Santa Barbara California
Ranked #415 in Travel & Places, #20,932 overall
The American Riviera
Santa Barbara, for me, is like a beautiful woman: I didn't realize just how beautiful she was until I done left her. I grew up in Santa Barbara, but it wasn't until leaving and traveling the world that I came to realize how spoiled I had been living in one of the world's most beautiful cities.
Santa Barbara takes it's name from the Spanish mission church--called "the Queen of the Missions" for its elegant beauty--built by the Franciscans in the 18th century. Its distinctive twin bell towers are unique to Mission Santa Barbara. The city itself is unique in that it is located on a coastal plain, about 90 miles north of Los Angeles and 300 miles south of San Francisco, which juts out in such a way that the ocean lies to the south of the city--not the usual situation on the West Coast, and which is bounded on the north by the Santa Ynez Mountains, a transverse range that runs from east to west rather than the usual north to south orientation. Wedged between the mountains and the sea as it is, Santa Barbara is a long and narrow city--about three miles in width and 30 miles in length. About 20 mile off the coast of Santa Barbara lie the Channel Islands. The five islands visible from the mainland constitute a national park that gets around 30,000 visitors a year.
With the mountains to the north, and the ocean and sandy beaches to the south, Santa Barbara offers beautiful vistas in whichever direction you look. The architecture is also easy on the eyes, in no small part due to the fact that downtown Santa Barbara was rebuilt in 1925 in the Spanish Colonial Revival style after being devastated by a powerful earthquake. Actually, civic leaders such as Pearl Chase had been advocating for a unified architectural style based on design elements inspired by the Mission and Santa Barbara's historic adobes even before the earthquake. In 1922, the Civic Arts Association's "Plans and Planting Committee" began specifically promoting the Spanish Colonial Revival style, which, in Santa Barbara's case, incorporates Andalusian, Moroccan, and Italian influences. The new Spanish Revival structures had held up well in the earthquake, and this further convinced Santa Barbarans of the style's advantages. As part of the rebuilding effort, blueprints of designs in the Spanish Colonial Revival style were provided free of charge for structures ranging from shops, to factories, to gas stations.
The crowning achievement of the rebuilding and beautification of Santa Barbara was the County Courthouse, which was completed in 1929. In my opinion, the courthouse is a must-see, if for nothing else then for the view from it's clock tower. The highest building in Santa Barbara is the eight-story Granada Theater, so the courthouse's eighty-five-foot tower offers panoramic views of Santa Barbara's red-tiled rooftops, as well as the mountains and the sea. Another thing worth seeing is the Mural Room with its stunning hand-painted murals depicting scenes from Californian history. The courthouse is open to the public from 8am to 5pm Monday to Friday, and from 10am to 4:30pm on the weekend.
Santa Barbara Red Tile Tour
The video below, narrated by John O'Hurley, is a little cheesy (example: "You'll have to excuse me if you hear a little bit of my Seinfeld character, J. Peterman, creep out to describe the incredibly radiant charm and devastating beauty of the sun-drenched paradise that is Santa Barbara, because it's hard to find the words that really describe the magnificence of the American Riviera.") but still very interesting and useful to someone who wants to see examples of Santa Barbara's Spanish Colonial Revival architecture, or just go for a nice walk around the downtown area.curated content from YouTube
Santa Barbara Downtown.com
A Great Resource for Exploring Downtown Santa Barbara
- Santa Barbara Downtown-The Most Beautiful Downtown in America
- "Welcome to Downtown's Historic Arts District in the Heart of Santa Barbara. Enjoy fine dining, unique shops and a variety of cultural venues including galleries, performing arts, historic sites and museums. The best resource to Downtown Santa Barbara, featuring retail, business, cultural and historical attractions for visitors and residents."
Santa Barbara's Climate
Santa Barbara's architectural style is well suited to its climate which, due to its mildness, is described as Mediterranean. Most of the time, S.B. has what could be called Goldilocks weather: not too hot and not too cold. It rarely rains, over 300 days out of the year are sunny, yet the city gets enough humidity from it's proximity to the sea to keep its abundant plant life--palm and eucalyptus trees, bougainvillea and bird-of-paradise all abound--looking fresh and happy. During the summer, most days are absolutely cloudless, during the spring though, it can often be foggy down by the beach, but the fog usually burns off by the afternoon. I used to joke that the easiest job in the world would be being the Santa Barbara radio weatherman. On most days you wouldn't even have to say anything, just hit play on a recording: "Tomorrow it will be warm and sunny, with a light breeze blowing in off the ocean." You generally don't have to worry about rain except in the wintertime, though as the song says, "It never rains in Southern California, but it pours." There can be some very big rainstorms in winter. But I would say that, anyone who visits Santa Barbara and experiences bad weather, definitely should not make gambling their profession.Below is a graph of the average high and low temperatures in Santa Barbara:
Current Weather in Santa Barbara
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Stearns Wharf
Not to be missed
It is my humble opinion that, if you only had time to see one place in Santa Barbara, then that place should be Stearns Wharf. It has many points of interest like the Ty Warner Sea Center, gift shops, and restaurants ranging from fast food place Char West, the family oriented Moby Dick Restaurant, to the more upscale Harbor Restaurant. But more than the shops and restaurants, Stearns Wharf is worth a visit for the views of the ocean and Santa Barbara it affords, and the chance to see scads of marine birds, and if your lucky, a sea lion or two. There are of course always bevies of seagulls on the wharf, and oft times, gaggles of brown pelicans hanging out on the end of the pier or perched atop the Moby Dick, to which fact the restaurant's white spattered rooftop attests even in their absence; I've even seen the odd great blue heron hanging out at the wharf.Besides browsing in the shops and enjoying the views, wildlife and photo opportunities Stearns Wharf has to offer, you can also taste fine wines and get a bite to eat in Coastal Winery's tasting room. But, in my opinion, the best place for grub on the wharf is the Santa Barbara Shellfish Company, a crab and shellfish shop were you can get steamed crab or lobster with a pint of draft beer to enjoy on a picnic table at the end of the wharf.
The Santa Barbara Fiesta
Old Spanish Days
The best time to visit Santa Barbara is during Fiesta, which is held in the first week of August, from Wednesday to Sunday (Fiesta 2010 is from the 4th to the 8th). Fiesta is a colorful festival that celebrates Santa Barbara's Spanish heritage and features many low-keyed, small to medium-scale events in several locations around town, including traditional Spanish and Mexican dance and music, and climaxing with a parade down State Street. What I like best about Fiesta are the mercados, or gatherings of food booths, in a few locations around town that offer handmade tacos, burritos, tamales and other delicious Mexican treats. Generally speaking, during Fiesta there's lots of stuff to see and do, and most of it's free unless you see something you want to buy.
The Santa Barbara Fiesta has been held every year since 1924. The first fiesta was held, first of all, to commemorate the opening of the Lobero Theater, and secondly, as a draw to bring visitors to Santa Barbara during the summer because, at the time, Santa Barbara was seen primarily as a winter resort.
Their strategy seems to have worked as there are more tourists in town during Fiesta than at any other time of the year. But not to worry, it really isn't overcrowded at all, and the atmosphere is great--the whole town is in party mode, it's like a, uhmm...let's see...what's the Spanish word for festival again? Ah, yes: Fiesta!
