They say the greatest love is a mother’s love, so each year, on the second Sunday in May, we carve out a special day to acknowledge and appreciate all the wonderful moms in our lives. Easy-going and fun-loving, Santa Barbara offers a stress-free escape, perfect for those hard-working moms who’ve earned a relaxing getaway or need to push the reset button with a bit of sunshine and beach time.
Whether you’re looking to vacation or staycation, we hope you’ll treat Mom to a carefree getaway in Santa Barbara.
MOTHER’S DAY MENUS
Mother’s Day Heart-Shaped Pizza from Rusty’s, May 9-11
Skip the box of chocolates and show Mom some love with a heart-shaped pizza from Rusty’s, topped with zesty pepperoni and her two favorite ingredients. Available Mother’s Day weekend — because nothing says appreciation like a delicious, made-with-love meal.
Cost: Varies.
Mother’s Day Brunch at The Steward, May 11 from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Celebrate Mother’s Day in full springtime bloom at The Steward. Gather with loved ones for a festive, garden-inspired buffet at Terra, where each guest (21 and older) will enjoy a complimentary mimosa to toast the occasion.
Cost: $65 per adult, $30 per child (12 and under).
Mother’s Day Champagne Brunch at Scarlett Begonia, May 11 from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Scarlett Begonia toasts to moms with a festive brunch featuring local favorites Brander and Grassini pouring their standout wines. Expect delicious bites, thoughtful touches, and plenty of reasons to celebrate.
Cost: $110 per adult, $45 per child.
Mother’s Day Brunch, May 11 from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Celebrate Mother’s Day in style at The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara with a luxurious brunch buffet. Enjoy made-to-order omelets, a waffle station, savory entrées and decadent desserts — perfect for the whole family.
Cost: $165 per adult, $65 per child.
Mother’s Day Brunch at The Lark, May 11 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Celebrate Mother’s Day with a seasonal brunch at The Lark, featuring specials like buttermilk biscuits with strawberry rhubarb jam, spring asparagus and goat cheese frittata and warm New Orleans bread pudding.
Cost: Varies by menu item.
Mother’s Day Brunch at The Set, May 11 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Make this Mother’s Day one to remember at The Set, located at the Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort. Enjoy a festive brunch featuring delicious specials, signature “Mom-osa” flights with a variety of bubbly flavors and live music by David Segal. It’s the perfect blend of music, brunch and bubbles to celebrate Mom in style.
Cost: Varies by menu item.
Mother’s Day Prix Fixe Brunch at El Encanto, May 11 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Perched in Santa Barbara’s tranquil hillside with sweeping ocean views, El Encanto offers the perfect setting for meaningful Mother’s Day moments. Gather around the table to honor cherished memories — old and new — while treating Mom to a thoughtfully curated, indulgent menu.
Cost: $175 per person.
Mother’s Day Brunch Buffet at Brass Bear Uptown, May 11 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Treat Mom to a memorable buffet brunch at Brass Bear Uptown, where the whole family can gather and enjoy a generous spread of delicious dishes in a warm, welcoming setting.
Cost: $55 per adult, $20 per child.
Mother’s Day Brunch Buffet at Finch & Fork, May 11 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Celebrate Mother’s Day at Finch & Fork at Kimpton Canary Hotel with an farm-to-table brunch buffet. Delight in a variety of dishes made with locally sourced ingredients, including farmers market salads, an array of appetizers, a seafood raw bar, brunch classics and assorted desserts. Additionally, a special mini vendor market will be featured in the hotel lobby. Booking in advance is advised.
Cost: $95 per adult, $47 per child under 12 years old.
Mother’s Day at Arnoldi’s Cafe, May 11 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Celebrate Mom over a laid-back, flavor-packed brunch at Arnoldi’s, where the à la carte menu features house-made chilaquiles, donut beignets, mini croissants and beloved classics. With bocce courts open and sunshine on tap, it’s the perfect way to spend Mother’s Day. Reservations are highly recommended.
Cost: Varies by menu item.
Mother’s Day Brunch at La Paloma Cafe, May 11 from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Celebrate Mother’s Day with a flavorful brunch at La Paloma Cafe. Treat Mom to mouthwatering specials like French toast sticks, honey butter chicken biscuits and an asparagus omelet topped with jumbo lump crab.
Cost: Varies by menu item.
Mother’s Day Prix Fixe Lunch at Caruso’s, May 11 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Celebrate Mother’s Day with “A Pranzo con Mama” at Caruso’s at Rosewood Miramar Beach, featuring a luxurious three-course feast, fresh raw seafood platters and a decadent Bar del Cioccolat — all set against the stunning Pacific coastline.
Cost: $215 per adult, $95 per child.
Mother’s Day Brunch Buffet at The Revere Room, May 11 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Make Mother’s Day special with a festive brunch buffet at The Revere Room at Rosewood Miramar Beach, served in a laid-back, family-friendly setting perfect for celebrating together.
Cost: $175 per adult, $75 per child.
Mother’s Day Dinner at Loquita, May 11 from 5-9 p.m.
Celebrate Mother’s Day with a special dinner at Loquita, featuring standout dishes like white gazpacho with tartare andaluz, lobster paella duquesa and a luscious goat cheese cheesecake.
Cost: Varies by menu item.
Free Ice Cream for Moms at Rori’s, May 11
Moms deserve something sweet! This Mother’s Day, Rori’s is treating all moms to a free scoop. It’s the perfect chance to sample the seasonal Peach Bellini or enjoy any of the creamery’s classic, crave-worthy flavors.
Cost: Free for moms!
EVENTS & ACTIVITIES
GIFT INSPO
Santa Barbara Gift Baskets
Treat mom to a taste of Santa Barbara’s finest with the help of Santa Barbara Gift Baskets. From snacks and gourmet treats to local libations, there’s nothing better than savoring the samples of Santa Barbara’s cuisine scene. Wrapped with style and love, Santa Barbara Gift Baskets is your one-stop shop for creating memorable gifts that mom is sure to love.
Cost: Varies by order. Baskets range from $65-$150.
Santa Barbara Company
The Santa Barbara Company has curated an extra special Mother’s Day collection to peruse for the holiday. Pick the perfect set of gifts for mom that can also double as keepsakes. Think local wines, snacks, artwork, gorgeous handmade cards and much more.
Cost: Varies by order.
For more Santa Barbara-inspired gift ideas perfect for mom, read this Santa Barbara gift guide or pop into one of these boutiques for a gift card.