The World of Hyatt Credit Card has a limited-time welcome offer for new cardholders that could help with travel goals in the next year.
Those who apply and are approved for the card through Oct. 31, 2024, get this sign-up bonus: Earn five category 1-4 Free Night Awards to use at Hyatt hotels after spending $4,000 in the first three months of opening the account. This offer includes domestic and international properties.
Compared with the card’s previous sign-up offer, this bonus is much more straightforward and easier to attain — although it’s also less flexible. Here’s why.
The card’s former offer enabled you to earn up to 60,000 bonus points, but in two different tiers: It awarded you 30,000 points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months of opening the account. And then, for the first six months, you earned 2 points per $1 on spending that would otherwise have earned only 1 point, on up to $15,000 spent.)
The new offer of five free nights is certainly less complicated. But depending on how you book at Hyatt, the previous offer might have allowed you to redeem those 60,000 points for even more than five nights, assuming you booked lower-category properties.
Even so, if the Hyatt family is your hotel group of choice, you should easily be able to extract enough value from this new offer to more than make up for the card’s $95 annual fee. As a cardholder, you’ll also earn ongoing rewards in a variety of categories:
4 bonus points per $1 spent with your card at Hyatt hotels, including participating restaurants and spas. Properties under the Hyatt umbrella include the Park Hyatt, Miraval, Andaz and Hyatt Place. (On top of that, you’ll earn 5 points per dollar spent at Hyatt hotels by being a member of the World of Hyatt loyalty program.)
2 points per $1 on dining at restaurants, airline tickets purchased through the airline, fitness club and gym memberships, and local transit and commuting.
1 point per $1 on all other purchases.
You can redeem points for hotel stays, room upgrades, eligible purchases at select Hyatt locations and more.
In addition to the sign-up bonus, the card also offers a free night at any category 1-4 Hyatt hotel or resort every year after your cardholder anniversary, and an extra free night in a similar property if you spend $15,000 in a calendar year. As a cardholder, you’ll also get automatic Discoverist status, which makes you eligible for a 10% bonus on points earned on eligible purchases, an upgrade to a preferred room (if available), late checkout (if available) and waived resort fees on Free Night Awards.
No direct link to offer, showing via referrals only currently. Find and share referrals in this linked offer.
Chase is offering a new sign up bonus on the Chase Sapphire Preferred:
Earn 60,000 bonus points after $4,000 in purchases in your first 3 months from account opening
Earn an additional 10,000 points (70,000 points) after an additional $2,000 in purchases in your first 3 months from account opening ($6,000 total spend)
Plus, get up to $300 in statement credits on Chase Travel purchases within your first year
Card Details
$95 annual fee, not waived
No foreign transaction fees
Primary car rental insurance
$50 Annual Hotel Credit. (This is per cardmember year, rather than calendar year. Must be booked through the Chase Travel Portal.)
Card earns at the following rates:
5x on travel booked through the Chase Travel portal.
3x on Dining/Streaming Services/online grocery (excludes: excluding Target, Walmart and wholesale clubs)
2x on travel
1x on all other purchases
10% Anniversary point bonus. When you renew your card Chase will offer a 10% bonus spend. For example if you spend $25,000 you’d earn 2,500 bonus points. This is award after the annual fee is paid. This doesn’t apply to the sign up bonus.
Transferable points
Redeem points on Chase’s travel portal at a value of 1.25¢ due to the 25% travel redemption bonus
Not eligible if you’ve received a sign up bonus on the Sapphire Preferred/Reserve in the last 48 months (standard is now 48 months)
Chase 5/24 rule applies to this card
Our Verdict
Reader Michael reports this in branch offer. An extra 10,000 points for an extra $2,000 in spend is a good deal for most people, although if you have P2 refer you you’ll be better off with the other offer. We will still add this to the best credit card bonus page and mention it in the other posts.
No direct link to offer, showing via referrals only currently. Find and share referrals in this linked offer.
Chase is offering a new sign up bonus on the Chase Sapphire Preferred:
Earn 60,000 bonus points after $4,000 in purchases in your first 3 months from account opening
Plus, get up to $300 in statement credits on Chase Travel purchases within your first year
Card Details
$95 annual fee, not waived
No foreign transaction fees
Primary car rental insurance
$50 Annual Hotel Credit. (This is per cardmember year, rather than calendar year. Must be booked through the Chase Travel Portal.)