East Beach
Santa Barbara has many beautiful beaches, but, in a lot of ways (location, convenience, amenities, things to do and overall size), East Beach is the nicest.East Beach is separated from E. Cabrillo Blvd., the palm-tree-lined avenue that runs along Santa Barbara's beachfront, by a wide cycling-cum-rollerblading path and a greenbelt. The greenbelt is the site of a large and eclectic arts & crafts show held every Sunday--that stretches from Stearns Wharf all the way to the end of East Beach. At the far end of the beach, near Andree Clark Bird Refuge, there are volleyball courts where you can often catch some very accomplished beach volleyball players competing against each other. East Beach also has a beach house and snack bar, or if you stroll a bit further down the beach you'll soon arrive at Stearns Wharf, where you can hop on one of the Santa Barbara Trolley Company's trolleys which will take you all the way up to the Mission, with stops at points of interest in between. The trolleys operate from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and the tickets are good for multiple boardings all day.
Because East Beach is located along the main beachfront thoroughfare, there are plenty of shops, restaurants and bicycle rental places more or less across the street. And if you like to walk, you can take a scenic stroll to Santa Barbara's attractive harbor.
“In 2008, the Santa Barbara Dining Guide listed 674 separate restaurants in the region.”
Where to Eat in Santa Barbara
Viands and Libations
When one is on vacation, one of the most important decisions to be made each day is this: "Where shall we eat?" Fortunately, Santa Barbara has an abundant number and variety of restaurants to choose from. The following restaurants are roughly listed in descending order of price:For fine French/Californian food, I recommend Bouchon, which serves what they have dubbed "wine country cuisine." The Bouchon website explains that:
"Only the freshest, high quality local ingredients find their way into the Bouchon Santa Barbara kitchen. Working closely with local produce growers, fishermen and game ranchers we have created a menu we believe captures the essence of California's Central Coast."
Bouchon's signature dish is duck breast. They also offer rack of lamb, venison, seafood, and an extensive selection of Santa Barbara County wines.
Louie's California Bistro, is located on the first floor of the Upham Hotel, housed in an old Victorian built in 1871. At Louie's, you can enjoy sumptuous California cuisine--paired with Santa Barbara County, Napa, or Sonoma Valley wines--on the porch or in the cozy wood-floored dining room, all served up with friendly elegance.
The Seagrass Restaurant is owned by Mitchell Sjerven, also the proprietor of Bouchon. Seagrass serves fresh seafood and the evening specials all conveniently have suggested wine pairings of, for the most part, local wines. Here is a description from the website:
"The ambience at Seagrass was designed to be incredibly easy on the eyes and ears. Beautiful Seagrass wall covering, plantation shutters and white wainscoting are enjoyed in luxurious chairs, while high vaulted ceilings and carpet underneath keep the noise level to a comfortable hum."
The moderately priced Italian restaurant Ca Dario was chosen by locals as the best restaurant overall in Santa Barbara in 2010. Great Italian food and a great wine list offering both Californian and Italian wines.
For ambiance at an affordable price, it's hard to beat The Breakwater Restaurant. Located in the harbor, their food is good (I recommend ordering the Catch of the Day) and the view of the marina from their patio is gorgeous. This is a popular breakfast spot, but it's also a good place to go for lunch or dinner. After a satisfying meal, you can enjoy a stroll along the breakwater.
If your in the mood for Mexican food, La Playa Azul Cafe is a moderately priced restaurant with an attractive patio, and varied menu of Mexican standards and some more unusual offerings made with shrimp, halibut, or scallops. They also make great margaritas.
Located a little bit out of the way on North Milpas St., La Super Rica Taqueria is a funky little taco stand. It's famous for being a favorite of Julia Child's. She even mentioned it in an article she wrote about Santa Barbara for National Geographic's Traveler, calling La Super Rica, "one of the most authentic Mexican home-cooking restaurants around."
As I mentioned above, the best place to eat on Stearns Wharf is the Santa Barbara Shellfish Company, a crab and shellfish shop were you can get steamed crab or lobster with a pint of draft beer to enjoy on a picnic table at the end of the wharf. If you just want to grab a burger, the best place to go is Char West, also located on Stearns Wharf. They have tasty grilled burgers and a much better ocean view than a burger joint has a right to.
Conveniently located on Santa Barbara's main drag, State Street, The French Press simply makes the best cup of coffee in town.
If you're in the mood for something cold, sweet and delicious, McConnell's Ice Cream is the place to go. They make the best ice cream I have ever tasted anywhere.
As far as nightspots go, I recommend Joe's Cafe. Joe's has been a Santa Barbara institution since 1928. It's a massive place with tasty, down to earth food, a raucous atmosphere, and the stiffest drinks in town.
Food Reviews from Yelp
Here's what Yelpers have to say about Food in 93101
- Sustainable Vine Wine Tours (Santa Barbara)
- "I can't say enough about the amazing time we had with Brian at Sustainable Vine. There are so many options to choose from in the Santa Ynez and SB valley..." more
- La Tour Wine Merchants (Santa Barbara)
- "We'd stopped by Oreana for a tasting but the place was loud and crowded and didn't seem like our scene so we drove down the road, parked the car and yelped..." more
- Santa Barbara Certified Farmers Market (Santa Barbara)
- "Perfect! After horseback riding in Goleta, we decided to walk on historic State street...which I have to admit is amazingly charming. Small town feel with..." more
- Tri-County Produce Co (Santa Barbara)
- "Everyone summed it up pretty well. This place is amazing! I would compare it to an inexpensive and permanent Farmer's Market. I will never again buy my..." more
- Backyard Bowls (Santa Barbara)
- "Finally tried an acai bowl... Pretty good. The small is huge though, def can be shared :)" more
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Where To Stay in Santa Barbara
Book a Hotel Online
Biltmore Hotel, Santa Barbara, California
If money is no object, I recommend staying at the four star Canary Hotel. Rooms start at $254.00, but it is very conveniently located with many nearby shops and restaurants, and is not too far from the beach. It has a very nice rooftop pool with stunning views of the Riviera. According to a review by Frommers, "The Canary Hotel's combination of Moroccan flair and Spanish culture fits in perfectly with downtown Santa Barbara's casual elegance. In fact, one night's visit at the centrally located establishment will make any subsequent stay in a boutique hotel pale in comparison."
The Hotel Santa Barbara also has four stars and rooms start at only $159.00. The biggest selling point of the Hotel Santa Barbara is it's location right on State Street and just six blocks from Stearns Wharf.
If you want to be nearer the beach, I recommend The Inn at East Beach. It's a two star hotel with rooms starting at $135.00, but most of the reviews are positive. Most guests praise the location, the friendliness and helpfulness of the staff, and the complimentary breakfast. It might be a good idea to reserve a room on the second floor though. Many people had a complaint similar to this one: "We were on the lower floor and it sounded like we had elephants living above us."
If you are looking for a real budget hotel I recommend the Orange Tree Inn. It has no stars, but the rooms start at only $69.00 a night, and the location is not bad. It's within walking distance of Mission Santa Barbara and not far off State Street, though to get downtown or to the beach it would be best to take the Santa Barbara Trolley.
For more information on these and other Santa Barbara accommodations, try the links below.
- IHS Advantage.com
- Online Hotel Bookings:
"Welcome to our online hotel reservation service, we want to make your shopping experience a great one. Let us help you find the perfect hotel for your trip by providing you with hotel amenities, photos and great rates. Research rates on all Santa Barbara hotels." - The New York Times Guide to Hotels and Where to Stay in Santa Barbara
- Santa Barbara hotel listings and reviews from the New York Times.
