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.
It is also a good place to stop and explore before heading up the central coast to the wineries in the Santa Ynez region, as well as legendary Hearst Castle, which has been preserved in an elegant time warp. The region has been dubbed the American Riviera because of the balmy seaside climate. Many visitors book an excursion to the Channel Islands, a protected group of offshore ocean mountaintops hosting unique wildlife.
One of the better-known landmarks in town is Stearns Wharf, which juts into the sea where State Street ends. Originally erected in the 1870s, the wharf has survived several disasters, and today is home to shops, restaurants, the Natural History Sea Center, and other attractions. Visitors come for the fine dining, but also enjoy seeing the churning surf on one side framed by mountains on the other.
For nature lovers, the Botanic Garden is a peaceful haven filled with displays of native and exotic plants. Tours are available, but visitors are also encouraged to stroll at on their own down the carefully maintained pathways to enjoy a changing panorama of vegetation unique to Southern California. Portions have been designated 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.
It is also a good place to stop and explore before heading up the central coast to the wineries in the Santa Ynez region, as well as legendary Hearst Castle, which has been preserved in an elegant time warp. The region has been dubbed the American Riviera because of the balmy seaside climate. Many visitors book an excursion to the Channel Islands, a protected group of offshore ocean mountaintops hosting unique wildlife.
One of the better-known landmarks in town is Stearns Wharf, which juts into the sea where State Street ends. Originally erected in the 1870s, the wharf has survived several disasters, and today is home to shops, restaurants, the Natural History Sea Center, and other attractions. Visitors come for the fine dining, but also enjoy seeing the churning surf on one side framed by mountains on the other.
For nature lovers, the Botanic Garden is a peaceful haven filled with displays of native and exotic plants. Tours are available, but visitors are also encouraged to stroll at on their own down the carefully maintained pathways to enjoy a changing panorama of vegetation unique to Southern California. Portions have been designated 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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