Card earns at the following rates:
5x on travel booked through the Chase Travel portal.
3x on Dining/Streaming Services/online grocery (excludes: excluding Target, Walmart and wholesale clubs)
2x on travel
1x on all other purchases
10% Anniversary point bonus. When you renew your card Chase will offer a 10% bonus spend. For example if you spend $25,000 you’d earn 2,500 bonus points. This is award after the annual fee is paid. This doesn’t apply to the sign up bonus.
Transferable points
Redeem points on Chase’s travel portal at a value of 1.25¢ due to the 25% travel redemption bonus
Not eligible if you’ve received a sign up bonus on the Sapphire Preferred/Reserve in the last 48 months (standard is now 48 months)
Chase 5/24 rule applies to this card
Our Verdict
Previous recent best was 85,000 points but that required going in branch. That offer was better as you get more Chase UR points, but most recent online offer was 75,000 points. Nice bit of this offer is that it’s available via referral, so great for people referring P2 or a friend/family member. We will add this to our best credit card bonuses page. Do not share your referrals in the comments below, you can use this linked thread instead. Looks like you can get an additional 10,000 points in branch.
Some Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders have received an e-mail from Chase informing them that the timing of their travel credit will be changing. For example:
Like in years past your $300 annual travel credit will reset in December and you will start to receive statement credits for travel purchases.
On December 30, 2024, any unused portion of your $300 credit will be applied to your account as a statement credit.
Starting in 2025, your $300 travel credit will then reset annually on <card anniversary date> and you will start receiving statement credits up to $300 for your travel purchases.
All other rewards program terms continue to apply.
If you’ve applied since May 21, 2017 this will not affect you at all as you already receive the credit based on your cardmember year rather than calendar year. People who applied before that date had a grandfathered credit and will be in line with all other cardholders.
This change is only for grandfathered CSR members who get the travel credit based on the calendar year. Those who signed up since May 21, 2017, get the credit based on the cardmember year. For them, there are no changes at all.
Chase is offering a bonus of five free night certificates, good on category 1-4 properties when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening on the Chase World of Hyatt card.
Card Basics
This product is available to you if you do not have this card and have not received a new cardmember bonus for this card in the past 24 months
Annual fee of $95
Card earns at the following rates:
4x points per $1 spent on Hyatt hotels (they advertise this as 9x, but it’s 4x plus the 5x you normally get anyway)
2x points per $1 spent on local transit and commuting (including taxis, mass transit, tolls and ride-share serivces)
2x points per $1 spent on restaurants, cafes and coffee shops
2x points per $1 spent on airline tickets purchased directly from the airlines
2x points per $1 spent on fitness clubs and gym memberships
1x points per $1 spent on all other purchases
Receive up to two free nights annually:
One free night at any category 1-4 Hyatt property every year after your card member anniversary
An additional free night at any category 1-4 Hyatt property if you spend $15,000 during your card member anniversary year
Status:
World of Hyatt Discoverist status for as long as the card is open
5 qualifying night credits towards your next tier status every year
An additional 2 qualifying night credits towards your next tier every time you spend $5,000 on the card (no limit)
Our Verdict
Previous best offer was 65,000 points. If you redeemed all five nights on a category four property that would come out to 90,000 points so this bonus is significantly better but you obviously lose the ability to stay at properties category 5 or above. This offer also requires a lot less spend. I think this offer is worth doing if you have a 5/24 spot and will be added to the best credit card bonuses.
In late 2017, San Francisco couple Riley Adams and his wife stumbled upon the Halley’s comet of airline credit card welcome offers. For a limited time, the card was advertising a companion pass on top of a large sign-up bonus.
“We knew we had a lot of spending in one specific area coming up, and we wanted to try to shop around to get the best value for those needs,” says Adams, a certified public accountant, financial adviser and owner of the blog Young and the Invested. “If you plan for it, you can really offset those costs [with a sign-up bonus].”
If you’re considering a new credit card, the bonus-friendly season from October through December is an ideal time. Your expenses on Black Friday, holiday travel and meals, end-of-the-year charitable donations and more may easily meet a large spending requirement for a juicy sign-up bonus.
