Santa Barbara County has long been a celebrity hot spot and a (not-so) best-kept secret for the Hollywood elite. This past year, Selena Gomez married Benny Blanco in Santa Barbara, CA, in a star-studded ceremony at the Sea Crust Nursery. With residents like Oprah Winfrey, Gwyneth Paltrow, The Kardashians, and the hills of Montecito housing mansions fit for royals such as Harry and Meghan Markle, Santa Barbara is no stranger to A-Listers.

Santa Barbara and Montecito impress their residents with their gorgeous views, proximity to Los Angeles and premium offerings. Travel through Santa Barbara and see why this destination is the top choice for celebrities, and keep your eyes peeled for a sighting! The Santa Barbara International Film Festival in February is a great opportunity for running into celebs or catching them at some of the city’s hottest spots. A few attending this year include Jeremy Allen White, Jacob Elordi, Sydney Sweeney, Teyana Taylor and more.

From red carpets to restaurant patios, this is one of the best times of year to experience Santa Barbara at its most glamorous—and possibly catch a celebrity sighting along the way. Below, we’ve rounded up some of the best places to stay, sip, dine, and unwind in Santa Barbara, all offering a taste of the city’s celebrity-approved lifestyle. Whether you’re planning a film festival getaway or simply want to experience the Central Coast like an insider, these standout spots are where it all happens.

Where to Stay

Kimpton Canary Hotel - Close to the Arts District Action

When visiting Santa Barbara, make the Kimpton Canary Hotel your home base for celebrity signings and arts and culture immersion. Located in the heart of Santa Barbara’s historic Downtown ARTS District, the Kimpton Canary Hotel is just steps away from iconic theaters like the Arlington Theater (a location for Santa Barbara International Film Festival), Granada Theater and the Lobero Theater, plus art galleries and the Santa Barbara Museum of Art. See the stars in action, then rub elbows with the actual stars; during the renowned Santa Barbara International Film Festival (February 4-14, 2026), the ARTS District is ground zero for A-list sightings. The hotel itself balances chic city hotel vibes with classic Spanish-style architecture, embodying the quintessential Santa Barbara character that attracts the Hollywood elite. Lounge like an A-lister while enjoying the Canary’s rooftop pool (the largest in Santa Barbara) with stunning 360 views of the Pacific Ocean and mountains in the distance, plus exclusive amenities, including complimentary evening social hour featuring local wines, rooftop yoga, pet-friendly accommodations and more.

Where to Eat & Drink

Lion’s Tale - A Luxe Hotel Lobby Bar

Nestled in the Montecito Inn (originally built by Charlie Chaplin), Lion’s Tale transports guests to a swanky European lounge with elegance dripping in every intimate corner. Ideal to sneak into and watch for celebs who might want to be and be seen or take refuge. Lion’s Tale’s chic, warm ambience invites guests to cozy up in a plush booth and sip on classic cocktails with a modern twist, like the Café Negroni with gin, house bitter blend, house vermouth, amaro and coffee essence; Lion’s Tale Martini with gin or vodka and dry vermouth; and the Gimlet with gin, fennel, honeydew, caraway spirit, lime and almond. When hunger strikes, nibble on elevated bar bites made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients like the Lobster Roll, Lamb Burger, and Smoked Trout Dip. Lion’s Tale also offers live jazz music on Wednesdays and a late-night menu for when you don’t want the evening to end.

Where to Sip Santa Barbara Wines

The Funk Zone's Original Tasting Room - Where Anything Can Happen

Spread out on the patio at Pali Wine Co to be right in the middle of the action with an award-winning glass of wine in hand. The Funk Zone has become a hotspot for spontaneous celebrity moments; in April, Adam Levine and Maroon 5 performed a surprise show right in the neighborhood. As one of the original Funk Zone tasting rooms, Pali Wine Co.’s flagship outpost continues to champion this vibrant neighborhood, offering visitors and locals alike a true Central Coast experience. Crafting their wines in the Sta. Rita Hills AVA of Santa Barbara County, Pali Wine Co. is dedicated to showcasing the region’s unique potential through unique varieties, recently expanding their estate-grown varieties to include Chenin Blanc (the only currently grown in the AVA), Gamay, Dornfelder, Syrah as well as their award-winning Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Sip through curated tasting flights and relax on the patio to enjoy the quirkiness of the buzzy neighborhood.

Where to Take in the Views

Gracie - The Santa Barbara Harbor’s Newest Gem

Newly opened in the Santa Barbara Harbor, Gracie is an all-day eatery bringing fresh flavors and unbeatable waterfront views. The harbor is a place where people can be discreet in hats and sunglasses on the way to their boats, and if you look closely, you might see someone you recognize. After the Maroon 5 Santa Barbara performance, they stopped by Gracie to enjoy a meal! This dynamic gathering spot, where guests can eat, sip, and linger from sunrise to sundown, offers a dialed-in brunch and dinner experience with an expertly curated bar program. With an Art Deco-inspired U-shaped bar that lures guests inside, Gracie's creates an enchanting experience any time of day. For brunch, enjoy compelling items like the Gracie Benedict with specialty coffees like the Peanut Brittle Mocha. During lunch or dinner, savor the Ceviche with rockfish, mango, lemongrass, avocado, cucumber and Fresno chili; or Steak Frites with Flat Iron Steak, Au Poivre sauce and fries while sipping on a POG Margarita, Stone Fruit Sour or Dalmatian.

Where to Get a Nightcap

The Good Lion - A Santa Barbara Staple

A Santa Barbara staple, The Good Lion has been serving the Santa Barbara community for 11 years. Located at the base of the historic Granada Theater, The Good Lion is the best bar to potentially spot someone famous after a show. The theater houses plays, movies, and is home to arts and lectures performances for UCSB. This neighborhood bar set the tone for the cocktail scene in the Central Coast by serving high-quality craft cocktails. Currently, the bar offers a rotating menu that resembles the original model they opened with in November 2014. This highlights seasonal cocktails, the neo-classics, interpretations and classics, and the house's greatest hits. Each cocktail is expertly crafted to ensure guests have a delicious experience, no matter which type of cocktail they choose! Located in the heart of Downtown Santa Barbara, its location makes it the perfect place for an after-dinner nightcap.

A-List Santa Barbara: The Ultimate Film Festival Weekend Guide