From Wikitravel
Stearn's Wharf, Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara [1] is located
geographically less than 100 miles from hyper-metropolitan Los Angeles but feels
light years away from the noise and congestion of its huge neighbor
to the south, which helps explain why the upper crust of Southern
California have long favored the coastal retreat as both a
getaway destination and the perfect place for a second (or
sometimes first) home. With a temperate climate and lush natural
environs, the "Riviera of the West" is perfect for a day trip, with
its wide, perfect beaches, highly rated wineries, and a large
variety of shopping and dining choices, or a much longer stay, with
a highly active local culture of volunteerism and fund-raising (not
to mention the very high number of wealthy people) that enables the
town of just 90,000 residents to enjoy the sort of cultural and
social amenities which are usually found only in much larger
cities.
Although the common perception of Santa Barbara is as a
playground for the rich and famous, the reality is more
middle-America than you might think, with an average income only
slightly higher than California as a whole, and a diverse ethnic
makeup and heritage. Notable for its California Mission-style
architecture (a long-standing local ordinance ensures that all
commercial construction follow the Mission theme, which results in
a plethora of red-tiled roofs and faux adobe
supermarkets), local residents are intensely proud of their city's
roots and traditions, and a number of hugely popular festivals
throughout the year celebrate the many cultures found within the
city limits.
Get in
Santa Barbara is served by a relatively small but popular
airport, an Amtrak train station, and Greyhound buses.
By plane
Santa Barbara Municipal Airport [2] (IATA:
SBA), located in the neighboring town of Goleta, provides access to LAX
through a shuttle service that flies between the two airports
several times per day. There is also service to San Francisco, Las
Vegas, Phoenix, Denver and other destinations. Santa Barbara
Metropolitan Transit District's Route 11 bus links the airport with
downtown Santa Barbara.
Santa Barbara Train Station
Amtrak, housed in a historical landmark on
lower State Street, provides service on both the Pacific Surfliner
[3] (San
Luis Obispo to San
Diego) and Coast Starlight
[4] (Seattle to Los Angeles).
By bus
The Greyhound
[5] station is also located in downtown, on the corner Carrillo
and Chapala, near the local bus transit center.
By car
If arriving by car, be aware that there is only one major
highway in or out of Santa Barbara, US 101; downtown Santa Barbara
can be accessed via the Garden St. exit, while the beaches can be
found off the Cabrillo Blvd. off ramp. Traffic patterns here are
almost the complete opposite from the famous Los Angeles grid lock
as the 101 can come to a grinding halt on Sunday afternoons.
Get around
Santa Barbara's core is cozy enough that simply walking from one
destination to another is quite possible. Especially on the
weekends, State Street is full of people walking up and down the
street.
There is also a healthy public transit system in place here. The
Santa Barbara Metropolitan Transit District (SBMTD) [6] runs buses all over Santa
Barbara proper, as well as neighboring Goleta and Montecito. Routes
and fares are on their website. The SBMTD also runs a special
shuttle service between downtown and the waterfront, leaving every
fifteen minutes during the day.
Along the waterfront, many businesses offer bicycle or inline
skate rentals for exploring the beach areas, and "rickshaw" taxis
are also a common sight.
Budget and Hertz car rental outlets are present at the airport
terminal for easy car rentals, but several other rental agencies
are located in Santa Barbara; call around for best rates.
See
For a city the size of Santa Barbara, the number of "must-sees"
is quite astonishing. This is only a partial list:
- Karpeles Museum, 21 West Anapamu St., (805)
962-5322, open 7 days a week, 10 AM to 4 PM, [7]. The Karpeles
Library is the world's largest private holding of important
original manuscripts & documents. Among those items on
permanent display in the museum is an original Stone copy of the
Declaration of Independence, a replica of the globe used by
Columbus (sans the Western Hemisphere), handwritten scores by a
dozen leading composers, and the computer guidance system used on
the first Apollo lander flight to the moon.
- Santa Barbara Mission, 2201 Laguna St. (from
downtown State St., turn east onto Mission St. and follow signs
pointing toward the Mission,) (805) 682-4149, [8]. Self-guided
tours available daily from 9AM to 5PM. Known as "The Queen of the
Missions," Santa Barbara's "Old Mission" is a superb example of
California's Franciscan Spanish architecture. The tenth California
Mission to be constructed, Mission Santa Barbara today is both a
scenic wonder and a fine anthropological study of original native
culture in the surrounding area. Well worth a visit, be sure to
take note of adjacent pottery kiln and tanning vat ruins. $4 for
adults.
- Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, 2559
Puesta Del Sol Road (follow signs from SB Mission), [9]. Open 10AM to 5PM daily.
(805) 682-4711. This large, well-presented natural history museum
is - literally - a hidden treasure. Highlights include eleven
exhibit halls focusing on regional natural history, and a life-size
Blue Whale skeleton, as well as a rare skeleton of a pony-sized
"pygmy mammoth." $6 for adults. Admission is free on the last
Sunday of every month except September.
- Stearns Wharf, located at the end of State
Street along the Waterfront, [10]. This picturesque
1872 wharf - the longest deep-water pier between Los Angeles and
San Francisco - has tons of history. Badly damaged several times by
fire, Stearn's Wharf has been repeatedly rebuilt and restored and
today features more than a dozen shops and restaurants, and one of
the best views in California from the end of its pier. The Wharf
was also once owned by Hollywood legend James Cagney. Free.
- Santa Barbara Museum of Art, 1130 State
Street. Open Tuesday-Sunday 11AM to 5PM. (805) 963-4364, [11]. A remarkably
well-provisioned museum considering the size of the town it resides
in, Santa Barbara's main art museum features a strong collection of
Roman antiquities, as well as an impressive lineup of classical
European and modern art. Frequently rotated exhibitions are among
the strongest in California. Adults: $7. Free admission on
Sunday.
- Santa Barbara Zoo, 500 Ninos Dr. Open 10AM to
5PM all year except for Thanksgiving and Christmas, and some
private events. (805) 963-5695, [12]. Small but
well-represented with over 600 animals, the zoo has provided
entertainment for all ages since 1963 and is the largest zoo
between Los Angeles and San Francisco (unless you count the Monterey Aquarium). Adults 13-59:
$10. Children 2-13 and Seniors 60+: $8. Children under 2:
Free.
- University of California, Santa Barbara, open
all year. Situated on a point somewhat west of Santa Barbara proper
(but still part of the city), UCSB is commonly listed as one of the
top public universities in the United States. Known for its high
science programs and top scholars, it also houses a great Marine
Biology department, Dance/Theater/Music programs, and much more.
The campus itself is regarded as one of the more beautiful campuses
among the UC system (perhaps due to its location). Head to the top
floor of the campus library for one of the best views of the whole
campus. Much of the campus, especially the areas near the beach, is
undeveloped open space, and includes a man-made lagoon. Head to the
UCen or the nearby college town of Isla Vista for food. From
downtown, take Highway 101 north to Highway 217, and go past the
airport exit. Admission is free to the campus, but parking costs,
and parking restrictions are heavily enforced.
- Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, 1212 Mission Canyon
Road (Follow signs from
Old Mission), ☎ 805
682-4726, [13]. 9AM-5PM
Nov-Feb, 9AM-6PM Mar-Oct. Located
on 65 acres in the foothills just above the city, the Santa Barbara
Botanic Garden features exquisite exhibits of California native
plants displayed in beautiful landscaped settings. Walk along a
meadow, through a canyon and redwood forest, across a historic dam,
and along ridge tops that offer sweeping views of the Channel
Islands. Established in 1926 as an educational and scientific
institution, the Botanic Garden is the oldest botanic garden in
California dedicated to the study, conservation, and display of
native flora. $8 adults, $6
seniors/teens/military with id, $4 children 2-12, under 2
free. edit
- Santa Barbara Courthouse[14] Visiting the
Courthouse is a must for any Santa Barbara visitors. The tower will
provide great views of the city and the ocean. Visitors may see
this working courthouse any time during the business day (8AM to
5PM M-F) or during the weekends (10AM to 4:30PM).
Do
Although Santa Barbara is an atypical coastal town, it offers
the typical Southern California variety of outdoor activities, from
surfing to whale-watching.
- Beaches, along the waterfront. Santa Barbara's
most popular beach, East Beach, is a pristine stretch of blindingly
white sand framed by postcard quality palm trees, surrounding hills
and nearby harbor. For less crowded beachcombing, try nearby
Leadbetter Beach, or further up the road, isolated Arroyo Burro
(known to locals as Hendry's Beach,) where dog lovers bring their
pets to frolic in a no-leashes-needed surfside dog park. Hendry's
Beach is also home to a nudist beach, where one can often see a
frolicking nude man pass by. Even more isolated is Butterfly Beach,
tucked away in a cove beneath the high-toned Biltmore Hotel in
Montecito.