Here’s what to know about such offers.
Timing a credit card bonus
A sign-up bonus is a one-time incentive offered by rewards credit cards on top of any ongoing cash back, points or miles on purchases. Snagging a bonus typically requires spending between $500 and several thousand dollars within a certain time — often three months — after you’re approved for the card.
That level of spending may not be difficult during the holiday season. In 2023, consumers planned to spend $875, on average, on gifts, decorations, food and other key seasonal items, according to the National Retail Federation’s annual survey.
Even if your expenses aren’t entirely holiday-related, a little planning can still help you reap a windfall that you can use the following holiday season. You can earn a sign-up bonus toward travel or use it toward other expenses.
The Adamses, for example, mapped out a budget before applying for that airline credit card with the generous bonus. They met its spending requirement primarily by paying for Riley’s wife’s work-related expenses in 2017; they then put what they earned toward holiday travel the next year.
“We used it all of 2018 to visit family for holidays — Fourth of July, Thanksgiving, Christmas — plus two domestic trips for [our] own purposes, and then flying to a major hub for an international flight on our one-year anniversary,” Adams says.
Have the money on hand
It’s not worth spending money you don’t have just to chase a large bonus. If you can’t pay your credit card bill in full each month, interest charges will eat away at any rewards you accrue.
But if you’ve saved up a holiday fund, you can gift yourself a rich introductory credit card offer while you’re at it.
Other factors to keep in mind
As you size up a rewards credit card and its sign-up bonus, ask yourself these questions:
Can you meet the card’s credit requirements? You’ll generally need good credit (a FICO score of 690 or higher) to qualify for a rewards card with a big bonus.
Are you willing to pay an annual fee? The top cards — those with the highest bonuses, richest rewards and best perks — charge annual fees. If you don’t think you’ll earn enough in rewards and benefits to outweigh that fee, consider a no-annual-fee rewards card. Many of them also offer bonuses.
Do the card’s rewards categories match your expenses? A sign-up bonus can offer a chunk of upfront value, but the card won’t be useful long term if its ongoing rewards and perks don’t fit your habits.
Can you meet the spending requirement for the bonus with your current budget? If you know you can’t spend $4,000 in three months without going into debt, look for a bonus with a lower spending threshold.
Will you pay your bill in full every month to avoid interest? Rewards cards tend to have high ongoing APRs, meaning you don’t want to carry a balance month to month. If you’re already struggling with debt, a rewards credit card may not be ideal for you.
Update 9/26/24: Those who have this card are getting an email that it will be changed to a Freedom Unlimited card on October 7, 2024 as the Freedom Student is being discontinued. (ht avsterbone) Presumably this card is being discontinued in favor of their newer Freedom Rise card.
Update 4/2/20: Card is now available online.
Update 6/10/19: Card is now available, but only in branch.
Chase will launch a new Freedom Student card on June 9th. (All this information comes from an anonymous source.)
Bonus Information
Card comes with a $50 signup bonus after making your first purchase within 3 months
Card has a special Good Standing reward of $20 (2,000 Ultimate Rewards points) for 5 years at the account anniversary date, as long as the card is open in good standing (no other requirement for this bonus)
Card Details
Card has no annual fee (like the ordinary Freedom card)
Card earns 1% cashback on all purchases (like the ordinary Freedom card)
Card apparently does NOT have the 5% rotating categories that the ordinary Freedom card has (it’s not mentioned anywhere in the literature)
Card is not a secured card, it’s a regular credit card
Other Details
Card is only be available for students
Must be 18 or older to apply
If you graduate or stop going to school, you’ll continue receiving all the same benefits as before
When inputting their income, students should use income from things like seasonal jobs, internships, public assistance benefits, investments, etc.
Special focus on credit education information
Automatic credit limit increase after 5 on-time payments within the first 10 months
Final Thoughts
Chase currently does not have any student card, and it’s interesting to see them break into that market. The $20 annual bonus for 5 years + $50 initial bonus makes the signup bonus basically the equivalent of a 15,000 bonus with no spend requirement which isn’t bad for a no-fee student card.
