This inviting coastal community has been an escape for Los Angeles residents for over a century. Even before the name Hollywood became forever attached to the film industry, the city was a recognized production center of silent movies. Its varied human history dates back to ten-thousand year old native villages, and the community has endured two major earth tremors in modern times. Santa Barbara, CA today has become a popular and exciting place to visit.
When forced to rebuild after a devastating 1925 temblor, a distinctly Spanish flavor was chosen as a theme, which today is perfectly illustrated by the County Courthouse. Even though closely connected to the nearby Los Angeles megalopolis, that prevailing hodge-podge of architectural styles has not totally overwhelmed the community, which still projects an atmosphere and character that is easily recognized.
This destination is the perfect place to spend a few days before traveling up the coast towards Hearst Castle, a opulent residence that has been preserved in its original splendor, or to use as a home base for experiencing the wineries in the Santa Ynez Valley. The region has been described as the American Riviera because its climate, and is a gateway to Channel Islands National Park.
Stearns Wharf is a signature landmark, jutting into the Pacific Ocean at the base of State Street. It has withstood the pounding waves in various incarnations since the 1870s, surviving several disasters. Today it features stores and restaurants, and is the location of the Natural History Sea Center. Visitors not only appreciate the fine dining, but also the incomparable coastal beauty.
Nature lovers will also enjoy the Botanic Garden, a peaceful oasis filled with a wide variety of both native plants and exotic specimens. Although tours are readily available, visitors are always encouraged to explore the well-maintained pathways featuring the constantly changing displays of vegetation on their own. The site has been named a County Historical Landmark.
Fans of history appreciate seeing the Old Mission, originally founded by the Franciscans in 1786, and still referred to as the Queen Of the Mission Stations. It was the tenth in California, and the interiors were decorated by skill native American artists. Although there has been extensive restoration work completed due to earthquakes, the facade still looks very similar to the original.
The Casa de la Guerra is another significant historical high point. It was used as a sort of community center, and today forms a portion of the El Pasea, a complex modeled on a traditional Spanish street. The original city fortress, also called a Presidio, became irrelevant after the Americans assumed control in 1846, but some of the original rooms and soldier quarters still stand.
A comfortable drive brings visitors to Chumash Painted Cave Historic Park, home of native American artwork, as well as the festive Danish community of Solvang. The city is home to many recognized restaurants, and has a variety of places to stay that accommodate nearly any budget. Whether enjoying a weekend getaway or an extended visit, there is always something to do and see.
When forced to rebuild after a devastating 1925 temblor, a distinctly Spanish flavor was chosen as a theme, which today is perfectly illustrated by the County Courthouse. Even though closely connected to the nearby Los Angeles megalopolis, that prevailing hodge-podge of architectural styles has not totally overwhelmed the community, which still projects an atmosphere and character that is easily recognized.
This destination is the perfect place to spend a few days before traveling up the coast towards Hearst Castle, a opulent residence that has been preserved in its original splendor, or to use as a home base for experiencing the wineries in the Santa Ynez Valley. The region has been described as the American Riviera because its climate, and is a gateway to Channel Islands National Park.
Stearns Wharf is a signature landmark, jutting into the Pacific Ocean at the base of State Street. It has withstood the pounding waves in various incarnations since the 1870s, surviving several disasters. Today it features stores and restaurants, and is the location of the Natural History Sea Center. Visitors not only appreciate the fine dining, but also the incomparable coastal beauty.
Nature lovers will also enjoy the Botanic Garden, a peaceful oasis filled with a wide variety of both native plants and exotic specimens. Although tours are readily available, visitors are always encouraged to explore the well-maintained pathways featuring the constantly changing displays of vegetation on their own. The site has been named a County Historical Landmark.
Fans of history appreciate seeing the Old Mission, originally founded by the Franciscans in 1786, and still referred to as the Queen Of the Mission Stations. It was the tenth in California, and the interiors were decorated by skill native American artists. Although there has been extensive restoration work completed due to earthquakes, the facade still looks very similar to the original.
The Casa de la Guerra is another significant historical high point. It was used as a sort of community center, and today forms a portion of the El Pasea, a complex modeled on a traditional Spanish street. The original city fortress, also called a Presidio, became irrelevant after the Americans assumed control in 1846, but some of the original rooms and soldier quarters still stand.
A comfortable drive brings visitors to Chumash Painted Cave Historic Park, home of native American artwork, as well as the festive Danish community of Solvang. The city is home to many recognized restaurants, and has a variety of places to stay that accommodate nearly any budget. Whether enjoying a weekend getaway or an extended visit, there is always something to do and see.
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