- Golf, Santa Barbara has numerous private and
public golf courses located in and around the city. Hidden Oaks,
Twin Lakes, and Ocean Meadows are nine-hole courses that provide
budget prices for a round of golf. For those wishing to play 18
holes without spending a lot, the Santa Barbara Golf Club, located
at 3500 McCaw, provides reasonably priced rounds. For those wishing
to spend more, Sandpiper Golf Course, located north of Goleta on
Hollister, or Rancho San Marcos, located about 15 miles up the 154,
provide a world class golf experience.
- Hiking, from the Mesa to the Santa Ynez
Mountains, the unique geography of Santa Barbara provides amazing
opportunities to see panoramic views and abundant wildlife. Hiking
guides and maps are easily obtained at any local bookstore,
well-equipped newsstand, or selected stores in tourist-heavy
locations such as downtown. Examples include the Douglas Family
Preserve, a great off-leash open space that often serves as the
backdrop for numerous weddings, and East Camino Cielo Road off of
Highway 154, which has several spots one can park and find a little
trail to hike on, or even just sit and enjoy the view.
- Eagle Paragliding, (805) 968-0980, [15]. Santa Barbara offers
year-round flying, and some of the best flying in the United
States. You can fly solo on your first day at Elings Park. Tandem
Flights are also available from the Mountains, the Beach, or the
Elings Park Training Hill.
- Surfing. There are numerous beaches in the
area fit for surfing and several companies that rent surfboards.
Although the surf tends to be much smaller in the summer, it is
perfect for beginners. There are also several nice long board
breaks that are suitable year round.
- Wine Tasting. The Santa Barbara back country
has a great collection of wineries, most of which are part of the
Vintner's Association [16]. Just pop up to Solvang or Buellton and enjoy. The region takes
responsible consumption very seriously, and since the February 2008
launch of the CHP Designated Driver Program, DUI checkpoints have
been frequent. Consider hiring a limo or signing on for a wine
tour.
- Wine Tours, Daily wine tasting excursions
depart from most area hotels, and you can pick from several
different approaches. The Grapeline Wine Country Shuttle (888)
8-WINERY, [17] offers a
flexible day aboard deluxe shuttles. Cloud Climbers Jeep Tours
offer a rugged outing in open air jeeps. Sustainable Vine
(805)698-3911, [18] focuses on the
producers employing sustainable practices.
- An easy walking tour. Find some free parking
on the side streets from Cabrillo Boulevard after passing State
Street (i.e. on Bath Street and Yanonali St). Then walk on the
sidewalk or the beach to State Street. At the intersection of
Cabrillo Boulevard and State Street you will find the pier which
will give you great views of the city. After walking on the pier,
take State Street up past the train station. Shops and restaurants
line up State Street up and down providing a great visitor
experience. Take a right on West Carillo St and go one block and
then take a left on Anacapa St. This should get you to the Santa
Barbara Courthouse (details above under See)
opposite the public library Main Branch, where you can enjoy the
pleasant views from its tower. Next, walk up the street to Anapamu
St and take a left. This will put you back on State Street. If
you're not tired yet you can keep walking up State Street to
Mission St and take a right. If you follow the street to Laguna St
and take a left and after three blocks take a right on Los Olivos.
This will get you to the Santa Barbara Mission. After visiting the
the mission and the delightful rose garden in front of the Mission,
you can walk back to Cabrillo Boulevard or just take the shuttle
back to the waterfront.
- Santa Barbara International Film Festival,
Held annually towards the end of January/beginning of February, the
film festival welcomes some of the biggest names in Hollywood with
awards ceremonies and world premier screenings.
- Santa Barbara Adventure Co., ☎ 805-898-0671, [19]. If you want to go on a guided adventure, check
out the SB Adventure co. They offer several different kayaking
trips including ones out to the Channel Islands as well as wine
tours, bike trips and surf lessons. $35-$145. edit
- Channel Islands Kayaking (Channel Islands National Park), [20]. Close to the California mainland, yet worlds
apart, Channel Islands National Park encompasses five remarkable
islands (Anacapa, Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, San Miguel, and Santa
Barbara) and their ocean environment, preserving and protecting a
wealth of natural and cultural resources. Isolation over thousands
of years has created unique animals, plants, and archeological
resources found nowhere else on Earth and helped preserve a place
where visitors can experience coastal southern California as it
once was. edit
Santa Barbara is a shopping paradise. State Street alone offers
more than a mile stretch of everything from trendy boutiques to
popular chain stores like Borders Books and Restoration Hardware.