I’m a bit surprised the card won’t have the 5% rotating categories; from what I can tell, even after graduation all card details will remain the same (other than the $20 annual bonus which ends after 5 years) with no 5% categories. For comparison, Discover’s IT Student card does have the same 5% rotating benefit as the regular Discover IT card.
Overall, a solid new option for students to get started with. Other good options for students include the Discover IT card (student version) or the Citi Rewards+ Student card.
The Best Western credit cards — previously issued by the First National Bank of Omaha, but closed to new applicants — are back with new benefits and a new issuer. The Best Western Rewards® Visa Signature® Card and Best Western Rewards® Premium Visa Signature® Card are now issued by First Bank & Trust and managed by financial technology company Mercury Financial.
Each card offers rewards on Best Western stays and other purchases. Beyond that, you’ll also get travel and cell phone protections, elite status and sign-up bonuses. However, the bonus offer amount you can qualify for may vary. You can check to see whether you’re preapproved for the cards without affecting your credit, and if so, you’ll see what bonus you’re eligible for.
Here’s how the two cards compare:
Best Western Rewards® Visa Signature® Card
Best Western Rewards® Premium Visa Signature® Card
Annual fee
Bonus offers
10,000 to 40,000 points with qualifying spend.
20,000 to 80,000 points with qualifying spend.
14 points per $1 on Best Western stays and purchases: 10 points as a Best Western Rewards member, 4 points for using the card. (The Best Western Rewards program is free to join.)
2 points per $1 on all other purchases.
20 points per $1 on Best Western stays and purchases: 10 points as a Best Western Rewards member, 10 points for using the card.
4 points per $1 at gas stations and grocery stores.
2 points per $1 on all other purchases.
Elite status
Automatic Gold status, which includes:
10% bonus points per stay.
Exclusive reservation line.
No blackout dates.
Automatic Platinum status, which includes:
15% bonus points per stay.
Exclusive reservation line.
No blackout dates.
Early check-in and late check-out.
Other benefits
Earn 10,000 bonus points when you spend $5,000 in a year.
Cell phone protection.
Reimbursement for trip cancellations, interruptions and delays.
Earn up to two free night awards: one after your cardmember anniversary, and another after your cardmember anniversary when you spend $10,000 that year.
Cell phone protection.
Reimbursement for trip cancellations, interruptions and delays.
NerdWallet values Best Western points at about 0.6 cent each. You can redeem Best Western points for hotel bookings, gift cards, airline miles and more. You must redeem at least 5,000 points, and point values can vary based on how you use them.
What changed?
In short, not much is different for the no-annual-fee version of the Best Western credit card, beyond a slight bump in rewards for staying with Best Western. But it’s a different story for the more expensive Best Western Rewards® Premium Visa Signature® Card, which did indeed get some notable and valuable improvements.
For one thing, that version of the card now earns extra rewards on gas and groceries, which previously earned only the card’s base rate of 2x back. More importantly, the premium version also now offers a free anniversary night, as well as the chance to earn a second one — perks that can easily offset that card’s annual fee.
Tucked along California’s sun-drenched coast, Santa Barbara is renowned for its stunning beaches, charming Spanish architecture, and extensive wine scene. But beyond the iconic palm-fringed shores and bustling State Street, this coastal city offers a wealth of unique experiences that go beyond the ordinary tourist trail. Santa Barbara invites explorers to uncover its lesser-known treasures and discover more than what it’s more commonly known for.
Whether you’re searching for a cozy home in Santa Barbara, exploring available apartments, or looking for a rental property, you’re in for an exceptional experience. If you’re eager to go beyond the basics and uncover unique things to do in Santa Barbara, keep reading to discover the city’s enchanting side and see what makes Santa Barbara an extraordinary place to consider moving to.
1. Explore local culinary eats
Eating local in Santa Barbara is a culinary adventure that highlights the region’s rich agricultural bounty and coastal flavors. From farm-to-table restaurants to vibrant farmers’ markets, you can savor dishes crafted with fresh, seasonal ingredients. Embrace the local food scene by dining at charming bistros, exploring artisanal food shops, and enjoying seafood that reflects the city’s maritime heritage.
