Explore Summerland, CA

Unknown to many visitors, the charming little town of Summerland, California, encapsulates the quintessential Santa Barbara lifestyle and is well worth a visit. Summerland, located just a 15-minute drive south of Santa Barbara on Highway 101, is an idyllic beach town with fewer than 1,000 residents, making it a hidden gem. Its main thoroughfare, Lillie Avenue, is adorned with upscale and sophisticated shops offering a curated selection of California and European treasures.

Summerland's Spiritual History and the Big Yellow House

Summerland, Ca, boasts a unique spiritual history that weaves an otherworldly tapestry into its coastal charm. In the late 19th century, Spiritualism, a faith in mediumship connecting the living to the deceased, found a haven here. George Williams and his wife, both Spiritualists, persuaded like-minded individuals to form this community. The town’s name, “Summerland,” was inspired by the Spiritualists’ concept of an idyllic afterlife. Their homes, some rumored to have hidden rooms for spirit communication.

Summerland’s iconic Big Yellow House has a mesmerizing history. Originally the home of George Williams, it’s shrouded in tales of the supernatural, with whispered rumors of ghostly apparitions. These stories added to the town’s enigmatic charm, earning it the nickname “Spookville.” This cherished symbol of Summerland remains a testament to its past, where history, spirituality, and culinary arts converge. Although the house-turned-restaurant is now for sale, its iconic sign stands as a lasting memory of its remarkable past.

Shopping and Dining on Lillie Avenue

Take a leisurely stroll down Lillie Avenue and discover a diverse array of shops, from elegant interior decor, garden and home delights and stylish fashion.

Antique Shopping on Lillie Avenue

Summerland’s antique and collectibles shops unveil a world of captivating finds and whimsical delights. And, be sure to explore the curiosities at Summerland Antique Collective and Summerland’s charity shops as well.

Discover Tranquility and Inspiration at The Sacred Space in Summerland

Be sure to explore The Sacred Space, a unique destination that beautifully marries a shop and garden, seamlessly blending meditation spaces with inspirational items like crystals, statues, books, and jewelry. Additionally, The Sacred Space hosts workshops and events, including sound baths, restorative breathing sessions, tarot card readings, and crystal reiki sessions. The gardens are a picturesque and enchanting setting to complete the experience.

Wine Tasting at the Summerland Winery

California is renowned for its vineyards, and Summerland is no exception. The area boasts some excellent wineries and tasting rooms. A visit to Blair Fox Cellars, or The Stonehaus Winery will provide you with the opportunity to sample some of the region’s finest wines. Savor the local flavors and enjoy the picturesque vineyard settings.

Discover the renowned Summerland Winery right on Lillie Avenue, lauded as the top winery in Santa Barbara County. Indulge in the experience of savoring exquisite, award-winning wines, including Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnays, all crafted along the scenic Central California Coast.

Visit Lookout Park in Summerland

For breathtaking panoramic views of the coastline, visit Lookout Park. The park is perched high on the bluffs, offering an ideal spot to watch the sunset or enjoy a quiet picnic. With well-maintained lawns and benches, a dog friendly beach, dog washing bays, volleyball, playground, bocci ball court, and ping pong tables, it’s a favorite spot for both tourists and locals.

Explore Summerland Beach

If you’re seeking a more secluded beach experience, venture to Summerland Beach, a hidden gem within Summerland. You can access it through two different short hikes from Lookout Park, a paved road down or a dirt trail. The rugged, unspoiled beauty of Summerland Beach offers a fantastic setting for beachcombing, tidepool exploration, and simply soaking in the natural splendor. It’s a rocky beach, go prepared.

Support Sweet Wheel Farm and Flowers

Support Sweet Wheel Farm and Flowers. Sweet Wheel Farm and Sweet Wheel Farm Cart (located on Lillie Avenue), grows an array of crops , from vegetables, corn, grains, and beans to chiles and even pineapples on a few acres plot in Summerland and shared land in Orcutt. While most of their harvest is sold fresh, some is transformed into handmade delicacies like heirloom corn tortillas, chips, jams, syrups, and sourdough bread. Committed to preserving heirloom varieties, they meticulously save and propagate seeds for the upcoming seasons. Beyond farming, Sweet Wheel Farm plays a crucial role in the community, supplying foodshare packages to food-insecure seniors and veterans, providing farm education to Summerland’s youth, offering a living wage to their all-local staff, and transforming what was once a food desert into a hub of food access.

Dine in Summerland

From cozy cafes to elegant restaurants, Summerland offers a wide array of dining options. You can enjoy fresh seafood, farm-to-table dishes, and world-class cuisine like Field + Fort.

You can also experience The Nugget, The Nugget Bar and Grill. Set against the picturesque backdrop of Lillie Avenue, this rustic gem exudes old-world charm, from its weathered façade to its creaky wooden floors. This dog-friendly joint specializes in potent libations and hearty fare, including staples like zesty chili, mouthwatering burgers. It is not just a local favorite; it’s been graced by notable visitors as well. President-elect Bill Clinton famously dropped by for a cheeseburger and is commemorated with a saxophone mounted on the wall. He returned a few years later, savoring a grilled chicken sandwich and chili while supporting an assemblywoman in the area. This iconic eatery holds a special place in Summerland’s history.