El Paseo (812 State St.,) on downtown State
Street, is an upscale mall that bills itself as "California's First
Shopping Center," while lushly themed and nearby Paseo
Nuevo (651 Paseo Nuevo) offers Nordstrom's, Macy's, and
more than 50 specialty shops. Whatever you're looking for, you'll
likely find it on State Street. There is plenty of parking downtown
with the first 75 minutes free in most lots (except at the beach).
A good bet is the parking structure on Ortega. Walking or taking a
bus in is also a good bet, but taxis are extremely expensive.
Some Local stores of note:
- The Italian Pottery Outlet 19 Helena Ave,
Santa Barbara, CA 93103. Located one block east of State Street at
the beach in the "Funk Zone". A family owned business, the Italian
Pottery Outlet has been in this location for more than 15 years.
They carry the largest collection of Italian Pottery in the west
and at discounted prices. Phone toll free 877-496-5599 or
check out their website at [21]
Eat
Latin-themed dishes are, quite logically, the order of the day
in Santa Barbara, and the town's Mexican food ranks with any other
town in California. The town's elevated cultural status attracts
high-powered chefs from all over the world, and the selection and
sheer variety of local fare is quite astonishing for a community of
90,000. Here are just a few of Santa Barbara's culinary
choices:
- La Super Rica Taqueria, 622 N. Milpas St.,
(805) 963-4940. Once tabbed "Best Mexican Food in the Country" by
the New York Times. You won't come here for the atmosphere. There
is no sign on the building, and seating is first come-first served,
but you'll be happy you stood in the long line forming outside the
door once you taste what's served up here. Julia Child claimed this
her favorite Mexican restaurant (or even all-time favorite place to
eat, according to some accounts), saying, "Everything is incredibly
fresh. The salsas are wonderful." $5-$15.
- The Natural Café and juice bar, 508 State St., 5892
Hollister Ave, Goleta, ☎ (805)
962-9494 (comments@thenaturalcafe.com),
[22]. Mon-Sun 11AM-9PM. Outdoor, sidewalk dining that is healthy and
good. If there is a vegan/vegetarian in the group, they will be
happy here. Part of a small regional chain. edit
- Café Buenos Aires,1316 State St., Serves the
tastiest parts of the tastiest animals. Good Argentinian beef; the
empanadas are great. Chicken, pork, all good. Definite focus on
meat here. Good mojito's. The outdoor dining is nice in almost all
weathers-it has heaters although not every seat feels the warmth.
Pretty courtyard with lighted fountain (the water is a bit dirty
and it splashes on the tables next to it). Live Argentinian band
some nights, beautiful music.
- Woody's BBQ, 5112 Hollister Ave. Serving
delicious BBQ in Santa Barbara for 19 years and voted Santa
Barbara's Favorite BBQ For 19 Years In A Row!
- Super Cuca's Taquería,2030 Cliff Dr.,
966-3863; 626 W. Micheltorena St., Big burritos, vegetarian
recommended even for those die-hard carnivores.
- Rudy's Restaurant, Six in town, one in Paseo
Nuevo. Very good tamales, chimichangas and burritos. Charming
family-owned business.
- Pascucci, 729 State St., Santa Barbara's best
affordable Italian food.
- The Habit, 216 S. Milpas St., 962-7472; 628
State St., 892-5400. Stop by for a sidewalk burger.
- Panino, 834 Santa Barbara St., Good variety of
sandwiches.
- Los Arroyos, 14 W. Figueroa St., off State,
962-5541; 1280 Coast Village Rd., Montecito, popular and very good
Mexican food.
- Chuck's of Hawaii, 3888 State St., 113 Harbor
Way, (805) 564-1200, A great cut of beef. Try anything with
artichokes.
- Cajun Kitchen, 901 Chapala St., 1924-A De la
Vina St. Very popular breakfast and lunch place. The best breakfast
in town. Delicious sausages. Good price.