Ocean views
Across the street from Santa Barbara’s pristine East Beach sits Convivo Restaurant & Bar, a “Nomad Italian” restaurant, featuring expansive patios with views of the sparkling Pacific Ocean. Indulge in their seasonally changing menus that include consummately crafted cocktails and spectacular seafood starters. So settle in, savor delicious wood-fired pizza, and let the calming sounds of the ocean enhance your dinner.
Join a pasta club
Each week, Aperitivo spotlights a different Italian region, showcasing its distinctive flavors and wines. When joining their pasta club, you’ll enjoy freshly handmade pasta paired with house-made sauces and expertly chosen wines from the featured area. Every gathering features unique recipes and cooking techniques, creating a vibrant community experience centered around a shared love of Italian cuisine.
Eat a bountiful brunch
Indulging in brunch is not a feat that someone often regrets. Take in the joys of brunch at Scarlett Begonia, an innovative, sustainable restaurant found right off State Street. From the delectable Yukon Gold Cinnamon Roll to the exquisite Smoked Salmon on Brioche, these dishes just touch the surface of a wide range of brunch-focused dishes featuring organic eggs and sustainable meat and fish.
2. Take in a winery off the beaten path
Exploring wineries in Santa Barbara County is a captivating journey through stunning landscapes and world-class wine. The region’s diverse terroirs produce a range of exceptional wines, from crisp Chardonnays to bold Syrahs, each reflecting the unique character of the area. The experience offers not just an opportunity to savor fine wines but also to immerse yourself in the beauty and charm of California’s Central Coast.
Farm-to-table
From their comprehensive farm-to-table menu to the award-winning wine, Vega Vineyard is an absolute must-visit. Beyond the exceptional food and wine, Vega boasts a working farm, tractor rides, a petting zoo, a playground for kids, and even cabana rentals. It’s a unique destination where you can easily spend an entire day enjoying a wide range of activities.
Southern hospitality
Presqu’ile is a winery dedicated to the relentless pursuit of growing and crafting cool-climate premium wines. From an elegant Pinot Noir to a méthode champenoise sparkling wine, the family winery works to express the estate and select sites in Santa Barbara County. Rooted in the family’s tradition of warm and welcoming Southern hospitality, Presqu’ile provides an unparalleled guest experience.
Private, guided tour
Embark on a wine adventure with a personalized tasting tour with Rooted Vine Wine Tours, featuring family-owned and independent wineries. Explore unique varietals with fascinating histories, savor a gourmet picnic lunch, and meet passionate local winemakers dedicated to their craft. The tour guide can pick you up from your home or hotel, so you can relax without worrying about driving or parking.
Party bus luxury
Taking a wine-tasting tour in Santa Barbara County on a party bus elevates the experience with a blend of fun and luxury. Golden Rooster Transportation provides a festive atmosphere, complete with extensive wine country knowledge that makes each stop at award-winning wineries even more enjoyable. This vibrant approach allows you to fully savor the region’s exceptional wines without the hassle of driving or logistics and is a unique thing to do in Santa Barbara.
3. Gallop on the sand
Horseback riding on the beach is a unique activity to do in Santa Barbara that combines the thrill of equestrian adventure with the stunning beauty of the coastline. As you ride along the sandy shores with Summerland Beach Rides, you can enjoy panoramic ocean views and the soothing sounds of the waves. It’s a unique way to connect with nature and explore Santa Barbara’s scenic beauty from a different perspective.
4. Enjoy the keys at The Red Piano
The Red Piano is Santa Barbara’s premier piano bar, where live music, audience sing-alongs, and expertly crafted cocktails create a one-of-a-kind experience. Situated on Lower State Street, this lively venue offers a dynamic atmosphere where performers keep the energy high and every night turns into an unforgettable celebration. Whether you’re new to town or a seasoned local, The Red Piano is the place to make lasting memories.
5. Find your new favorite cupcake
A visit to a cupcake café is a delightful treat for the senses, offering a charming and cozy atmosphere where you can indulge in a variety of delectable cupcakes while sipping fine-brewed coffee.
“Someone new to or visiting Santa Barbara should make the time to visit Crushcakes & Café, whether it be for a cupcake and some coffee or for their delicious breakfast, brunch, and lunch options,” shares Karyn Laver, director of The Dance Network, a dance studio in Santa Barbara. “This locally owned restaurant has been one of my favorite places to go since they first opened in 2008 and they never disappoint.”
