A Best-kept Secret in California

Growing up in Santa Barbara, California, day trips to nearby Summerland, roughly a 10-minute drive from downtown, were the highlight of my week. In high school, I’d head there with friends, grabbing burgers at Tinker’s, hitting the beach, or shopping for bikinis at Bikini Factory. Back then, Summerland felt like a secret—a seaside town just beyond the rhythm of daily life.

Over the years, I’ve watched Summerland transform, welcoming new shops like the bookstore Godmothers, the cafe and gift shop Field + Fort, and the Summerland Antique Collective. “Summerland was once a sleepy little spot on the map, but over the past decade, it’s evolved, with upscale shops and treasures for antique enthusiasts,” says Paulette Bermant, owner of Inn on Summer Hill.

It’s additions such as these that have helped catapult Summerland from a town easily passed on the 101 freeway into a must-see destination, one that still maintains its small-town charm. “The larger nearby towns are wonderful,” says Victoria Jackson, co-founder of Godmothers, sharing why she and her co-founder decided to open a bookstore in Summerland. “But Summerland offered something quieter and more personal, where a space like this could truly become a part of daily life, rather than just a destination.”

Next time you’re driving along the coast, perhaps on your way to better-known Montecito or Santa Barbara, take Exit 91 off Highway 101 and consider spending the day exploring this hidden gem.

Where to Stay

Inn on Summer Hill

Overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Inn on Summer Hill is a 17-room boutique hotel with plentiful water and garden views. Built in the late 1980s by interior designer Mabel Shults and her husband, Paul, the property has remained family-run since it opened. “The inn and Summerland are really a sweet reminder of my parents’ passions and love for the area and hospitality business,” says Bermant, the Shults’ daughter.

Best Things to Do

Visit The Sacred Space.

Walking into The Sacred Space in Summerland feels like stepping through a portal to a tropical retreat. The Balinese gardens feature multiple seating areas surrounded by lush flora and fauna, accompanied by the gentle trickle of nearby fountains. If you need an escape from the demands of everyday life, this is a place to linger.

Take a trip to the Santa Barbara Bird Sanctuary.

Santa Barbara Bird Sanctuary is one of only a few parrot rescues in the nation; it focuses on taking in neglected companion parrots. Today, it’s home to more than 50, all of whom you can visit on a walk-around tour through the tropical gardens.

Enjoy a California beach day.

Lookout Park is a four-acre recreational area perched along the Summerland coast with easy access to both scenic views and the beach below. Visitors can arrive by car, bike, or on foot. The park is dog-friendly and features picnic tables, grills, a playground, a self-service dog wash station, and a beach volleyball court. To reach the beach, walk to the end of the parking lot opposite the playground, where a trail leads down to Summerland Beach. You can even go horseback riding on Summerland Beach, or explore one of the scenic bluff trails, with Summerland Beach Rides.

Best Restaurants

Field + Fort

Newer additions like Field + Fort, a hybrid cafe and gift and home goods shop, have helped shape Summerland’s emerging identity. At the cafe, you’ll find seasonal, chef-inspired breakfasts and lunches, best enjoyed on the patio with garden seating. When you’re done, roam the gift shop, which has everything from gardening tools to caviar.

Tinker’s

If you’re in the mood for a quick burger and fries in Summerland, Tinker’s (or Tinker Burger) is a longtime local favorite. Grab a classic cheeseburger with a side of curly fries, or go for one of the hearty sandwiches, like a pastrami melt or Philly-style steak sandwich.

Summerland Beach Cafe

Step inside the historic Summerland Beach Cafe, set in a restored Victorian-era house built in 1893, just about a block from the Pacific. Since opening in 1981, this laid-back spot has been a favorite for homestyle breakfast and lunch with indoor, porch, and garden patio seating.

The Nugget Bar and Grill

A local favorite, according to Bermant, The Nugget Bar and Grill first began serving burgers, fries, chili, and other classic American fare around 1970, making it a longtime community staple.

Red Kettle Coffee

It’s hard to miss the large gnome out front of Red Kettle Coffee. Opened in 2016, this cozy cafe serves locally roasted coffee, hand-blended teas, and freshly baked goods, making it a perfect stop for a morning cup of joe or a midday pick-me-up.

Best Shopping

Summerland Antique Collective

Summerland Antique Collective is truly an antique lover’s dream. With more than 20 unique dealer spaces spread throughout the store, you’re almost guaranteed to find exactly what you’re looking for. From lamps and plates to paintings and books, the selection is vast and seemingly never-ending.

Godmothers

When Godmothers opened in Summerland’s 1920s three-story white barn in 2024, it quickly became more than just a bookstore; it grew into a true literary and community hub. Right in the heart of town, the space offers a wide selection of books across genres, curated gift items, reading nooks, and a sunny patio featuring a renovated Airstream coffee cart serving Dart Coffee. “We hope everyone who visits us feels like Godmothers is home away from home,” says co-founder Jennifer Rudolph Walsh. “A place to grab a coffee and a book, and a place to grow and learn and connect.”

Bikini Factory

Bikini Factory has called Summerland home for more than 60 years. Whether you’re shopping for classic beachwear or something special for your next coastal getaway, it remains the place to go for all things swimwear in Summerland and beyond.

The Well

The Well is one of those places that speaks to Summerland’s unique character. As you walk in, you’re immediately met by the tranquil sound of trickling water from the many stone fountains throughout the property. The outdoor space showcases garden and patio furniture, while several stand-alone cottages house a curated collection of indoor goods.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Summerland is anytime—really. While the summer shines, Summerland boasts sunny weather year-round. Even on a rare gloomy or rainy day, it’s still worth the trip.

How to Get Around

Tucked just off U.S. Highway 101, Summerland is easy to reach whether you’re headed north or south. Take Exit 91 in either direction, which leads directly into town via Lillie Avenue, Summerland’s main thoroughfare. Once you arrive, the compact seaside community is easy to explore by car, bike, or on foot, with everything clustered close together.