Cold Springs Tavern Santa Barbara Day Trip Historic Stage Stop

Cold Springs Tavern, a historic restaurant and bar in the San Marcos Pass of Santa Barbara County, offers a dining experience that is a living piece of California’s history. It’s a must-visit for anyone intrigued by the region’s cultural legacy or seeking a unique dining adventure. The Tavern is a popular stop for bikers, locals, and tourists, promising a one-of-a-kind experience. Here’s what you can look forward to when you visit the Tavern.

Visitor Experience:

The setting is rustic and cozy, evoking the ambiance of the Old West. The Tavern features several dining areas, including the historic main restaurant, the Log Cabin Bar, and outdoor picnic tables. It is in a forested area with a small creek flowing through the property. The decor includes old photographs and artifacts that enhance the historical atmosphere, and many buildings look as though they came straight out of a movie. In addition to the original Tavern, there is the 1873 Ojai Jailhouse and a road gang cabin.

Food and Beverages:

Cold Springs Tavern is a culinary delight, offering a variety of food and beverages. The Tavern is known for its traditional American cuisine, from breakfast to lunch and dinner. The Santa Maria-style tri-tip sandwich stands out on the menu and is especially popular on weekends. The Tavern also features a variety of wild game, including venison, buffalo, and rabbit, as well as classic dishes like chili, pork ribs, and steaks. This place is perfect for hungry day-trippers, and visiting here will delight your taste buds.

Live Music and Events:

Cold Spring Tavern features live music on weekends, particularly on Saturdays and Sundays. The performances often include bluegrass, folk, and classic rock, contributing to the Tavern’s rustic, old-time atmosphere. Local bands perform, turning the outdoor area into a vibrant gathering spot for music lovers. Cold Spring Tavern also hosts weddings and dinners in its Blisshaven Garden, which can accommodate up to 150 guests. The Log Cabin Bar can be booked for smaller gatherings like birthday parties or business meetings.

Cold Springs Tavern History:

Originally known as the “Cold Spring Relay Station,” this stop allowed travelers to disembark from the stagecoach, enjoy a midday meal, and refresh themselves. At the same time, the horses were changed for the next leg of their journey. At the summit, a toll was charged for using the stagecoach road at the Kinevan ranch station. The final stage stop was Mattei’s Hotel in Los Olivos, now known as Mattei’s Tavern. The travel time from Santa Barbara to Los Olivos via stagecoach was approximately eight hours.

Before Highway 101 was built, San Marcos Pass was the main route from Santa Barbara to the Santa Ynez Valley. A stagecoach route was built since it was the shortest route over the mountains. The original route started in Goleta and wound up the hill. Several stations were along the way. Cold Springs Tavern was about halfway up the pass.

Getting to Cold Springs Tavern:

Cold Springs Tavern is situated just off Highway 154 in Santa Barbara County. To reach this iconic Tavern, take a brief detour along Stagecoach Road. The Tavern can get quite busy on most weekends, so it’s best to arrive early or consider visiting during the week. The Tavern is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. It’s open for lunch from Monday, Thursday to Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., with extended hours on Friday and Saturday for dinner from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., requiring reservations. The address is 5995 Stagecoach Road, Santa Barbara, California. https://www.coldspringtavern.com/

Cold Spring Tavern is a dining venue and a living piece of California’s history. It is a must-visit for those interested in the region’s cultural legacy or simply seeking a unique dining experience.

Nearby Points of Interest:

Lake Cachuma Santa Barbara County

Lake Cachuma is approximately 25 miles northwest of Santa Barbara, accessible via Highway 154. Popular activities at the lake include camping, hiking, and fishing. It serves as a vital water resource and a recreational haven, showcasing the natural beauty and historical significance of Santa Barbara County. Website.

Solvang: California’s Danish Village

Solvang is well-known for its half-timbered buildings, windmills, and decorative facades, which create a unique experience reminiscent of Denmark. Notable landmarks include the Little Mermaid Fountain, a replica of the famous statue in Copenhagen, and various bakeries and shops in buildings that resemble those in Denmark. Website.

Santa Barbara California

Situated approximately 90 miles west of Los Angeles and 300 miles south of San Francisco, Santa Barbara is a scenic coastal city on the Pacific Ocean, with the Santa Ynez Mountains as a backdrop. Whether you visit for its beaches, wine, and culture or to soak in its Mediterranean vibe, Santa Barbara offers a unique California experience.