Each bite-sized creation is often a work of art, with unique flavors and creative toppings that cater to every palate. The café’s inviting ambiance makes it an ideal spot for a casual catch-up with friends or a sweet escape from the everyday hurry.
6. Admire artwork at Elizabeth Gordon Gallery
Venturing into an art gallery provides a serene space for reflection and inspiration, making it an ideal spot to appreciate both local and international talent. Each exhibit invites you to engage with art in a meaningful way, enriching your visit to Santa Barbara. At Elizabeth Gordon Gallery, you can explore a diverse array of artworks, from contemporary pieces to modern works. Looking for a new monthly adventure? Every month, they host a First Thursday event for locals and visitors to enjoy and take in the masterpieces as a unique thing to do in Santa Barbara.
7. Consume coffee cocktails at Cajé
A must-visit spot in the city is Cajé, where they’re renowned for their inventive coffee cocktails and unmatched atmosphere. This stylish café combines innovative drinks with a warm, inviting vibe, making it the perfect spot to unwind or socialize. With their craft coffee blends to delicious and ambitious cocktails, Cajé is a unique thing to do in Santa Barbara.
8. Savor seafood finds
Enjoying fresh seafood is another unique thing to do in Santa Barbara, thanks to the region’s rich maritime heritage and proximity to the ocean. From succulent shrimp and perfectly grilled fish to delectable calamari, local seafood restaurants offer a range of dishes that highlight the freshness and quality of the catch.
“If you’re new to Santa Barbara and love fresh seafood: wake up early Saturday morning and head down to the Saturday Fisherman’s Market on the pier at the harbor, “ says Benjamin Silver at Silver Wines. “My favorite business is Garrigan Seafood, where the fishermen catch fresh Spiny Lobster, Rock and Spider Crab, and Rockfish throughout the year.”
Dining on fresh seafood by the sea not only provides a taste of the ocean but also a glimpse into the region’s vibrant coastal culture.
9. Meander through the Funk Zone
The Funk Zone in Santa Barbara is a vibrant, eclectic neighborhood known for its artistic and creative atmosphere. Located between State Street and the waterfront, this area is famous for its colorful street art, craft breweries, and wine-tasting rooms.
Melissa Hopf with Totally Cali Tours shares that at Fox Wines, a spacious warehouse-like space filled with a collection of local food/drink and art-focused businesses, you can enjoy regional wines that highlight the best of the area while grabbing farm-to-table bites from The Nook. The space is filled with local art and frequently hosts pop-up events featuring local artists and craftspeople, as well as live music.
For beer lovers, Topa Topa Brewery and Lama Dog Tap Room + Bottle Shop are also in the same building, offering a great selection of local brews.
Wallace Piatt, owner and operator at Rodeo Art Gallery, shares his favorite pastime in the city, “Take a walk down Cabrillo Blvd beachside through The Funk Zone for a true American Riviera experience. Pop into Flor de Maiz or Oku, which is on your way to our own creative corner,” Piatt continues. “Stop by the famous boutique, Loveworn, and Rodeo Art Gallery—all of which are located within just two minutes of each other.”
Located right next to the waterfront, the Funk Zone is the perfect place to explore one of Santa Barbara’s coolest neighborhoods and easily try out a unique thing to do.
10. Experience the ballet
Attending a ballet performance is a mesmerizing experience that combines grace, athleticism, and artistry. As you watch the dancers glide across the stage, their elegant movements and expressive choreography bring the music to life in a captivating way. Santa Barbara Festival Ballet is celebrating its 49th Nutcracker Anniversary at the historic Arlington Theatre this year with a live symphony orchestra. Whether it’s a classic ballet or a contemporary work, the ballet offers a unique and enchanting escape into the world of dance and creativity.
In addition to putting on stunning performances, Santa Barbara Festival Ballet also provides exceptional training for dancers, new and experienced, with a personalized touch to help each artist grow uniquely and confidently.