Santa Barbara's Urban Wine Trail
Wine Tasting in Downtown Santa Barbara
The Santa Barbara Wine Country, up in the Santa Ynez Mountains just behind Santa Barbara proper, is a fantastic place for a wine tour. But not everyone has the time or means to get up there and travel from one winery to another. But even if you have limited time, means of transport or money, there's no reason to miss out on the chance to sample the great wines produced in Santa Barbara.
The Urban Wine Trail is a popular alternative to visiting the wineries located up in the Santa Barbara Wine Country. A couple of the most famous wineries in Wine Country--Au Bon Climat and Kalyra--have tasting rooms in downtown Santa Barbara, and there are also some excellent wineries that actually produce their wines in the city, though the grapes they use come from vineyards up in the mountains where they can take advantage of cooler temperatures and the many microclimates of the Santa Barbara Wine Country.
All of the tasting rooms on the Urban Wine Trail have a welcoming staff, interesting atmosphere--in one way or another--and good wine, but some are of course better than others. the following seven Urban Wine Trail tasting rooms are the ones I personally recommend, and are listed in descending order of my preference:
The short video below is, frankly, a commercial, advertising the opening of Au Bon Climat's Tasting room. As mentioned above, it's next door to the Wine Cask Restaurant, owned by Doug Margerum of the Margerum Wine Company. The special event they are advertising in this video, a dual Au Bon Climat and Margerum wine tasting with food provided by the Wine Cask, is something they do from time to time. It includes lots of great wine and food and is well worth attending if you get the chance.
The Urban Wine Trail is a popular alternative to visiting the wineries located up in the Santa Barbara Wine Country. A couple of the most famous wineries in Wine Country--Au Bon Climat and Kalyra--have tasting rooms in downtown Santa Barbara, and there are also some excellent wineries that actually produce their wines in the city, though the grapes they use come from vineyards up in the mountains where they can take advantage of cooler temperatures and the many microclimates of the Santa Barbara Wine Country.
All of the tasting rooms on the Urban Wine Trail have a welcoming staff, interesting atmosphere--in one way or another--and good wine, but some are of course better than others. the following seven Urban Wine Trail tasting rooms are the ones I personally recommend, and are listed in descending order of my preference:
My favorite wine tasting room on the Urban Wine Trail is Carr Vineyards and Winery. It's housed in a very funky 1940s vintage quonset hut that looks like an old airplane hanger. Inside, you find a cosy counter at which to taste and lots of wine barrels stacked up in the dim corners of what is the actual winery. It really has a great atmosphere and of course great wines. They make a slightly unusual mix of varietals which includes Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Syrah, Grenache and Cabernet Franc. They are located at 414 N. Salsipuedes Street, which is six blocks east of State Street, in the industrial area of downtown Santa Barbara.
They are open for tastings from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday to Wednesday, and from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday to Saturday. Tastings are $10.00 a head.
My second favorite place is Jaffurs Wine Cellars. Like Carr, it's an actual winery located in the industrial are of downtown Santa Barbara, just a couple of blocks over from Carr. They also have a unique atmosphere, and you might even get to meet the owner, Craig Juffars who besides being an excellent wine maker, is an avid surfer, as you might intuit by seeing the long boards mounted on the wall. Juffars is a small, friendly winery that makes outstanding Syrah, which the critics just rave about. They also make excellent Grenache, Petit Sirah and Viognier.
The winery is are located at 819 E. Montecito Street and open for tastings Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday from 11 am to 5 pm. They are open every day during the summer months. For parties larger than 6, they ask that you call ahead and make a reservation. Tastings are $10.00 per head and $15.00 per person for groups with more than 6 members.
The Au Bon Climat Tasting Room and Jim Clendenen Wine Library just opened in May of this year (2011) to the great delight of Santa Barbara wine lovers. Au Bon Climat is owned and operated by one of the most colorful and talented winemakers in Santa Barbara County, Jim Clendenen Born and raised in Akron, Ohio, the scraggy haired master vintner is a long time resident of Santa Barbara (he graduated from UCSB), but first fell in love with and studied wine in France. His long aging, well balanced, complex and subtle Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays show this French influence, bearing more similarity to their Burgundian counterparts than most of the Californian interpretations of these varietals. The Au Bon Climat label has gained international recognition and acclaim but Jim is always involved in different projects and has produced many different wines under different labels. That's where the wine "library" comes in. In the tasting room, you can peruse, and purchase if you like, many of the different wines that Jim Clendenen produces.
The Au Bon Climat Tasting Room and Jim Clendenen Wine Library is located at 813 Anacapa St., Suite 5, next to the Wine Cask Restaurant (which also has a great tasting room). Tastings are $10.00.
Getting back to urban wineries, Whitcraft Winery is another that produces great wines in downtown Santa Barbara. It's located virtually next door to Fess Parker's Doubletree Resort, but even so, it's extremely hard to find. The problem, as you can see by the picture, is that it looks nothing like a winery, and has a hard to see sign. It's worth taking the effort to find though. They have a similar philosophy to Au Bon Climat--that is making Burgundian varietals in the traditional Burgundian style. They also make good Syrah. Fans of the movie Sideways might recall the cameo that a Whitcraft 2001 Pinot Noir makes in the film. It is ostentatiously flashed before being quaffed by Miles, Jack, Maya and Stephanie.
The Whitcraft Winery & Tasting Room can be found (with some looking) at 36 A S. Calle Cesar Chavez. Regular tasting room hours are Friday to Monday, 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm. From Tuesday to Thursday, tastings are by appointment only. Tastings are $10.00 per person.
Kalyra By The Sea is the Santa Barbara tasting room of Kalyra Winery, which is located in the Santa Barbara Wine Country's Santa Ynez Valley appellation, and which also appeared in Sideways, as one of the wineries that Miles and Jack visit. Kalyra By The Sea is not your typical tasting room. That fact is immediately evident when you enter and take in the decor, which could be described as Tiki Room-surfboard. And it's not just the decor that's different. Santa Barbara wine tasting rooms are generally laid back and unpretentious, but this place is positively boisterous, and they have a younger clientele than most tasting rooms do. But, regardless of your chronological age, if you're young at heart, I recommend you stop in at Kalyra. It's a fun place and they have excellent wine.
Kalyra By The Sea is located at 212 State Street and open daily from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. and till 8 p.m. on the weekend. They charge $10.00 for tastings.
Established in 1962, Santa Barbara Winery is the oldest winery in Santa Barbara County. In their early years, they didn't exactly produce world conquering wines--which many Central Coast wineries now do--but along with the sudden growth and rise in prominence of Santa Barbara's wine industry, Santa Barbara Winery has seen a similar rise in the quality of its wines. They have a nice, spacious tasting room and produce an interesting variety of food friendly wines. Besides the standard Santa Barbara County varietals--Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Syrah--they make Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Orange Muscat, Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, Petit Sirah, Nebbiolo, Sangiovese and Lagrein. Plus, they make an interesting blend called ZCS: Zinfandel, Carignane and Sangiovese. So they produce quite a variety of wines. Like Carr, Jaffurs and Whitcraft, it's an actual winery, not just a tasting room and, having been the first winery in Santa Barbara, they own some of the oldest growth vineyards in Santa Barbara County.
Santa Barbara Winery is at 202 Anacapa Street and open every day from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tastings are just $5.00 per person.
