Santa Barbara’s rocky mountain ranges and eternal 70-degree days mean seeking renewal outdoors isn’t just a benefit, but a requisite. This season, gift something for the nature enthusiast in your life, from one-of-a-kind hand-collected driftwood art to a visit to the largest Himalayan salt cave in North America.
1) Indulge
Amboise Picnic Basket by Les Jardins de la Comtesse, Nomada Deco, $130
Living in any of the Nomada Hotel Group’s properties is a fantasy, and the next best thing is shopping from Nomada Deco. A collection of “souvenirs from the open road,” this picnic basket defines their curated lifestyle. Made in France, the wicker basket includes an insulated pouch for holding a bottle of wine, ceramic plates, a cutting board, and a bread knife, plus cutlery for two. @shopnomadadeco
2) Explore
Membership, Santa Barbara Botanical Garden, $75-$150
It's easy to get lost at our botanical gardens. Not just because there are 78 acres of stunning terrain weaving throughout this special spot in Mission Canyon but because it transports you to another world. The Garden’s meadow, redwoods, and backcountry offer an experience for the young, and young at heart. Added bonus: each membership supports conservation efforts. @sbbotanicgarden
3) Hibernate
Cave Session, Salt Cave Santa Barbara, $28
Therapeutic and rejuvenating, Salt has been offering guests a trip unlike anything else you’ll find on State Street since 2012. Drop-in sessions happen every hour on the hour into the cave that features floor-to-ceiling Jurassic-Age salt blocks and crystals. Each 45-minute session infuses your body with micro-salt particles; otherwise known as halotherapy, known to be an effective way to improve respiratory health. @saltcavesb
4) Escape
Handmade driftwood stand (with original art) at Tidepools Carp, $30-$450
It’s easy to drift toward the creamy white sand of Carpinteria. Everything downtown, from boutiques to ice cream shops, feel as if they’re pointing you to the Pacific. Capturing that feeling, Tidepools Carpinteria gives guests a taste of the salty air. The woman-owned business offers handmade products and photography, delivering the picturesque promise of a seaside escape, like their best-selling hand-collected driftwood stands built by a local artist. @tidepoolscarpinteria