Less than two hours north of Los Angeles along Highway 101, on the coast between the Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific, is the city of Santa Barbara, often referred to as the “American Riviera.”  A restful paradise between San Diego and San Francisco.

Santa Barbara is nestled between the beaches and the mountains; in the morning you can swim in the ocean and in the afternoon take a hike to see the Indian Cave Paintings, or one of the many waterfalls in the hills, or relax in one of the natural hot springs.

HISTORY

Several thousand years ago the Chumash Indians settled here. In the 1500s the Spanish explored the region, but they didn’t settle until 1782. Forty years later this land became part of Mexico when it won independence from Spain. The 1848 discovery of gold in California brought thousands of settlers, and by 1850 the American flag flew over Santa Barbara. In the 1870s Santa Barbara became a haven for health-seekers and tourists.

ALL SEASON FUN

Santa Barbara offers escape and relaxation, along with opportunities to contemplate the ocean, mountains, and engaging vistas, and to explore a bit of history and humankind’s relationship to coastal ecology. The area offers a multitude of activities for active and passive vacationers: everything from swimming, boating, hiking, and sports fishing to the more exotic jet skiing, kayaking, whale-watching, windsurfing, horseback riding, and more. Or you can select your beach lounge chair, watch the scenery, and relax Santa Barbara-style. Santa Barbara enjoys a pleasant Mediterranean climate that is generally mild and sunny all 12 months of the year, with relatively stable temperatures; there is no real “off-season.”

TOURING SANTA BARBARA

The self-guided Red Tile Walking Tour, which is bounded by Victoria, Chapala, Ortega and Santa Barbara streets, touches many of the city's landmarks. Of special interest is the County Courthouse (1100 Anacapa Street), an architectural masterpiece completed in 1929. The Spanish-Moorish structure features tropical gardens and lush lawns. In addition, historic adobes and El Presidio de Santa Barbara State Historic Park (123 E. Canon Perdido Street; 805-966-9719) are snapshot-worthy. Hop aboard the Downtown Waterfront Trolley, which cruises the length of the Red Tile district for just 25 cents, or rent a whimsical quadricycle on State Street or Cabrillo Blvd.
     Santa Barbara's historic Stearns Wharf features the Sea Center (Stearns Wharf; 805-962-0885), with live displays and touch tanks, and the Arts and Craft Show (Sundays; along Cabrillo Blvd.).  From Stearns Wharf you will see a multitude of sailboats and fishing boats in and about the nearby Santa Barbara Harbor. A centerpiece at the Harbor is the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum (805-962-8404). This wonderful seaside museum features ship models, historic exhibits and floating exhibits.
     If you're in search of a garden spot, there's a place for you. The Santa Barbara Botanic Garden (1212 Mission Canyon Rd; 805-682-4726) offers trails that wind through canyon, desert and other settings. Discover a variety of delectable items and much more when you visit the Farmers Market (Tuesdays; 500 and 600 blocks of State Street; and Saturdays; between Santa Barbara and Cota streets; 805-962-5354).
     One of Santa Barbara's treasures, the Old Mission Santa Barbara (2201 Laguna St.; 805-682-4713) was founded in 1786. Its unique stone facade, which was copied from an ancient Roman book on architecture, has made the mission a popular subject for photographers. Rooms filled with artifacts and an old cemetery are open for exploration.
     The Santa Barbara Museum of Art (1130 State St.; 805-963-4364) is known for innovative exhibitions and an unforgettable permanent collection, plus education programs for kids of all ages. Marvel at Greek and Roman antiquities, as well and works from nineteenth- and early twentieth-century American, French and English artists.