This last one, Deep Sea Tasting Room, I recommend more for the location than the wine they serve. Not that they don't make good wine. They serve the Deep Sea line from Conway Family Wine. This is what their website says about Deep Sea Wine: "Deep Sea represents our ongoing search for maritime influenced vineyards of merit and singularity. These wines reflect their origins and the impact of California's coastal climate." Their location is fantastic, and definitely a good place to taste maritime wines. Their second floor tasting room is on Stearns Wharf and their deck affords sweeping views of Santa Barbara, the mountains and the Pacific Ocean.
The short video below is, frankly, a commercial, advertising the opening of Au Bon Climat's Tasting room. As mentioned above, it's next door to the Wine Cask Restaurant, owned by Doug Margerum of the Margerum Wine Company. The special event they are advertising in this video, a dual Au Bon Climat and Margerum wine tasting with food provided by the Wine Cask, is something they do from time to time. It includes lots of great wine and food and is well worth attending if you get the chance.
curated content from YouTube
Drive Along The American Riviera
From the Mission to Andree Clark Bird Refuge
To Santa Barbara locals, "The Riviera" is the picturesque hill, dotted with rather expensive looking homes, that can be seen from downtown. It's a nice, if pricey, place to live because of the panoramic views of Santa Barbara and the ocean that it boasts. A nice way to experience the Riviera is to drive from Mission Santa Barbara to Andree Clark Bird Refuge. This would make a nice scenic drive back to the beachfront after a visit to the Mission:
When you exit the Mission parking lot, turn left on E. Los Alivos St. and take the first right, which is Alameda Padre Serra. Alameda Padre Serra takes a lot of twists and turns, but you want to stay on it until you run into Eucalyptus Hill Rd., at which point you turn left. When you come to the end of Eucalyptus Hill Rd., turn right on Sycamore Canyon Rd. When you come to Hot Springs Rd., turn right again. You will come to a T-intersection from which you should be able to see Highway 101. Turn right there, and take E. Cabrillo Blvd. under the highway. E. Cabrillo takes you past the bird refuge and eventually to Stearn's Wharf and State Street.
Santa Barbara Botanic Garden
A Great Place For a Refreshing Hike
But more to the point, the Botanic Garden is a beautiful and serene place where you can view many varieties of plants, trees and flowers, while hiking through mountain meadows, a shady forest, and a cool canyon where a clear mountain brook bubbles over the picturesque Mission Dam--built in 1807 by Chumash Indians under the direction of the Spanish missionaries. The Botanic Garden also offers commanding views of the Pacific Ocean and Channel Islands and is dotted with wooden benches, some that provide sweeping vistas as well as a comfortable seat, and others tucked away in a natural arbor of trees or chapparal. You can find the Botanic Garden on the interactive map above, it's located above the Mission and Mission Canyon.
Cold Spring Tavern
Cold Spring Tavern is a rustic bar and restaurant built in the 1860s as a way station for tired stagecoach passengers. Set in shady and well-watered canyon along Stagecoach Road, as the windy byway scaling the Santa Ynez mountains behind Santa Barbara is still called, it now offers solace, refreshment and relaxation to a new generation of the world-weary.Their menu has a wide range of offerings, from "Charbroiled Tiger Shrimp on saffron linguine with a wild mushroom cream" and "Sauteed Breast of Duck with roasted shallot demi-glace," to "Sauteed medallions of rabbit with wild mushroom, garlic, and brandy." and "Charbroiled New Zealand Rack of Venison with cranberry - cabernet demi-glace." They also have a varied and palatable selection of burgers, chilis and sandwiches.
It only takes 10 or 15 minutes to drive up to Cold Springs Tavern from the center of Santa Barbara. It's really is a fantastic place and also a good jumping off point for a trip to Santa Barbara's wine country, the Santa Ynez Valley, which is a bit further up the road. A good plan would be to get up early and stop by Cold Spring Tavern for a breakfast of flapjacks or "homemade venison sausage and two eggs any style," and then head into wine country and visit three or four wineries (I'm assuming that you have a designated driver) for a sampling of fine California wine.
Santa Ynez Valley
Santa Barbara's Wine Country
Santa Barbara County is home to four federally approved wine appellations, or AVAs: Santa Ynez Valley, Sta. Rita Hills, Happy Canyon of Santa Barbara, and Santa Maria Valley. Outstanding wines are produced in all four of these AVAs, but Santa Ynez Valley has the highest concentration of wineries and is located the nearest to Santa Barbara City.
For a lot of people, the 2004 movie Sideways put Santa Ynez on the map. There is even a literal "Sideways map" available online or from the local tourist information office which guides you to all of the stops that Miles and Jack made on their mad road trip of wine tasting and midlife angst. But the wine industry started booming in Santa Ynez long before 2004.
In fact, vineyards were first planted in the Santa Ynez Valley 200 years earlier, by Spanish missionaries at Old Mission Santa Inez. Santa Ynez's modern wine-making era began in the early 1960s. In the beginning, most of the grapes grown in Santa Ynez and--all of Santa Barbara County--were sold to wineries outside of the area, and it wasn't until 1975 that Firestone Vineyard released a wine made locally from local grapes. When things really started to take off for Santa Barbara County winemaking was in the 80s. During that decade, the number of wineries grew from thirteen to twenty-nine. That though was just the beginning: there are now over 100 wineries in Santa Barbara County, with over 21,000 acres of land dedicated to vineyards. Sixty-three of those wineries are located in the Santa Ynez Valley, according to the Santa Ynez Visitors Association.
Like the City of Santa Barbara, the Santa Barbara County wine appellation benefits from its unique geographical characteristics. CaliforniaWineInfo.com puts it this way:
"In Santa Barbara County, the north-south coastal range of mountains abruptly turns to run almost east-west for 50 miles, framing the valleys in a unique transit to the Pacific Ocean. This is the only stretch of land from Alaska to Cape Horn constituting an east-west traverse. The unique topography allows the flow of fog and ocean breezes to shape distinct microclimates and makes the region one of the coolest viticultural areas in California. However, warmer daytime temperatures in the inland areas allow a wide variety of winegrapes to be grown. Terrain and climates vary widely, from steep, wind-swept hillsides to rolling inland valley vineyards where summer temperatures often reach the century mark."
All of which means, Santa Barbara County provides a whole lot of variety and choice of wines. Santa Barbara's wine country is great wine country. This is what Robert Parker had to say about the future of the the Central Coast wine region in general, and Santa Barbara in particular in a 2004 Food & Wine article:
"Look for wines from California's Central Coast (an enormous region that runs from Contra Costa down to Santa Barbara) to take their place alongside the hallowed bottlings of Napa and Sonoma valleys. No viticultural region in America has demonstrated as much progress in quality and potential for greatness as the Central Coast, with its Rhône varietals, and the Santa Barbara region, where the Burgundian varietals Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are planted in its cooler climates."
For a lot of people, the 2004 movie Sideways put Santa Ynez on the map. There is even a literal "Sideways map" available online or from the local tourist information office which guides you to all of the stops that Miles and Jack made on their mad road trip of wine tasting and midlife angst. But the wine industry started booming in Santa Ynez long before 2004.
In fact, vineyards were first planted in the Santa Ynez Valley 200 years earlier, by Spanish missionaries at Old Mission Santa Inez. Santa Ynez's modern wine-making era began in the early 1960s. In the beginning, most of the grapes grown in Santa Ynez and--all of Santa Barbara County--were sold to wineries outside of the area, and it wasn't until 1975 that Firestone Vineyard released a wine made locally from local grapes. When things really started to take off for Santa Barbara County winemaking was in the 80s. During that decade, the number of wineries grew from thirteen to twenty-nine. That though was just the beginning: there are now over 100 wineries in Santa Barbara County, with over 21,000 acres of land dedicated to vineyards. Sixty-three of those wineries are located in the Santa Ynez Valley, according to the Santa Ynez Visitors Association.