- The Palace Grill, 8 E. Cota St. This place
celebrates the cuisine of New Orleans. It has a fun, yet laid back
atmosphere with great service. Try the Caribbean coconut
shrimp!
- Palazzio's, 1026 State St., Generous portions
of pastas and salads. One entree and a half salad is enough to feed
up to three people. Every fifteen minutes waiters walk around with
freshly baked garlic rolls that are to die for.
- Arigato Sushi, 1225 State St., Unbelievably
good sushi.
- East Sushi & Thai, 1208 State St. Across
the street from Arigato, very good and a lot less crowded than
Arigato.
- Cold Spring Tavern, 5995 Stagecoach Rd., Stop
for lunch on your way out to wine taste -- off the 154. Great
location and great food. Fun atmosphere on weekend nights with live
music. Dinner is more expensive, $17-29.
- Brophy Bros., Breakwater at the Harbor, great
seafood, known for clam chowder, the setting cannot be beat.
- Montecito Café, 1295 Coast Village Rd.,
Montecito. Try the coconut cake.
- Lucky's, 1279 Coast Village Rd., Montecito,
Steakhouse with some of the best food in town in a prestigious
setting. Reservations are a must!
- Four Seasons Biltmore Hotel, 1260 Channel Dr.,
Montecito. When on an expense account, grab brunch here.
- Elements, 129 E. Anapamu St. Great view of
Courthouse with innovative food. Lunch is mid-range, however,
dinner is more on the expensive side. Element's has been featured
twice on the Food Network!
Drink
In addition to Santa Barbara wine tasting, the region is also
full of bars. Unfortunately (or fortunately, depending on your
preference), many of them cater to crowds of students from the
nearby university. You won't find many dive bars here, and expect
to pay a dollar or two more per drink than you would in your
typical San Francisco or LA bar. Thursday nights are the official
college night of downtown bars. The drinks are cheap, and UCSB is
home to some the most attractive people in California (or the
country, for that matter). Really any bar on lower State Street is
Fun on Thursday nights to relive those college days.
- Rooftop Bar at Canary Hotel, Carillo St. and
Chapala. Top of Canary Hotel. Great sunset bar as you overlook the
mountains, the mesa and the harbor. Very nice. Hotel Guests
only.
- The James Joyce [23], 513 State Street.
(805) 962-2688. Open 10AM-2AM daily. Yes, it's an Irish pub,
or "A Traditional Irish Bar." Free peanuts, a fireplace and
dixieland jazz bands on the weekend. Guinness flows freely.
- Dargan's Irish Pub & Restaurant 18 E
Ortega St, Sportsbar with Irish music. Good Lambstew.
- Santa Barbara Brewing Co. 501 State St.,
Microbrewery, TVs. Decent food.
- Sharkeez, State Street. This sportsbar has a
lot of TVs. Well drinks are usually around $1 on Thursdays.
- Elsie's, 117 De La Guerra. Neighborhood beer
and wine joint with good music. Meet the locals out back in the
outdoor smoking area or over rounds of pool inside.
- Wilcat Lounge, 15 W Ortega St. Danceclub.
- Joe's, State Street. Stiffest drinks on State
St. Have a couple at the beginning of the night.
- Roy's Carrillo and State. Good "off State St."
bar. Serves great food late at night, focus on local ingredients.
Price fix menu with everything at around $25.
- Bogart's Cafe, 1114 State St #14 (at E Figueroa St), ☎ (805) 965-8001. Tucked away. Serves a good pour.
edit
- SOhO Restaurant and Music Club 1221 State St.
Jazz/live music club above Victoria Court.
- Santa Barbara Pub Crawls, [24]. Pub Crawls along Santa Barbara's State Street,
stopping at the best bars and clubs downtown has to offer. $30 for
6 bars, 8 drinks, and no lines or cover ALL night! Check our
website for the weekly meeting spot and for contact
information. edit
Sleep
Santa Barbara has a huge number of hotels and motels, ranging
from Motel 6 to Fess Parker's astonishing Doubletree Resort. One
thing you won't find here is dives. Prices are before tax, allow
another 10% taxes.
- Santa Barbara Pub Crawls, (new meeting spot each week), [25]. Weekly pub crawls along Santa Barbara's State
Street, stopping at the best bars and clubs downtown has to offer.
