Top things to do and little known facts about Santa Barbara

The community of Santa Barbara, California has long been a highly respected and much sought after area to both live in and travel to in Southern California. The city offers some of the nicest beaches in the area and its location between the beautiful Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific Ocean make it also one of the more scenic locations in the region. The area is unique in that though it rests on America's west coast, its coastline actually runs in the east-west directions as opposed to the north-south directions. With its close proximity to more popular destinations in Southern California like Beverly Hills, Malibu, Hollywood, and Los Angeles, the community of Santa Barbara is often overshadowed by its neighbors.

Here is a look at five little known facts about Santa Barbara, California.

1. One of the more popular beach locations in Santa Barbara is Mesa Beach located just below Shoreline Park. The wooden steps that lead down to Mesa Beach are only usable during low tide as all of Mesa Beach is submerged beneath ocean water during high tide.

2. Though Hollywood and Los Angeles are famous the world over for their associations with both the television and movie industries, during the silent film era the largest movie studio in the world was Flying A Studios located in Santa Barbara.


3. Oil was discovered in the Santa Barbara area just before 1900 and what would be the world's first offshore oil drilling development soon sprouted up and is still active today.

4. The only attack on the mainland of the United States during World War II occurred about ten miles offshore to the west of Santa Barbara when a Japanese submarine fired shells at the Elwood Oil Field.

5. Having been published since 1855, the Santa Barbara News-Press is the oldest daily newspaper located in all of Southern California.

Family Outings
When it comes to having a family outing, whether that means enjoying the beach and ocean or having a picnic lunch under an old shade tree, Santa Barbara offers a number of parks that cater to family get-togethers and excursions. Here is a look at the best parks in the Santa Barbara area for family outings:

Chase Palm Park
Shoreline
La Mesa
Hilda Ray
Leadbetter Beach
East Beach

Hiking and/or Biking
The parks in and around Santa Barbara offer a number of opportunities for outdoor recreation like hiking and mountain or street biking. With the warm weather that is so prevalent in the area, it is no surprise that residents and visitors to Santa Barbara cherish opportunities to get out and enjoy the outdoors. Here are the best parks in the Santa Barbara area for hiking and biking:

Douglas Family Preserve
Hale
Rattlesnake Canyon
Parma

History and Culture
Santa Barbara has a rich and distinct history when compared to many of the areas and communities that surround it. The area has been home to early Native American tribes, Spanish missionaries, westward traveling American settlers, and the men and women who eventually built the city into what it is today. Here are some of Santa Barbara's best parks in terms of historical importance and culture:

Alameda
Mission Historical
Moreton Bay Fig Tree
A.C. Postel Rose Garden

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Here are eight great things to do when visiting Santa Barbara, California:

1. Arroyo Burro Beach
Known to locals as Hendry's Beach, Arroyo Burro Beach is popular with locals and tourists alike and is really one of the nicer beach locations in the entire Santa Barbara area. There is an area nearby that is a popular dog-beach and surfers also frequent Arroyo Burro Beach. The beach sits at the foot of the fabulously beautiful Santa Barbara coastal bluffs.

2. Mission Santa Barbara
Quite possibly the most famous landmark in all of Santa Barbara, Mission Santa Barbara is one of the oldest structures in all of California. Many who have visited this mission, consider it one of the best maintained and most beautiful mission in California. Still operational today and holding weekly services, visitors can also tour the site and visit the gift shop. The twin bell towers and wonderful gardens and landscaping are truly something to behold.

Santa Barbara Mission, the 10th established California Mission.
Photo by: Fritz Liess

3. Winery Tours
With the abundance of wineries in the Santa Barbara area, there are a number of different companies offering wine tours with various themes. Take a more educational related tour or relax in a limousine tour of the local wineries, the choice is yours.

4. Stearns Wharf
One of the oldest and most beautiful wharfs in all of California, Stearns Wharf is a popular destination for both tourists and locals alike. The wharf is home to a decent number of shops and eating establishments, and some of the best seafood in the area. Among one of the top restaurants you should try is Santa Barbara Shellfish company, which has been offering fresh, delicious shellfish in Santa Barbara for over 25 years

5. Santa Barbara Museum of Art
Established in 1941, the Santa Barbara Museum of Art is home to one of the most extensive collections of both modern and ancient art in California. Santa Barbara Museum is considered to be one of the top 10 regional art museums in the U.S., with its collection of art that spans over two centuries. American, Asian and European works are on display. One of the key attractions to this fine art museum is a special gallery that is geared expressly towards children.

6. Segway Tours Across Santa Barbara
One of the best ways to tour Santa Barbara is through a Segway. Segway Tours in Santa Barbara offers tours with a Segway. Segways are very easy to learn and in Segway friendly Santa Barbara it's truly an enjoyable experience worth trying. Tours can range from 1.5 hours to 2.5 hours depending on the type of tour you wish to take.
http://www.segwayofsb.com/
Tel: 1-805-963-7672

7. Santa Barbara Courthouse
With its Moorish architectural style and magnificent surrounding gardens, it is considered one of the most beautiful governmental buildings in the United States. this is definetely a Kodak moment for all to behold. Take the elevator to the top of the Clock tower for a magnificent overview of Santa Barbara. Check out the mural room to see art at its best. There is also the Sunken Garden, where many weddings are held in its green lawns surrounded by the courthouse and trees. There is a also a tour you can go through to learn about history and architecture in Santa Barbara.

Address: 1100 Anacapa Street Santa Barbara, CA 93121
Tel: 805-568-2220

Santa Barbara Courthouse.
Photo by: paulhami

8. State Street
State Street in Downtown Santa Barbara is one of the most popular places to shop, stroll and enjoy a meal in Santa Barbara. High scale malls such as Nordstrom and Saks can be found here. The street is filled with popular restaurants, shops and is a place where you can absorb the atmosphere of Santa Barbara. You can walk along and enjoy the different activities or you can take the Downtown-Waterfront Shuttles which takes you from State Street to the local wharf. While strolling through State Street, you will note that the courtyards around the malls are beautifully decorated with fountains, plants, and bronze statutes. It is great for a photo opportunity.

Picturesque Shopping Along Santa Barbara.

Photo by: Beach Cruiser

Santa Barbara is enjoyable year round and there are many who travel the roads by bycicles. The roads are very bike friendly and a very "cool" and popular way to go green in Santa Barbara.