Like the City of Santa Barbara, the Santa Barbara County wine appellation benefits from its unique geographical characteristics. CaliforniaWineInfo.com puts it this way:
"In Santa Barbara County, the north-south coastal range of mountains abruptly turns to run almost east-west for 50 miles, framing the valleys in a unique transit to the Pacific Ocean. This is the only stretch of land from Alaska to Cape Horn constituting an east-west traverse. The unique topography allows the flow of fog and ocean breezes to shape distinct microclimates and makes the region one of the coolest viticultural areas in California. However, warmer daytime temperatures in the inland areas allow a wide variety of winegrapes to be grown. Terrain and climates vary widely, from steep, wind-swept hillsides to rolling inland valley vineyards where summer temperatures often reach the century mark."
All of which means, Santa Barbara County provides a whole lot of variety and choice of wines. Santa Barbara's wine country is great wine country. This is what Robert Parker had to say about the future of the the Central Coast wine region in general, and Santa Barbara in particular in a 2004 Food & Wine article:
"Look for wines from California's Central Coast (an enormous region that runs from Contra Costa down to Santa Barbara) to take their place alongside the hallowed bottlings of Napa and Sonoma valleys. No viticultural region in America has demonstrated as much progress in quality and potential for greatness as the Central Coast, with its Rhône varietals, and the Santa Barbara region, where the Burgundian varietals Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are planted in its cooler climates."
Where To Go To Taste Wine
Santa Barbara County Wineries
The following recommendations are from a local wine buff that really knows his stuff, regarding wine in general, and Santa Barbara County wines and wineries in particular: my father. Dad is not a native Santa Barbaran (or Santa Barbarian as they are affectionately known), but he's lived in the fair city for the last 45 years or so. He began his sojourn into the ways of California Wine by touring Napa Valley wineries back in the early '60s, when he was a student at Berkley's Boalt Hall. I can attest to his encyclopedic knowledge of and excellent taste in wine, and to his abilities as a guide to Santa Barbara's wine country. This is some good advice from one who knows:"The very best winery in Santa Barbara city is Jaffurs Wine Cellars, on Montecito Street near Milpas. It is kind of funky, but they make truly great syrah and you will often be able to talk to the winemakers. The rest are over in Santa Ynez Valley, and for ambiance and good wine I would recommend Gainey Vineyards (both reds and whites), Sunstone Winery (reds), Blackjack Ranch Vineyards (reds), and Rideau Vineyard (both), all within reasonable proximity to each other. Best places for wine and a picnic are Beckman Vineyards (reds) and Rideau. I would recommend Kalyra (both) in the valley (it's near Sunstone) to the younger set (fun but noisy) and if people want to drive further out, Brander Vineyard (whites), Curtis Winery (whites), Fess Parker Winery (both), and Zaca Mesa (reds). That's quite a long list, but we just have a whole bunch of good wineries in Santa Barbara County now."
If you would like to have a nice meal in the wine country, I recommend Brother's Restaurant at Mattei's Tavern". The tavern was built in 1886 and, like Cold Spring Tavern, it was originally a rest stop for stagecoach travelers.
California's Central Coast: The Ultimate Winery Guide
From Santa Barbara to Paso Robles
Santa Barbara County Wine Country Links
- A and J Limousine Wine Tours
- Visit the Santa Barbara Wine Country in the comfort and safety of a luxury limousine. You can sit back and relax while your knowledgeable guide escorts you from one outstanding winery after another.
All of A and J's guides are on intimate terms with the wine country, so you can rest assured that they will take you to the best wineries Santa Barbara has to offer.
You can plan own itinerary of wineries to visit, or let A and J' chauffeurs take you on a unique wine tasting tour of Santa Barbara's finest wineries while you take in the bucolic vistas of the wine country's Santa Ynez Valley, the soothing beauty of its vineyards and the welcoming, laid-back ambiance of the wineries themselves. - Santa Barbara County Vintner's Association
- "The Santa Barbara County Vintners' Association is a non-profit organization founded in 1983 to support and promote Santa Barbara County as a premium wine producing and wine grape growing region. The Vintners' Association produces festivals, seminars and tastings and provides information to consumers and the wine and travel media."
- The Santa Ynez Valley Visitors Association
- "Located in northern Santa Barbara County, the Santa Ynez Valley is just 35 miles from the beaches of Santa Barbara, 125 miles up the coast from Los Angeles and 300 miles south of San Francisco. The region is easily accessible via vehicles on U.S. Highway 101 and State Highways 154 & 246. For car free travel, Amtrak trains feature connecting bus service to Solvang (www.amtrak.com); and private aircraft land at Santa Ynez Airport."
- Santa Ynez Valley Wine Country Association
- "Our Association is a selection of boutique wineries located in the heart of the Santa Ynez Valley. All are family owned and each is unique - a tasting room may be in a historic building from the stagecoach days, a picnic garden in the midst of an orchard may await you, the beauty of a Spanish mission style winery begs a photo. The common denominator is the great wines produced by each, and the diversity of our unique winegrowing region allows us to craft a wine to suit just about everyone's taste."
- Wine Country Getaways
- We have carefully designed our wine trails to provide maximum enjoyment for the visitor to California
Wine Country. We are one of very few unbiased Web guides to the California wine country.
We recommend the best tasting rooms to visit, the top places to stay, dine, and picnic in the
California wine country. If you want to build your own wine trail, use our Trip Planner. - Wine Tours by the Santa Barbara Trolley Company
- Tour Four of the Top Wineries of Santa Barbara, and Santa Ynez: Buttonwood Winery; Bridlewood Winery; Rideau Vineyard; Sunstone Winery
Ride in comfort on our beautiful trolleys. Scenic Wine Tours By Trolley include:
1. Custom Designed Trolley
2. Wine Tasting Fees
3. Lunch from World Famous Deli
4. Wine Country Specialist Guide
5. Fully Narrated Tour for 10-30 passengers
6. Group Discounts and Custom Tours available
7. Complimentary champagne and Hors d'oeuvres
8. Printed itinerary and vineyard map
9. "The Highlight of Your Stay"
Our wine tours are private tours, meaning only your group will be on board the trolley. A minimum of 10 guests are required to book a Wine Tour by Trolley.
Santa Barbara Photo Gallery
Santa Barbara Architecture
The Patio of the Arlington Theater
Santa Barbara Photo Gallery
The Beachfront
Andree Clark Bird Refuge
How To Get To Santa Barbara
Planes, Trains and Automobiles
A great way to get to Santa Barbara is to fly from LAX on an American Eagle (a sister airline of American Airlines) propeller-driven Saab SF340A/B airplane. You really want to get a seat on the right side of the airplane if at all possible because that side of the plane affords good views of some absolutely stunning mansions of the rich and famous as you fly over Montecito. The flight only takes about 48 minutes, and gives you the opportunity to see Santa Barbara's small but beautiful airport. From there, you can either take a taxi or rent a car for the 10 or 15 minute drive into Santa Barbara.Another alternative is to take the train. Santa Barbara's Amtrak station is very conveniently located near both the beach and downtown Santa Barbara, and Santa Barbara is quite unusual for a West Coast city in that you can get around to most of the main points of interest without a car. If you book a hotel room near the train station, you'll be perfectly positioned to stroll on down to the beach or, heading in another direction, downtown.
