flavors in a sleek, modern space. The menu features sushi, ramen, and robata-style grilled dishes. For instance, the wagyu fried rice and miso black cod are standout favorites. With rooftop seating and views of the Pacific, OKU offers a vibrant setting for both casual dinners and special nights out.

Photo via Instagram @okurestaurant

FLOR DE MAIZ

Flor de Maíz brings bold Oaxacan flavors to Santa Barbara’s waterfront. This colorful, upscale restaurant offers modern Mexican cuisine with authentic roots. The menu features handmade tortillas, slow-braised meats, and vibrant seafood dishes. In addition, guests can enjoy an extensive tequila and mezcal selection. Located along Cabrillo Boulevard with ocean views, Flor de Maíz is perfect for lively dinners, date nights, or weekend brunch by the beach.

Photo via Instagram @flordemaiz_sb

Find your perfect Santa Barbara Vacation Rental here.