Flights & Transportation: Budget-Friendly Travel Tips

We flew roundtrip from MCI to Santa Barbara using Southwest Companion Passes and points, which brought our total cost to just under $45 for the four of us! Traveling with points and miles at its finest! If you are new to earning and booking with Southwest, read my Ultimate Guide to Earning the Southwest Companion Pass.

To get from the airport to our hotel, we used Lyft and earned 5X points with my Chase Sapphire Card. Our total ride cost was just $66, and the drive was only about 15 minutes each way. As our plans were within walking distance from the hotel, we didn’t need to rent a car during our stay, making our trip even more points affordable. However, if you want to rent a car with points or check out my money saving tips, read How to Save Big on Rental Cars (Plus How to Use Credit Card Coverage & Points).

Where We Stayed: A Comfortable and Scenic Stay at The Mar Monte Hotel

For accommodations, we stayed at the Mar Monte Hotel, located right across from East Beach. I am obsessed with this hotel! Ohh my gosh it has beautiful Spanish archetecture and is so warm and inviting.

We redeemed points from my Chase Business Ink Cash card and Freedom Flex card (both have $0 annual fees) to cover the stay, thanks to my Chase Sapphire Card, which gives me access to 14 amazing transfer partners like Hyatt. Read Hyatt Stays on Points: The Best Cards to Use and How to Book You Nearly Free Stay.

On arrival, I requested a complimentary upgrade to a beach-view balcony room, and it was granted—proof that it never hurts to ask! The room offered stunning views of the beach, making our stay even more special.

Top Things to Do in Santa Barbara: Adventure Awaits! Here are some of my favorites!

1. Wine Tasting Tours

Santa Barbara is home to incredible vineyards and wine-tasting experiences. If you love wine, don’t miss a wine-tasting tour. The next time I head to Santa Barbara it is going to be either with. my husband or group of girlfriends and this is at the top of my list. You can book wine tasting tours through Viator to explore the best local wineries. The tours are perfect for both seasoned connoisseurs and first-time wine enthusiasts.

2. Kayaking at Channel Islands National Park

Last year, we took an unforgettable kayaking trip to Channel Islands National Park with Santa Barbara Adventure Company. Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable, sharing fascinating facts about the islands and the diverse wildlife that inhabits them.

The ferry ride with Island Packers to the Channel Islands was equally thrilling. We spotted multiple grey whales, a humpback whale, and countless dolphins during the journey, which made for an amazing family experience. If you’re looking for an adventure, this is a must-do!

Book a kayak tour to Channel Islands National Park through the Channel Islands Kayak Company and experience the beauty of these rugged, pristine islands firsthand.

3. Scenic Hikes in Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara is a hiker’s paradise. One of the best family-friendly hikes we did was to Inspiration Point in Los Padres National Forest. It was a challenging yet rewarding hike with stunning views of the coastline and the city.

Another trail I’ve heard great things about is Lizard’s Mouth Trail, known for its unique rock formations and panoramic views. If you love hiking, Santa Barbara offers plenty of options for all skill levels.

4. A Day Trip to Solvang

Just a short drive away from Santa Barbara is the charming town of Solvang. This quaint Danish village is famous for its unique architecture, windmills, and delicious pastries. Here’s what you can’t miss on your day trip:

• Visit the Hans Christian Andersen Museum and learn about the famous author’s life.
• Stop by Solvang Bakery for some authentic Danish pastries (try the aebleskiver—Danish pancake balls!).
• Explore the local boutiques and find unique souvenirs.

Fun Fact: Solvang is known for its Danish-style architecture, and you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into Europe while strolling the streets.

5. Renting E-Bikes and Kayaking

The Mar Monte Hotel offers complimentary bikes, so we took advantage of that several times. We rode along the beach to the Santa Barbara Pier, enjoying the fresh air and scenic views. For a more thrilling ride, I recommend renting electric bikes (e-bikes). Santa Barbara has some excellent e-bike rentals for those who want to cover more ground effortlessly.

If you are looking for a stunning adventure check out the sunset kayak tour of Santa Barbara. My mom and I were just talking about doing this last week.

Where to Eat: Delicious Dining Options in Santa Barbara

• Reunion Kitchen + Drink: Located right across from the Mar Monte Hotel, this restaurant is perfect for a family meal. While it’s not the cheapest option, the food is fantastic. My daughter loved the French toast and sausage, which is served all day. We also enjoyed dining on the patio with a view of the beach.
• Costa at Mar Monte Hotel: On a rainy day, we enjoyed a late lunch here. It’s a cozy spot with delicious food and amazing Moscow Mule cocktails if that’s your thing.
• Great Pacific Ice Cream Company: This adorable shop on Stearns Wharf offers some of the best ice cream in Santa Barbara. Perfect for a sweet treat after a day of exploring.
• La Super-Rica Taqueria: No trip to Santa Barbara is complete without trying tacos at La Super-Rica Taqueria, a local favorite. This casual spot is famous for its delicious and authentic Mexican street tacos, including carnitas and al pastor. Be prepared for a bit of a line, but it’s definitely worth the wait!
• Mony’s Mexican Food: Another gem in Santa Barbara, Mony’s serves up some of the best tacos in town. Located in a cozy little spot, their fish tacos are a must-try! It’s perfect for a quick and tasty meal.
• Batting Cages at Zodo’s Bowling & Beyond: For something a little different, head over to Zodo’s Bowling & Beyond. While it’s known for bowling, it also has an awesome batting cage area. After working up an appetite from some swings, grab a bite to eat at Zodo’s – they serve great burgers, pizza, and a solid selection of comfort foods. A great family-friendly stop for food and fun!

Final Thoughts: Making Memories with Family

Our trips to Santa Barbara are always soul-filling. Whether it’s spending time with family, exploring nature, or enjoying delicious food, every moment is precious. And these trips wouldn’t be possible without points and miles. If you’re new to the world of points and miles, now’s the time to learn! With the right strategies, you can travel the world at a fraction of the cost. You got this!

Cards That Made This Trip Possible

• Chase Sapphire Preferred: This card opens doors to a variety of travel rewards, and it’s a must-have for those serious about points and miles.
• Chase Business Ink Cash: Perfect for earning bonus points on business-related expenses.
• Chase Freedom Flex: A great card for earning bonus points on rotating categories.

If you’re thinking about opening a travel card, consider using my affiliate links. It’s a simple, no-cost way to support my blog and help me keep sharing valuable content with you!

Remember, a family vacation in Santa Barbara is just a few clicks away! Book now and start making memories!