I recently celebrated my birthday by taking a short trip to a small town near Santa Barbara, California. I also got a chance to explore nearby towns including Carpinteria and Oxnard. Although I had been to Santa Barbara before, I was excited to check out new places.
As I made my way up the coast, I stopped by Safeport Dispensary in Port Hueneme, neighboring Oxnard. I purchased a Select Elite Durban Poison cartridge and proceeded to head to my Airbnb rental near Santa Barbara.
There’s plenty to do in the surrounding towns, but if you’re going to be spending at least a day in Santa Barbara, you should check out these things to do if you have medicated recently. Just make sure to have someone sober drive or get an Uber.
Explore Native Plants at the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden
For just $12 you can enter into a natural oasis featuring over 1,000 California native plants, trees, and flowers. Walk through the quiet and peaceful Redwood Forest section amongst the soaring trees or marvel at the cacti variety in the Desert Section. You can’t smoke inside, but if you’re medicated, the view of the San Ynez Mountains will be worth the trip.
Hike Up to Inspiration Point
The name says it all, but if you need proof, hike up this easy trail that goes uphill through the mountains. At the summit, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of Santa Barbara, the Pacific ocean, and the Channel Islands. I didn’t make it to the top, but did hike through a fog, which was unforgettable.
Step Into A Botanic Paradise at Lotusland
Lotusland is an exploration of plants, art, and design. This 37-acre estate, once owned by a famous opera singer and socialite, is hailed as one of the most unique gardens in the world. Over its 25 gardens, you’ll see rare plants in a perfectly manicured setting. Stroll through the Japanese garden, palm collection, insectary garden, orchards, aloe garden, and more.
Drink Craft Brew and Eat Tacos at the Funk Zone
The Funk Zone is an art-filled industrial section of Santa Barbara full of farm-to-table restaurants, craft breweries, boutiques, and art galleries. If you’re mixing weed and alcohol, be careful, but if you do head to Figueroa Mountain Brewery.
Finally, don’t leave Santa Barbara without trying Mony’s Mexican Food. They have one of the best salsa bars and taco meat options like lengua, adobada, al pastor, buche, cabeza, tripas, and more underrated meats. Grab a nice Mexican coke to wash it all down.
Munch Out on State Street
State Street in Downtown Santa Barbara has plenty of shopping, restaurants, and bars. For a decadent and rich entrée, head to Patxi’s Pizza for their selection of deep dish or thin crust pizzas. I tried the Classic Meat deep dish and I still think about it to this day.
Satisfy the munchies with a visit to McConnel’s Fine Ice Creams. I got three scoops of ice cream, Earl Grey Tea & Shortbread Cookies, Winter Pear Crisp, and Santa Barbara Strawberry, on a waffle bowl.
Visit the Iconic Stearns Wharf
While many locals consider certain retailers and restaurants around Stearns Wharf to be tourist traps, Stearns Wharf is a great place to go fishing or just stare out into the vast ocean with a loved one. Visit the Museum of Natural History Sea Center to come eye to eye with sharks or satisfy your sweet tooth at Mother Stearns Candy Company. You can park for free on the wharf during the first 90 minutes.
Check Out Contemporary Art at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art
Even if you didn’t take an art history class, there’s nothing like getting high and visiting an art museum. I especially enjoy looking at hyper-realistic art when I’m under the influence. Santa Barbara’s Museum of Art has over 27,000 works of art you can fawn over. These works span over 5,000 years of civilization ranging from the classics to contemporary art.
If you’re a Monet fan, you can zone out on a large collection of his Impressionist paintings. Just make sure not to get to close to the paintings as you count all those dots. Get in for $5 to check out paintings, sculpture, prints, textiles, photographs, and more from around the world.
I can’t wait to get back to Santa Barbara to visit all the restaurants, breweries, and other tourist attractions I missed. This sunny beachside city offers a little bit of everything for any type of cannabis user. Whether you like the sophistication of a wine tasting or you’re looking to go antique shopping, Santa Barbara won’t let you down.