11. Sip at Third Window Brewing
Third Window Brewing offers a unique ranch-to-beer garden experience. Sourcing wheat, oak, and beef from their family-owned ranch in Los Olivos, they craft estate beers, oak-smoked BBQ, and wood-fired pizzas. On tap, you’ll find award-winning Belgian-inspired beers brewed on-site, along with wagyu smashed cheeseburgers, fries, and milkshakes. Don’t miss their weekend and nightly specials featuring Texas-style BBQ, house-made pretzels, tri-tip sandwiches, and FP Ranch steak dinners. With its lush, laid-back beer garden welcoming people and pets, it’s the perfect spot for great food, refreshing drinks, and friendly faces.
12. Support the arts
The Museum of Sensory & Movement Experiences is an immersive destination dedicated to exploring the evolution of interactive art. Through a rich array of experimental time-based installations—both contemporary and historical—the museum invites visitors to embark on a captivating journey through the development of interactive artistic expressions. Each exhibit is designed to engage the senses and provoke reflection, offering a hands-on experience of how art has evolved over time.
Complementing this experience, in the same building, The Arts Fund Community Gallery provides a vibrant platform for local talent. By presenting thought-provoking and dynamic works, the gallery plays a crucial role in celebrating and advancing the local art scene, making it an essential part of the museum experience. Together, these two spaces create a comprehensive exploration of art, blending historical context with contemporary innovation and local creativity.
13. Catch a wave
Santa Barbara is not only one of the most beautiful towns in California, but it’s also an ideal spot for learning how to surf. There’s no better way to experience the charm of a beach town than taking in the coastline from the ocean. The perspective from the water is mesmerizing and humbling.
“I went to college at UC Santa Barbara and lived in ‘SB’ (as the locals call it) for over 10 years. During my time in SB, I fell in love with this enchanting town, where a stunning mountain backdrop meets the sparkling sea,” says Vanessa Rivers, founder of Surf Lessons with Vanessa and co-founder of We Are Travel Girls.
“If you’re visiting or live in Santa Barbara, I highly suggest surfing at Mondos, which is, in my opinion, the very best place to learn on the West Coast,” suggests Rivers. “People call Mondos the Waikiki of California because it offers a long, mellow wave and a shallow sand bottom, making it easy to paddle out and catch waves.”
Photo courtesy of Vanessa Rivers at Surf Lessons with Vanessa
14. Embark on a dolphin cruise
Set sail on a dolphin cruise and immerse yourself in the enchanting world of these playful marine mammals. Betsy Woyach, owner and director of Momentum Dance Company, recommends, “Take the time to experience the Double Dolphin Cruise from Santa Barbara Sailing Center. This experience is quintessential Santa Barbara—the wharf, the views, the ocean, it’s a definite 10 out of 10 experience.”
As you glide across the shimmering waters of the Pacific Ocean, watch in awe as dolphins dance and leap beside your boat, creating memories that will ripple long after the journey ends.
15. An itinerary for the perfect day
Crafting the perfect itinerary for a day in this coastal city involves a blend of sightseeing and delicious food. Need a hand putting together the perfect day of unique things to do in Santa Barbara? Captain Spencer MacRae, co-owner with his wife, Courtney, of SunSwept Sailing has it all figured out. “Our family has called Santa Barbara home for seven generations and loves ‘touristing’. If you are looking for the quintessential Santa Barbara experience, we suggest starting with a sunrise hot air balloon ride with Sky’s the Limit Ballooning over the vineyards of the Santa Ynez Valley.
“Then visit one of the amazing bakeries, like Mortensen’s Danish Bakery, before starting a wine tour with Rooted Vine Tours complete with lunch and local Olive Oil Tasting at Rancho Olivos,” suggests MacRae. “Finish off the afternoon aboard Yacht Kelpie for an authentic sailing experience along the American Riviera with SunSwept Sailing.”
MacRae also recommends ending the night at a beloved dining spot. “Top off the evening with casual fine dining and drinks at Toma, an Italian seafood restaurant across from the harbor. As a bonus, if the weather is lovely, spend an extra day exploring the Channel Islands National Park and Marine Sanctuary.”
Unique things to do in Santa Barbara, CA: Final thoughts
From world-class wineries and charming local boutiques to exhilarating outdoor adventures and one-of-a-kind dining spots, Santa Barbara offers something for everyone seeking a fresh perspective. Embrace the opportunity to uncover these distinctive activities and make your home truly memorable, leaving with a deeper appreciation for all that this coastal gem has to offer.
