Santa Barbara - Nestled between the Pacific

Ocean and the Santa Ynez Mountains
The City of Santa Barbara is nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Ynez Mountains on scenic Highway 101. Santa Barbra is the County Seat of Santa Barbara County and home to the Santa Barbara Mission which is often referred to as the “Queen of the Missions”. If Santa Barbara is the queen of the missions then it is certainly fitting that the City of Santa Barbara is one of the crown jewels of the state.

Santa Barbara is may be a city but it has the look and feel of a quaint seaside village with the heart and spirit of “Hometown USA”. It is a premier resort community on one hand and a hometown to 90,000 on the other. Santa Barbara is often referred to as the “American Riviera” due to its Mediterranean climate. The architecture for the most part is Spanish Colonial in keeping with its Mission and Spanish heritage. The white buildings and red tile roofs are a trademark of the city. Words cannot do justice to the city you will just have to come to see it for yourself and we can assure you that you will be very glad you did.

Santa Barbara Schools
The Santa Barbara schools are some of the best in the state and it is home to several colleges: University of California Santa Barbara; Santa Barbara City College; Antioch University; Fielding Graduate University; and Westmont College.

Santa Barbara Economy
The economy in Santa Barbara is made up of big businesses and small. The leading industry is tourism.

Things to Do and See
Santa Barbara is one of the best resorts in the country with everything from five-star resorts to the econo-lodging. Santa Barbara is a haven for the arts. You will find galleries and studios of the most famous along with the virtually but talented unknown. The city hosts a connoisseur’s collection of sculptures, pottery, and priceless glassware. There is art for every budget including some very wonderful pieces of wearable art. Santa Barbara is also known for its love of the performing arts. If you love the arts you will love what Santa Barbara has to offer:

  • Arlington Theatre – Classical Orchestras and Recitalists
  • Granada Theatre – Center for the Performing Arts
  • Lobero Theatre – Premiere Performing Arts Venue
  • Santa Barbara Bowl – Concerts

A little-known fact is that Santa Barbara has some of the most unusual and best gardens in America. There is Lotusland, a 37-acres living museum of gardens which is considered to be the “Smithsonian” of American Gardens and Casa Del Herrero with 11-acres of Moorish gardens adjoining the Andalusian casa. There is also the world-famous Santa Barbara Botanic Garden of California’s native plants and the little-known Alice Keck Park Memorial Gardens, a Santa Barbara City Park.

For an off-the-beaten-path excursion, Santa Barbara parks should definitely be on your list of things to do. Santa Barbara has some very notable parks so check out the City’s parks. Some definite “must-sees” are:

  • Andree Clark Bird Refuge – 42-acre Natural Preserve
  • Elings Park – Largest Veteran´s
  • Memorial Santa Barbara County
  • De La Guerra Plaza – Historical Site
  • Douglas Family Preserve – Undeveloped Park along the Beach and Bluffs
  • Painted Cave – Chumash Indians site
  • Rattlesnake Canyon – Easy hiking trail

If you are searching for not so touristy things to do be sure to visit Santa Museums

  • Museums: J. Paul Getty
  • Santa Barbara Museum of Art
  • Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History
  • Santa Barbara Visual Arts
  • Santa Barbara Maritime Museum

The “must-dos” in Santa Barbara are:

  • a visit to all the beaches
  • a visit to the Santa Barbara Mission
  • The Presidio
  • The Santa Barbara Courthouse
  • Stearn Wharf Waterfront and the Sea Center are located on the Stearn Wharf.

Another “must do is “Santa Barbara Shopping” on colorful State Street with its boutiques, galleries and cafes amid charming and distinctive scenery. Stroll through Paseo Nuevo Mall, a unique Spanish-style shopping arcade and never forget to check out the back streets for some hidden treasures. For a different kind of treasure be sure to check out one of Santa Barbara’s Farmer’s Market, there is a market in or near the city every night of the week except Sundays.

To visit Santa Barbara is an experience not to be missed. Living in and around Santa Barbara is “to be blessed by the gods”. Santa Barbara is like living in Paradise with its beautiful countryside, ocean breezes, blue Pacific Ocean and wide-open spaces.