$30 for 6 bars, 8 drinks, and no lines or covers ALL night. Check
the website for weekly meeting spot! $30. edit
- Motel 6 Santa Barbara - Beach, 443 Corona Del
Mar, +1-805 564-1392,
[26]. Basic simple hotel room with bed, private bath, and TV.
$91.99. This was the world's first Motel 6.
- Motel 6 Santa Barbara - Goleta, 5897 Calle
Real, Goleta, +1-805 964-3596,
[27]. Located on US 101 at Fairview Ave in Goleta, which is to
the west of Santa Barbara proper and closer to UCSB and the
airport. $75.99-78.99.
- Presidio Motel, 1620 State Street, "+1-805"
963-1355, [28]. This sweet motel
is run by a charming young couple, with a foible for mid-century
design. Free wireless internet and some books on design or art are
likely to be part of the rooms set up, as much as TV and a coffee
and muffin in the morning. $109+ for king-size bed.
- Santa Barbara Tourist Hostel, 134 Chapala
Street, +1-805 963-0154, [29]. Amazingly, an
inexpensive backpacker two blocks from the beach and one block from
the State Street buzz. Basic breakfast and wifi internet in the
lobby included. Bed in a shared room $23-30, private double room
with shared bath $59-95, private double room with private bath
$69-95, rates in all cases a function of day (weekends, summer,
festivals are more expensive).
- Avania Inn of Santa Barbara, 128 Castillo St.,
[30]. A Newly
Remodeled hotel featuring Pillow Top Beds, 32" LCD HD TV's. Free
Breakfast, Free Parking, Free Internet. Located 1 block from the
Beaches.
- Brisas Del Mar, Inn at the Beach, 223 Castillo
St., [31]. A
Mediterranean-style villa two blocks from the beaches and yacht
harbor.
- Coast Village Inn, 1188 Coast Village Road,
+1-800 257-5131, [32]. Located in the
tony Montecito area on the city's east side. Breakfast included.
Basic room $169, Suite with kitchen $259, deluxe suite with two
bedrooms and kitchen $469. Midweek rates as low as $99, also check
for internet discounts of about 20% off. Take 101 to the Coast
Village Road exit.
- Country Inn by the Sea, 128 Castillo Street,
+1-805-963-4471 [33]. Located 1 block
to the waterfront and beach. King beds, Jacuzzi Rooms, Queen Beds
and 2 Double Beds. Free breakfast and cookies and milk every
evening. Heated Pool & Spa, his and hers Sauna.
- The Eagle Inn , 232 Natoma Avenue,
+1-805-965-3586, [34]. Santa Barbara bed and
breakfast. King or queen size bed, private bath, whirlpool tub,
fireplace, balcony/patio, high speed Internet, etc. Free on-site
parking, complimentary continental breakfast.
- Hampton Inn Goleta, 5665 Hollister Ave.,
+1-805-681-9800, goleta.hamptoninn.com[35]. Hampton Inn,
located in the heart of Old Town Goleta less than 10 miles from
Santa Barbara, offers king and queen hotel rooms and suites
including complimentary beverages and breakfast.
- Holiday Inn Santa Barbara Goleta Hotel, 5650
Calle Real, +1-805 964-6241, [36]. The usual
corporate range rooms with twin beds, queen beds, and king beds.
$117 per night with advance purchase, $129 regular, $141 with
breakfast.
- Hotel Santa Barbara, 533 State Street,
+1-800 549-9869, [37]. "European-style"
hotel smack in the middle of Santa Barbara's busy downtown shopping
area. $129-$219, ask about midweek specials.
- Ramada Santa Barbara, 4770 Calle Real,
+1-800 654-1965, Fax: +1-805 964-0075, [38]. Spa and golf packages.
Free wired and wireless internet, free continental breakfast.
$99-119.
- Old Yacht Club Inn, 431 Corona Del Mar Drive,
☎ (805) 962-1277, [39]. 14 Suite Bed and Breakfast on East Beach in
Santa Barbara. Charming Inn with Fireplaces, Whirlpool Tubs &
Bicycles only steps to the Beautiful Santa Barbara Wine
Valley. $169 - $459. edit
- Canary Hotel, 31 West Carrillo Street, Phone:
805-884-0300 Fax: 805-884-8153, [40]. A boutique
hotel near State Street in downtown Santa Barbara. Amenities
include function space for meetings and wedding receptions, spa
service, and dog friendly accommodations.