Of course, you can always drive. On the map below, I chose Fess Parker's Doubletree Resort as the destination because it's located on the Waterfront near the Andree Clark Bird Refuge. The most dramatic entrance into the city is along Cabrillo Boulevard, past the bird refuge and on to the Waterfront. If you're coming from the south, take Highway 101 north to Santa Barbara. Get off at exit 94C, the Cabrillo Blvd. exit (left lane). Turn left onto Cabrillo Boulevard and continue past the bird refuge to the Waterfront, and you have arrived. Coming from the north, take Highway 101 south to Santa Barbara and get off at exit 94B, the Cabrillo Blvd. exit (left lane). Turn right onto Cabrillo Boulevard, and proceed to the Waterfront.
Santa Barbara Map, Courtesy of Google
Cabrillo Boulevard
New Orbitz!
Santa Barbara Cycling Route
Mountain Drive Loop
With its mild climate, beautiful scenery, and the panoramic views its foothills affords, Santa Barbara is a fantastic town for cyclists. Click on the button to check out this 12.38 mile scenic cycling route in the foothills of Montecito mapped out by MapMyRide.com.Or click on the link for another great cycling route from TrekBike.com. According to the post's author, "Tania and I have ridden our bikes all over the world and Santa Barbara is right at the top. Great weather, incredible scenery, the ocean, mountains, and places you can ride without a lot of traffic." I think he's right, Santa Barbara is one of the best places for cycling.
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Comments are Welcome
Have you ever been to SB, or wanted to visit?
There's a ton of information below about restaurants, hotels, and things to do and see in Santa Barbara.
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jadehorseshoe
Dec 29, 2011 @ 7:06 pm | delete
- Perfect Lens!
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cheech1981
Sep 25, 2011 @ 10:19 am | delete
- still have never been to cali...lookin fwd to it one day though...sb looks very nice
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Arlete DNasi
Sep 18, 2011 @ 10:27 am | delete
- Wow! Eu quero viver nessa linda cidade!
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addisonagnote
Jun 21, 2011 @ 11:00 am | delete
- Really wanna go to Santa Barbara. My client has a business there: Web design. I wish to see him too! :)
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LikinTrikin
Jun 1, 2011 @ 4:03 pm | delete
- WOW.. We'll be passing through Santa Barbara on a cross country trike adventure in September and your lens makes me wonder if I shouldn't plan on spending a few days there. Very well done and tons of info. I'm even more excited about my trip now. Blessing from Rob n Faith
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Shopping Info from Yelp
Here's what Yelpers have to say about Shopping in 93101
- Chaucer's Books (Santa Barbara)
- "Chaucer's has been the only bookstore I have bought books in Santa Barbara since I was a child. I grew up just a few blocks away and loved going there as..." more
- The Book Den (Santa Barbara)
- "totally ripped off selling them books. did two to three times better selling on the amazon site, Snooty staff" more
- The Game Seeker (Santa Barbara)
- "If you like board games this is the place. They meet up and play Tuesdays and Thursdays at a local restaurant. Not much else to say. The only problem I had..." more
- Antique Alley (Santa Barbara)
- "This is what happens when hippies run an antique mall. In a good way. I would say that this is my second favorite antique store on the Central Coast (after..." more
- Calla Gold Jewelry (Santa Barbara)
- "Calla did a wonderful job on my wife's wedding and engagement rings. They were plain, and she worked on the designs with my wife, building a new wedding..." more
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Santa Barbara Lodgings
- A White Jasmine Inn Bed & Breakfast
- Experience Santa Barbara at A White Jasmine Inn, one of the most renowned and oldest bed and breakfast inns in the area. Formerly known as the Glenborough Inn, this charming facility offers quaint accommodations, delightful amenities and a premium location.
- Alisal Guest Ranch & Resort
- The Alisal Guest Ranch & Resort, located in the Santa Ynez Valley, is situated on a 10,000-acre working cattle ranch close to the Santa Barbara County wine country. This resort offers something for everyone including golf with two 18-hole championship courses, horseback riding, tennis, and fishing in a 100-acre spring-fed lake. Each of the 73 guest units features a wood-burning fireplace, high-beamed ceilings, and Western art.
- Avania Inn of Santa Barbara
- Situated just a short stroll from the beach and downtown Santa Barbara, this cozy inn has beautiful old-world decor and it offers 47 luxurious and relaxing guest rooms and suites which include an array of amenities to make you feel right at home. Some of the amenities on site include a sauna, whirlpool spa, private balconies, and a daily continental breakfast.
- Cheshire Cat Inn
- A deluxe Santa Barbara bed and breakfast, Cheshire Cat Inn consists of two Queen Ann Victorian homes which offer twelve guest rooms, two coach houses and two cottages for guests to relax in. Spa treatments are available in suite or in the Spa cottage.
- El Capitan Canyon
- Situated 20 miles north of downtown Santa Barbara on more than 300 acres on the Pacific coast, El Capitan Canyon offers 108 individual cedar cabins in various sizes or heavy canvas tents with wooden floors throughout the canyon. All cabins have front porches, peak ceilings, standard bathroom facilities, willow king, queen or double beds, individual heating controls, fine linens and towels, wireless Internet, and kitchenettes with microwaves, mini-fridges, wet bar sinks and coffeemakers. Many contain such upgraded amenities as fireplaces, soaking bathtubs, and sleeping lofts.
- Holiday Inn Express Santa Barbara
- A unique Historic Landmark Site hotel which offers 61 beautifully appointed guest rooms, all with classic California Spanish Revival decor, coffee makers, irons, ironing boards, and hair dryers. An expanded continental breakfast is served each morning in a cozy breakfast salon and guests can enjoy a room service menu from a local restaurant and same day dry cleaning service while staying at this historic hotel.
- Montecito Inn
- Built by cinema legend Charlie Chaplin, this beautiful hotel is perfect for a relaxing getaway or a romantic weekend. The hotel offers personalized services and beautifully decorated guest rooms, as well as a restaurant, an outdoor pool, a fitness facility, a sauna, room service, a whirlpool, nightly turndown service, and a business center. A continental breakfast is served each morning.
- Old Yacht Club Inn
- Gracious hospitality awaits you at this charming California Craftsman style bed and breakfast that offers individually decorated and comfortably furnished guest rooms, most with hardwood floors and Oriental rugs. All of the rooms have private baths and guests can enjoy a daily full gourmet breakfast and an evening hosted social hour where guests are invited to meet and enjoy wine and beverages. Fresh flowers and a decanter of sherry also welcomes you in all guest rooms.
- San Ysidro Ranch, A Rosewood Resort
- Situated in the Montecito foothills, this property features 40 private classic bungalow-style cottages and suites which wind along San Ysidro's hillside creek and tree-lined paths. Many of the accommodations have wood-burning fireplaces, plush king-size beds with fine linens, flat-screen TVs, antique furnishings, and patios with hot tubs. Guests can enjoy in-room spa treatments, a heated swimming pool, fitness center, and hikes in the Santa Ynez Mountains while staying here.
- Simpson House Inn
- Situated within walking distance of historic downtown, this elegant Victorian estate is North America's highest rated AAA Five Diamond bed and breakfast. There are 15 exquisitely furnished guest rooms, suites, and cottages available that overlook an acre of beautiful English gardens. A full gourmet breakfast is served privately in your room, on a garden patio, or on the veranda, where an evening buffet of fine Mediterranean hors d'oeuvres are paired with local wines.