Heat up the grill and get your koozie ready — college football season is here. For out-of-town fans traveling to support their team, that fandom can be costly, with hotel room rates often seeing a dramatic increase in price during game day weekends. That increase can be even more extreme in smaller college towns with fewer hotels. But with a little planning, you can secure a room while keeping money in your pocket.
Here are five tips for scoring an in-demand hotel room during the college football season.
1. Know the hotel reservation calendar
Most major hotel chains permit bookings between 350 and 395 days in advance. That means you can often book a game day weekend room for next season before the schedule is released (typically around January or February each year).
Don’t fret if the hotel you want gets instantly booked up. Cancellations happen, so keep checking if you don’t find immediate room availability. You can also call the hotel directly to see if they’ll add you to a waitlist.
2. Book (many) months in advance
Hotel prices generally increase in the time leading up to game day weekend, as less-well prepared fans jockey for any remaining rooms. If you know you’re attending a game before the season starts, booking in advance can not only secure a hard-to-find room but also save you money. This is even more important in smaller college towns that lack the hotel infrastructure of bigger cities. Lower supply and higher demand will make a game day room in Auburn, Alabama or Athens, Georgia harder to find than in a bigger city like Los Angeles, Seattle or Atlanta.
If you’re planning to attend a game next season, preemptively book a room when the schedule gets released at the beginning of the year. If the hotel permits free cancellations and doesn’t require a deposit or prepayment, you can preemptively book a room for each weekend around the time of the season you want to catch a game, then cancel the rooms that don’t work once the schedule is released.
Both local boutique and chain hotels often have stricter cancellation penalties during periods of peak demand, which may include issuance of partial refunds or requiring you to pay for at least one night for cancellation within a certain period before your stay. Be sure to confirm the cancellation policy with the hotel before you book.
3. Use hotel loyalty points
Using hotel points during expensive weekends can be a great way to get outsized value from your rewards. This is especially true for loyalty programs with a fixed award chart (like Wyndham Rewards and World of Hyatt) and not dynamic pricing, where the number of points required is based on the cash rate of the room.
For example, a game day weekend room at the Hyatt Place in Gainesville, Florida to see the Florida Gators play can cost up to an outrageous $850 per night. The same room can be booked with 15,000 World of Hyatt points, resulting in a redemption value of 5.7 cents per point. That’s way above the valuation of 2.2 cents per point that NerdWallet assigns World of Hyatt points.
The caveat is that it’s up to the hotel to accept award stays during high-demand periods. But if you can find a hotel that accepts points or free night certificates, that can lead to big savings when you visit your alma mater.
The easiest way to earn a slug of hotel points is through a credit card sign-up bonus. The World of Hyatt Credit Card offers new cardholders the following bonus: Earn up to 60,000 Bonus Points. Earn 30,000 Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening. Plus, up to 30,000 More Bonus Points by earning 2 Bonus Points total per $1 spent in the first 6 months from account opening on purchases that normally earn 1 Bonus Point, on up to $15,000 spent. You’ll also earn a free night in a Category 1 to 4 hotel each cardholder anniversary year.
If the hotel where you want to book an award stay is at capacity, try using a tool like PointsYeah to alert you in real-time when a room becomes available.
4. Use fan packages and travel agencies
Depending on the size of the school, alumni travel packages may be offered through the college or university that bundle game day tickets and a hotel stay. While this may not be as cost-effective as booking everything yourself, you’ll get a guaranteed room and a game ticket with minimal hassle.
Similar to what may be offered through the university, local travel agencies may specialize in getting people to and from game day. These companies, such as On Location and Uniglobe Travel, often partner with local hotels to provide packages inclusive of game tickets and lodging, and may even arrange for transportation to and from the airport if needed.
5. Book in the neighboring town
If you really want to get to the game but can’t find a hotel near the stadium, check for hotel availability in a neighboring town. It won’t be as convenient, but prices may be lower and room availability may be more abundant. Before you book out-of-town, be sure to consider how long the drive will take when tens of thousands of fans hit the road after the game.