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Santa Barbara is certainly no secret, but there are still many beautiful gems along the coast and stretching into wine country that still go unnoticed.
Whether you’re heading on holiday in late spring before the summer coast sees a sea of hustle and bustle, or you’d rather relax in a city you’ve never heard of with a craft beer in hand or a glass of local wine, we’ve got something for you.
While Southern California tends to take the spotlight away from the coastal gems north of Los Angeles, we at Travel Off Path believe the Central Coast is long overdue for its flowers and a little more fanfare.
That said, since Santa Barbara is undeniably the region’s premier destination, these four neighboring towns, equally attractive in their own right, offer less crowds and more authenticity for the kind of blissful vacation that many travelers overlook.
1) Carpinteria: the ‘safest’ beach destination in the world
If you’ve never heard of Carpinteria, you’re not alone.
This seaside hideaway is better known to the loose surf crowd with their bleach blonde dreadlocks and lingo that no one understands.
But while surfers are shredding the waves, you could be in your own slice of paradise, in the neighboring city of Santa Barbara, as tourists often skip this transit town along the world-famous Highway 101.
But if there’s one thing that has become famous besides surfing, it’s the food culture, supported by locally grown avocados.
So much so that they even have one annual festival (2 – 4 October 2026)
More specifically, and perhaps a stretch, Carpinteria claims to get the “the world’s safest beach destinationWhile safety isn’t a particular concern once you leave LA city limits (you can check out LA’s current safety score here), it’s nice to know there’s a little beach paradise that pretty much guarantees you won’t have to keep your head on a swivel.
2) Summerland: the scenic beach escape hidden in plain sight
Between the Spanish splendor of Santa Barbara and the celebrity-studded enclaves of Montecito lies the town of Summerland.
In other words, it’s a nice place to enjoy the beautiful coast of the Central Coast without it Erewhon prices or the hustle and bustle of Santa Barbara.
Better yet, as beautiful as its seemingly pristine beaches may be, this little town isn’t just another beach getaway – it’s a full-fledged vacation destination known for its wine tasting, boutique shopping and the only luxury hotel on the Pacific Ocean, Inn on Summer Hillwith rave reviews for its prime location and cozy atmosphere.
If you’re cruising the 101, Summerland is definitely worth a stop, even if you choose to stay elsewhere. It is packaged because of its size.
3) Ventura: Spacious banks and fish tacos galore
Right now is one of the best times of year to plan a trip to Ventura. Ventura walks the line somewhere between “hidden gem” and local favorite and may not attract many out-of-state license plates, but those in the know flock to its beautiful coasts in the summer, especially July and August.
Located opposite Channel Islands National Parkwhich we’re not saying is or isn’t an alien base, but you know, do a little digging…
You can visit one of America’s most unsung national parks by simply hopping on a boat from Ventura Harbor, and whether you see little green creatures or not, there’s no denying that the scenery is out of this world.
Sorry, had to…
Any way you look at it, a Ventura vacation can’t be complete without a visit Spencer Makenzies sensational fish tacos (and score one 2-for-1 deal if you visit Mon-Thurs from 3pm to 5pm).
4) Buellton: a burgeoning beer town within vast vineyards
Buellton probably doesn’t ring a bell unless you’re a wine snob (we use ‘snob’ loosely here as it relates to food and drink).
That’s because, until now, Buellton has been largely known as a secret wine hideaway loaded with scenic vineyards and even off-the-wall roadside attractions, like Ostrich Country USA (yes, really).
This inland city in the Santa Ynez Valley is undergoing a renaissance and aims to add a “beer destination” to its already long, boozy resume with popular wineries like Buscador winery and tasting roomwith a near-perfect Google rating.
But the reality is that beer is the new draw here.
Buellton will soon be hosting Buellton Brew Fest on May 2where more than 50 sellers will do so pour into town, with the best in craft beer, wine, spirits and even kombucha.
If you can’t organize a May outing, check out existing rivals in town, such as Mount Figueroa And Flint Walker.