- Tiffany Country House
- This lovingly restored Victorian home offers seven beautifully decorated guest rooms, all with king or queen size beds, unique art and antiques, private baths, luxurious robes, and ceiling fans. Many of the rooms offer whirlpool tubs and wood-burning fireplaces. Guests can enjoy wine and horse d'oeuvres every evening and a full breakfast with a delicious hot entree each morning while staying at this inn.
- Upham Victorian Hotel & Garden Cottages
- The oldest continuously operating hotel in Southern California, this beautifully restored hotel offers a unique setting of seven buildings surrounding an acre of lovely gardens. Distinct accommodations, such as cottage suites, fireplace cottages, and master suites, await guests and surround them with a tranquil, peaceful stay.
- Beach House Inn
- Walk to beach, harbor, and restaurants while staying at this small, cozy inn which is situated on a quiet side street. There are 12 accommodations built around a lovely courtyard surrounded by flower beds and guests have several types of rooms to choose from, including single king rooms, studios, family suites, and apartments. The Beach House Inn offers pet friendly accommodations and a convenient downtown location.
- Hotel Oceana Santa Barbara
- In September 2008, Hotel Oceana Santa Barbara was re-designed by Annette Jaffe to complement the delightfully colorful and expansive grounds of the hotel. Located along Cabrillo Blvd in Santa Barbaras famous ocean-front downtown district, Hotel Oceana Santa Barbara is a favorite spot for young travelers, families, and locals alike, and entices beach-goers with its design and style.
- Bacara Resort & Spa
- Listed as a preferred hotel and resort worldwide, this elegant resort provides 311 luxurious guest rooms and 49 specialty suites, all equipped with high speed Internet access, well-stocked mini bars, soft robes and slippers, and Frette bed and bath linens. Amenities on site include concierge and baby sitting services, 24 hour room service, a full service spa and beauty salon, business center, four lighted Har-Tru clay tennis courts, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and three restaurants.
- Best Western Encina Lodge And Suites
- A bed and breakfast ambiance awaits you at this hotel that is perfect for both resort and long-term visits and it located adjacent to the prestigious Sansum-Santa Barbara Medical Foundation Clinic and Cottage Hospital. There are 121 distinctively elegant and comfortable guest rooms and suites available and guests can enjoy a garden pool, the landmark aviary, unwinding on your own private patio or balcony, and a therapeutic spa while staying here.
- Best Western Inn At The Beach
- Situated right across the street from the beach, this hotel features beautifully appointed guest rooms with many of the rooms being ocean or park side and most of the rooms including private balconies. A lovely courtyard and pool are on site for guests to enjoy, as well as a restaurant that offers room service and a daily continental breakfast.
- Best Western Pepper Tree Inn
- A charming, full service Spanish style mini resort that offers 150 beautiful, comfortable guest rooms, each with a private garden terrace. An array of amenities are on site for guests to enjoy while staying here, such as two sparkling pools, two whirlpools, sauna, massage services, a full service restaurant, and fitness facilities.
- Brisas del Mar, Inn at the Beach
- A luxurious harbor region inn with a charming French country decor that provides 31 select guest rooms, including deluxe rooms and suites, some of which have full kitchens and walk-in closets. Amenities on site include a spacious sundeck with views of the Santa Ynez Mountains, a heated pool, and a whirlpool spa. Guests can also enjoy a daily continental breakfast, afternoon wine reception, and evening milk and cookies.
- Cabrillo Inn at the Beach
- Guests can choose from ocean view guest rooms or Spanish vacation cottages while staying at this charming inn that provides guests with spectacular ocean and island views, an outdoor pool, second floor sundecks, an ocean view lounge, and an adjacent restaurant. A continental breakfast is served every morning.
Santa Barbara Hotel Reviews
Here's what Yelpers have to say about Hotels & Travel in 93101
- Harbor House Inn (Santa Barbara)
- "Not so much a B & B as a motel. Courteous check in girl and comfortable accommodations. Shower a little cramped for someone 6' tall but bed and linens..." more
- Wine Edventures (Santa Barbara)
- "A winery tasting tour is something that's been on the docket for my wife and I for some time now. We finally had the opportunity to indulge, but I wasn't..." more
- Cloud Climbers Jeep Tours (Santa Barbara)
- "This is an awesome way to tour the Santa Barbara's gorgeous wineries, wine country, and wine taste without having to drive. I liked sharing the jeep with..." more
- Inn of the Spanish Garden (Santa Barbara)
- "We arrived at the Inn at night and initially thought the hotel looked a bit unassuming from the front. Then we walked inside to a cute little lobby area..." more
- Segway of Santa Barbara (Santa Barbara)
- "My boyfriend and I celebrated our anniversary in Santa Barbara for the weekend and after reading such good reviews, we tried this place out and it was one..." more
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Santa Barbara Attractions
- Casa Del Herrero
- Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this estate and garden features Spanish Colonial details and it is filled with European antique furnishings and art. Docent-led tours are held at 10:00 a.m. and at 2:00 p.m. on most Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.
- County Courthouse, The
- A magnificent Spanish-Moorish building that is surrounded by beautifully landscaped lawns and a sunken tropical garden. The view from the top of the tower is spectacular. Many events are held here throughout the year.
- El Presidio State Historic Park
- One of the most significant historical buildings in Santa Barbara, this historic place was the last of four military fortresses built by the Spanish. It is home for many events throughout the year and guided tours are available.
- Santa Barbara Historical Society Museum
- Built in 1910, this museum is furnished with original objects, a wide array of treasures, and the Trussell-Winchester Adobe, an 1854 sea captains unique residence.
- Carriage & Western Arts Museum
- A unique museum which contains a collection of over 75 vehicles used by early pioneers. This museum places several carriages in the Fiesta Parade each August.
- Goleta Depot Railroad Museum
- Situated in an old Southern Pacific depot, this museum features many exhibits depicting the key historical role of the railroad depot in the history of rural America. The museum is only seven miles from downtown Santa Barbara.
- Santa Barbara Maritime Museum
- This museum is constantly being added to and is being filled with artifacts and displays about the effect of the sea on the local community from the Chumash (early seafaring peoples) to present times. The museum also offers a theatre and educational programs.
- Santa Barbara Museum of Art
- This museum collects, preserves, exhibits, and interprets works of arts from various cultures and periods. It also offers educational and outreach programs.
- Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History
- One of the most beautiful small museums in the United States, this museum presents exhibits on the region's history, geology, natural wildlife, marine life, and the culture of the Chumash Indians. Highlights include a 72 foot blue whale skeleton, the region's only public planetarium and observatory, and a science gift shop.
- Santa Barbara Botanic Garden
- Situated on 65 acres, this garden features over 1,000 species of rare and indigenous California plants. This beautiful place also features five and a half miles of scenic trails through meadows and canyons, and across the historic Mission Dam.
- Santa Barbara Zoo
- This large zoo contains over 700 exotic and domestic animals, an enclosed carousel, and two C.P. Huntington trains. It is also is home to the Santa Barbara Zoological Gardens.
- David Anderson Safaris
- David Anderson designed and escorted his first safari in 1980 while still working as a management consultant in the healthcare industry. In 1985, he decided to turn in his business suit for a safari vest and change careers and Kenya Nature Safaris was formed. The company was renamed to David Anderson Safaris as the company expanded into Southern Africa in 1989.
- Santa Barbara Garden Tours
- This tour company offers wonderful tours to gardens, nurseries, wineries, and unique shopping opportunities. They also offer custom group and individual tour itineraries, along with scheduled tours.