- El Encanto Hotel and Garden Villas, 1900
Lasuen Road, +1-800 393-5117, Fax: +1-805
687-3903, [41]. Good views and a
favorite with the glitterati, like Diane Lane, Barbara Streisand,
and Sharon Stone.
- Fess Parker's Doubletree Resort, 633 East
Cabrillo Boulevard, +1-800 879-2929, +1-805
564-4333, [42].
24-acre oceanside resort. Starting around $255 for a two queen
bedded room, up to $735 for a Presidential Suite with whirlpool
bath. Add $25 for breakfast for two adults. Enter off Calle Puerto
Vallarta.
- Four Seasons Resort, The Biltmore, 1260
Channel Drive, Tel +1-805 969-2261 Fax +1-805
565-8323, [43]. Spanish
Colonial with red roof tiles and adobe on Butterfly Beach in
exclusive Montecito.
- Harbor View Inn, 28 W. Cabrillo Blvd., [44]. Boutique
4-diamond family friendly beachfront hotel. All rooms and suites
have a patio or balcony.
- Montecito Inn, 1295 Coast Village Road, [45]. Boutique lodging
located two blocks away from Montecito's Butterfly Beach.
Originally built in 1928 by Charlie Chaplin as an
escape to paradise for his closest friends.
- Pacifica Suites, 5490 Hollister Avenue,
+1-800 338-6722, Fax: +1-805 683-4121, [46]. All-suite hotel
adjacent to the beautifully restored Sexton House, an 1880's
architectural landmark. Meeting space and conference facilities.
$169-$209.
- San Ysidro Ranch, 900 San Ysidro Lane, (805)
565-1700, [47]. "Hotel ranch,"
with room, suite and villa accommodations, dining, day trips to
local beaches and wineries, guided hiking.
- Simpson House Inn, 121 East Arrellaga St.,
+1-800 676-1280, [48]. A historic
Italianate Victorian manor considered one of the best preserved and
restored homes of its era in California. Guestrooms inside the
estate house, private English style cottages and four rooms in the
Carriage House. Landscaped gardens, wood-burning fireplaces and
personalized service. All rates include daily gourmet breakfast,
evening wine tasting and hors d'oeuvres and complimentary parking.
Rates from $235 to $615.
Get out
Although Santa Barbara is somewhat geographically isolated, with
only one major route in or out of the city, the surrounding area is
rife with fascinating side-trips.
Santa Barbara Wine Country
- Wine Country. North on US 101 in the Solvang region.
- Los Olivos. About
50 miles north of Santa Barbara on Highway 154. This is a cute
little one horse town with about 20 local winery tasting rooms
lined up on Grand st. A great place to go wine tasting without
having to drive a zillion miles from winery to winery.
- Solvang. Located
approximately 40 miles north of Santa Barbara in the Santa Ynez
Valley, Solvang is a gingerbread town. What must have started
several decade back as a small "Little Denmark" tourist trap has
grown into an entire town and surrounding community obsessed with
its own overwhelming Danishness. Every sign, roof, light post and
pothole is Danish-themed here, and reports of wandering bands of
drunken men in plastic Viking helmets are firmly founded in
reality. Take Highway 101 north/west to Buellton (the home of the
original Pea Soup Anderson's), exit at the Highway 246 offramp and
follow the destination signs to Solvang. If you're up for a twisty
drive, take Highway 154 (also known as the San Marcos Pass) back to
Santa Barbara at sunset and enjoy an unforgettable view.
- Lake Cachuma. Beautiful Lake Cachuma
Recreation Facility is located approximately 20 miles north of
Santa Barbara and offers RV hookups, tent camping, and yurt
camping. The Lake also provides fishing, boating, sailing, and lake
cruising. No swimming and/or body contact with the water is allowed
because the lake is used as a reservoir by the city of Santa
Barbara. The Lake's location along highway 154 (the San Marcos
Pass) makes it an excellent rest stop on the way up to Solvang from Santa
Barbara.
- El Capitan Canyon, 11560 Calle Real, Santa
Barbara CA 93117, tel +1 866 352-2729, [49]. An interesting
combination of rustic cabin camping and high-end spa. $145-$345,
about 5% lower in Nov-April. A few kilometers west of Santa Barbara
on Highway 101 near El Capitan State Beach.
| Routes through Santa Barbara |
| This is a usable article. It has
information for getting in as well as some complete entries for
restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this
article, but please plunge forward and help it grow! |
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