With the ocean on one side and mountains on the other, Santa Barbara is situated at a special spot in the heart of both California and those who visit it. At the top of what's considered Southern California, the chill northern California vibes begin to show and mix with the Spanish influences to create its beautiful architecture, bohemian fashion and savory food. If you're planning a trip to the 'ol SB anytime soon, or just like to fantasize, make sure to include these 16 places on your to-do (and to-eat) list.

1. State Street

Full of shopping centers, hidden boutiques and crazy vintage shops like Punch Vintage (10/10 recommend), State Street even has little enclaves of shops whose construction makes it seem like you've stepped into a side street in Spain somewhere. Make sure to grab Santa Barbara's best homemade ice cream at McConnell's (my personal favorite is Chocolate Covered Strawberries), or grab a burger and shake at the Habit while you're there. Good news is that they're on the same street so you could even get both, and when you've reached lower state, the street runs right into the pier.

2. Stearn's Wharf

Especially great around sunset, the pier has a spectacular view of the coastline. You can either walk onto the pier or drive your car onto it, park it and eat at one of the many restaurants at the pier's edge. Visit the candy shop, get a scoop of ice cream and enjoy the ocean breeze.

3. Beaches

Depending on what you're looking for, there's a different beach for the occasion. If you want to be close to downtown and State, East Beach is the place to be. It has volleyball nets in the sand and a line of palm trees behind you, only a 15 minute walk to the pier. For a longer trek, but a big payoff in terms of seclusion, try Hammond's and you'll get a private oasis. Butterfly Beach is for those who don't mind strolling along beautiful beach houses and fantasizing about which ones they'd like to own.

4. Santa Barbara Arts and Crafts Show

A gathering of local artists stretching all the way from the beginnings of East Beach along Cabrillo Boulevard to the pier, this weekly show (every Sunday) features items ranging from soap and jewelry to kaleidoscopes and paintings. Everything is home-made. On your way down the line, you'll have the beach to your left and have the opportunity to check out some local skaters when you pass the 14,600 square-foot skate park.

5. Chase Palm Park Antique Carousel

Circa 1916, the carousel is worth the $2.50 you spend to ride around (for quite a while!) with child-like fun reminiscent of a simpler time. It's next to Shipwreck Playground, too, across the street from the beach and plays upbeat music. What more could a gal ask for?

6. Food trucks and Lucky Penny

Anacapa Street is home to wine tasting establishments galore, but for those of you who aren't 21, the food trucks parked along the street are just as satisfying and make a good name for food trucks everywhere. From French cuisine to sushi and gourmet burgers, Santa Barbara reigns with delicious variety (though the Burger Bus is a personal favorite). If you're looking to spend a little more money, Anacapa stays true to its hipster nature with restaurant Lucky Penny's wall of "lucky" pennies. All that luck transfers to you when you choose to dine here and this decadent food hits your taste buds; the quantities may be on the smaller side (besides their salads big enough to serve four), but the flavor is rich. It's all about quality, not quantity at the local's favorite Lucky Penny.

7. Santa Barbara Court House.

Walk to the top to get the best aerial view of the city and water, free tours offered!

8. Santa Barbara Missions & Zoo

It only seems right to visit the reason for why Santa Barbara's on the map, and to visit its zoo which is home to a baby anteater and giraffe. Add some culture to your visit and walk through the history of Santa Barbara and old cemetery apart of the mission, or just see some really cute animals and take a selfie with some giraffes after you feed them.

9. La Super-Rica

There's a reason Katy Perry sings about this taqueria in her song "This Is How We Do." Cheap tacos, homemade tortillas, perfectly seasoned meat and benevolent people working add up to a great experience. Another local hit, make sure to try the traditional horchata for $1.60 (a Mexican drink that tastes like a chilled cinnamon roll). Trust me, you'll leave this place happier than you came.

10. Other great eateries...

Jeanine's Bakery in Montecito has mouth-watering breakfast and brunch selections. Out of the main hustle and bustle of downtown Santa Barbara, it's nevertheless always busy (and for good reason). Try their french toast, eggs benedict and fluffy pancakes (or just grab a coffee and a pastry) to see why Jeanine's is always a hit in the morning.

Pierre Lafond is a fresh market nestled in Montecito where they also sell an equally fresh lunch. Take your sandwhich or salad to go and bring it to the beach for a picnic or sit outside in the quaint courtyard where tables and umbrellas sit beside a trickling fountain.

If you're in the mood for something light, Pacific Crepes off state street is the place to be. Though you can never go wrong with the Nutella and Strawberry crepe, their breakfast and lunch menu will sure to have something that catches your eye no matter savory or sweet. Bonus: it's next to an old collector's bookstore, one that makes you feel that if you opened the pages to a book you might just get sucked into another world.

If you're looking for atmosphere, Stella Mares, a French/American restaurant located on a pond and overlooking the bird refuge, captures a quaint one that is both homey and comfort all in one. Fitting, as you sit in rooms decorated like a French country house with cozy fireplaces setting a glow as you eat food that ranges from a hearty ratatouille and a delicious French onion soup to the more adventurous duck burger.

This article doesn't even capture a third of the unique places to experience and to dine in at Santa Barbara, but it's certainly a sample of the hidden gems you'll encounter on your visit.