- Sunset Kidd Sailing & Yacht Sales
- A true sailing experience aboard a 41-foot sailing Yacht which is Coast Guard certified to carry eighteen passengers awaits you with this tour company. Sunset-cocktail cruises, two-hour coastline exploring, and whale watching are available. They also offer charter services and yacht sales.
- Old Mission Santa Barbara
- Known as the "Queen of the Missions," the Mission Santa Barbara was the 10th of 21 California Missions founded by the Spanish Franciscans during the 1700's. Self-guided tours are available daily from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Santa Barbara Arts and Entertainment Reviews
Here's what Yelpers have to say about Arts & Entertainment in 93101
- Alice Keck Park Memorial Gardens (Santa Barbara)
- "This really is one of SB's hidden gems. Take a blanket and a picnic and it's the PERFECT place to spend the afternoon. I agree with some of the reviews,..." more
- Lotusland (Santa Barbara)
- "This whimsical botanical garden in Montecito is a must see. Ganna Walska created this flora version of Disneyland over the course of several decades which..." more
- Sustainable Vine Wine Tours (Santa Barbara)
- "I can't say enough about the amazing time we had with Brian at Sustainable Vine. There are so many options to choose from in the Santa Ynez and SB valley..." more
- Santa Barbara Bowl (Santa Barbara)
- "--- ladies wear comfy shoes, no joke --- -You will do some heavy duty walking up and down hills. The scenery on the way is nice... Lots of green. -the..." more
- Municipal Winemakers (Santa Barbara)
- "This place has a pretty good wine selection. The staff is awesome and they have great knowledge of their wines. I like this place more for it's ambiance..." more
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Things to do in Santa Barbara
Here's what Yelpers have to say about Active Life in 93101
- Douglas Family Preserve (Santa Barbara)
- "My Vizslas and I love going here weekly, we'd go daily if the park was closer to home. It's a beautiful and enjoyable area to walk with an incredible view..." more
- Santa Barbara County Courthouse (Santa Barbara)
- "*Interesting art work * nice scenic view * friendly tour guides (who are volunteers!) * best of all, it's FREE admission!!!!!!!!!!!! MUST DO IN SANTA..." more
- Santa Barbara Adventure Company (Santa Barbara)
- "Our bachelorette party went on the wine tasting trip with cupcake tasting. Who knew the two would go so well together? In total we went to the Firestone,..." more
- Alameda Park (Santa Barbara)
- "Best apparatus in SB for the kids to play - just ask my 6 yr old." more
- Arroyo Burro Beach (Santa Barbara)
- "Awesome! Took our Golden there for Thanksgiving, she loved it. Great beach for hiking, lot's of DOGs...Shannon was very happy. A real plus is the dog..." more
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Santa Barbara Wine Tasting on the Web
- Central Coast Romance for You and Your Sweetheart for Valentine's Day
- By Georgina Stassi on February 12, 2012 in Food & Wine, News By Georgina Stassi, Santa Barbara View Food, Wine & Travel Columnist I love spontaneous romantic getaways and though we may live at or close to the beach, spending a romantic evening in a ...
- SY Valley has no plan to become next Napa
- Does Santa Barbara wine country risk becoming the next Napa Valley? Will Napa's long-standing commercial success tempt us to follow suit, no matter what the price to our cherished Santa Ynez Valley way of life? Is Napa a business model we should aspire ...
- Valentine Day Getaways from Los Angeles
- If you're in the mood for something relaxing, Santa Barbara is the place to be. Santa Barbara is the home of beautiful wine country, affluent culture, and Spanish architecture. Examples of architecture include the Old Mission of Santa Barbara, ...
- Tasting with Director of Wine: The Green Revolution
- ?No way ? I'm not letting you come all the way to Santa Barbara and not see our wine region,? I said, offering to drive him around wine country the next morning, and starting to make a series of phone calls, text messages, and emails to see what I ...
Events in Santa Barbara, Courtesy of Craigslist
- ★☆☂Get Hired By The Best People - Be A Medical Biller (santa barbara)
- One poster wrote: looking for gay Latino. Another advertised: African-Americans and Arabians tend to...
- Santa Barbara Culinary Course (Santa Barbara)
- Learn all the art and science behind flavors?? Make Cooking your career!!! Get a degree in Culinary...
- Carpinteria class of 1992 reunion (santa barbara)
- Carpinteria class of 1992 High School Reunion is coming, will be a lot of fun, If you didnt get a invite...
- l@@k Compost Tea seminar (Santa Barbara)
- Make your own compost tea's at home to save money on organic fertilizers for your Garden or landscape.
- Money Saving Solutions for Home Improvement Resolutions (Unity Shoppe Community Room)
- DATE: Saturday, February 25, 2012 TIME: 10 a.m. LOCATION: Unity Shoppe Community Room, 110 West Sola...
Check Out These Great Lenses
Santa Barbara Service Providers
Small Business Guide
- A and J Limousine Wine Tours
- A and J is the best and most affordable choice for a Santa Barbara Wine Country Tour. Listen to this review:
"I found A and J through another service that was booked. Turned out wonderful for a town car ride to Sana Barbara wine country from Oxnard with our driver Robert. Car was comfy for two, Robert was friendly and knew the area. The wineries were fab and they even picked a spot for us to get lunch. All We had to do was show up and they did the rest. If you want to taste, drink and not drive while visiting wineries, try them!"
Eliot from Avon, CT. - Home Security Santa Barbara
- Your resource for home security monitoring and alarm systems companies in Santa Barbara
- Bail Bonds Santa Barbara
- Your resource for information on Santa Barbara bail bond agents.
- Mold Removal Santa Barbara
- Mold Removal Santa Barbara provides information about professional removal and remediation of mold, mildew and toxic black mold from your home.
- Plumbers Santa Barbara
- Plumbers Santa Barbara is a website that provides Santa Barbara residents with plumbing tips, and information about the best plumbers serving the city.
- Santa Barbara Wine Tasting
- Santa Barbara Wine Tasting is a great source for information on all aspects of Wine Tasting in Santa Barbaras wine country.
- How to Determine a Good Wine
- Visit Santa Barbara Wine Tasting and find out how to determine whether or not a particular wine is really good.
- Santa Barbara Wine Tours
- Santa Barbara Wine Tours has all the info you need to plan an unforgetable wine tasting tour in the Santa Barbara Wine Country.
- Tanning Santa Barbara
Having a healthy tan is something that most people in Santa Barbara value. Airbrush tanning is done by applying the tanning solution using a compressor and airbrush. A typical session takes from 20 to 30 minutes...- A and J Limousine Classic Wine Tour Cars
- This is an interesting video showing some vintage Santa Barbara wine tours limos.
by California_Dreamin
California_Dreamin
I was born in Tacoma, Washington, way back in 1960 and grew up in Santa Barbara California. Nowadays, I run a language school and live with my beautiful... more »
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Santa Barbara
Barnaby Conrad: essay, Marc Muench: photography
Santa Barbara
Amazon Price: $106.74 (as of 02/13/2012)
Product Description:
Experience one of the glistening jewels of California: Santa Barbara. This beautiful and sophisticated city has been called the American Riviera for its astonishing ocean views, pristine beaches, stately architecture, luscious restaurants, and exclusive shopping. Exquisite color photography by lifetime Santa Barbara resident Marc Muench reveals the heart of Santa Barbara and its surrounding cities of Goleta, Montecito, Summerland, and Carpinteria. A poignant, personal essay by author Barnaby Conrad describes the magic of Santa Barbara.
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