Downtown Santa Barbara
This is where the excitement happens. Stroll along State Street for great sightseeing, shopping, dining, and cultural attractions. Walking is a great way to make sure you don't miss a thing, but you can also hop on the historic trolley, the downtown-waterfront electric shuttle, or rent a bike or a pedicab.
Funk Zone
A roughly 10-block hip sub-culture of art galleries, award-winning microbreweries, farm-to-table eateries, wine bars, live music, and more. The vibe is undeniable and the personality pops in this fun section of the city.
Goleta
About 12 miles west of Santa Barbara, Goleta should be on your must-see list. Fishing, surfing, wildlife watching, hiking, and kayaking are popular here. Lemon orchards and sustainable farms dot the landscape. And you won't want to miss the Railroad Museum.
Mission Canyon
Directly north of the city, Mission Canyon may very well be one of Santa Barbara's prettiest neighborhoods. Home of the Santa Barbara Mission, known as "The Queen of the Missions", the Spanish chose this area for its prime location on a hill near the sea and its magnificent view of the valley.
Carpinteria
Just 10 minutes south of Santa Barbara, 'Carp', as the locals call it, is a quiet, charming coastal town full of mom-and-pop-type businesses. Surfing is also legendary at the beach here. Also popular is the seal rookery where they can be seen relaxing along the shore.
Hope Ranch
This suburb just outside the city is named after an Irish sheep farmer who purchased the land to raise sheep for wool for Civil War soldier uniforms. Today, it is one of the most exclusive areas in the nation and is characterized by luxurious estates, many of which were designed by famous turn of the century architects
Montecito
This lush village just outside of the city boasts one of the wealthiest zip codes in the nation; numerous celebrities make their homes here. And although there are many sprawling estates that are off-limits to the public, there are a handful of historical sites open for tours. High-end shopping and dining are also favorites here.
Summerland
Just a 10 minute jaunt from the city, but worlds away, lies this quiet small town. Originally founded by early Spiritualists and named as a euphemism their beliefs in the afterlife, it is now home to cozy cafes, antique stores, and friendly locals. Stop at the park above the bluffs for some wonderful views.
Solvang
In under one hour by car you can be in this charming hamlet known as "The Danish Capital of America". This walkable town offers up a taste of Denmark with its unique architecture, pastry shops, windmills, and cobblestone courtyards. Its wine tasting rooms are also top-notch.
Santa Ynez
A short 30-ish mile ride lands you in Santa Ynez, which still looks a lot like it did in the 1880's. The town still maintains several of the false-front facades which once housed saloons, feed stores, and blacksmiths, but are now home to modern restaurants and shops. Tour a local vineyard or do some antiquing at one of the many shops.
Lompoc
Venture an hour so northward and you'll arrive in "The Flower Seed Capital of the World", also known as Lompoc. The city is aptly named, as the Lompoc Valley produces 50%-70% of all the flower seeds grown in the world. The area's vineyards are noted for outstanding pinot noir and chardonnay grapes, too.
Los Olivos
Located about 30 minutes north of the city you'll find Los Olivos, an eclectic town dating to the 1860's. Today, while still retaining its historic charm, it is a haven of upscale art galleries, boutiques, and cafes. Situated in the heart of the county's wine country, it is renowned for its wineries and tasting rooms
Ballard
This little village just off the road between Los Olivos and Santa Ynez is in the heart of wine country. There a just a few buildings in this community, but they are rich in old-world charm. Of note is the town's schoolhouse, which was built in 1882 and is still in use as a school today.
Buellton
About 45 minutes up U.S. 101 sits "The Home of the Original Split Pea Soup", so named for a famous dish at a landmark restaurant located there. The city serves as a jumping-off point for winery tours and is a great place to stock up for your trip. Before you go, make sure to visit the ostrich and emu farm and feed the original 'big birds'.
Los Alamos
Located just under an hour northward on U.S. 101, you'll find Los Alamos, which means 'The Cottonwoods'. The town has a nice assortment of art galleries, restaurants, antique shops, and wine tasting rooms. Founded in 1876, its main street has preserved many of the historic original buildings.
Cuyama Valley
A dry desert valley a little over two hours north of Santa Barbara is home to two small outposts, Cuyama and New Cuyama. This sparsely populated area is known as cowboy country; ranching and agriculture dominate the area. Springtime brings wildflowers to the meadows and wildlife viewing is prime year-round
Orcutt
About 70 miles north of the city and at the northern tip of Santa Barbara County, you'll run into Orcutt. Named after the geologist who first discovered fossils in the La Brea Tar Pits and established in 1904, it retains its 'Old West' roots; many of the original buildings, facades, and historic streets remain.
With its charm, culture, allure, and rich history, Santa Barbara is truly an idyllic jewel in California's crown; as such it is home to many must-see attractions. And while an exhaustive list would be impossible to compile, we'd like to share a small sampling of our favorites:
Santa Barbara County Courthouse
Completed in 1929, architect Charles Moore called it "the grandest Spanish Colonial Revival structure ever built." Still used as a working courthouse, it houses murals, frescoes and Tunisian tile work. Climb the bell tower for stunning views of the entire city and the bay. The grounds occupy an entire city block and are adorned with trees and plants from more than 25 countries.
Santa Barbara Mission
Established in 1786, it is known as "The Queen of the Missions" and is a sight to behold. An earthquake in 1812 destroyed the buildings and construction on the current structure was completed in 1820. The Mission's impressive water treatment system is still partially in use today, as is a grain mill. Home to an active congregation, the Mission maintains a museum and gardens, as well.
Stearns Wharf
Originally built in 1872 to serve passenger and cargo ships, it served in this capacity until the 1930's, when it played host to floating casinos. Later, during WWII, it was converted into a naval installation. Today, it is Santa Barbara's most visited tourist attraction; home to an array of restaurants, souvenir shops, sweet treats, handmade gifts, and even a fortune teller.
Lotusland
Located in Montecito at the sprawling estate of Polish opera singer Madame Ganna Walska, Lotusland is a 37-acre botanical garden brimming with more than 3,000 plants from all over the world. The gardens were established over four decades and feature a rare cycad collection, many species of which no longer grow in their native habitat.
Casa del Herrero
Located in Montecito, Casa del Herrero ("House of the Blacksmith") was designed by renowned architect George Washington Smith for George Fox Steedman and his wife. Completed in 1925, the legendary estate is considered one of the finest examples of Spanish Colonial Revival style in the U.S. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and has also been designated a National Historic Landmark.
It's easy to see that Santa Barbara's beauty runs deep and wide. Whether you admire architecture, fine wines, pristine coastline, nature, shopping, or all of the above, the city is sure to captivate you. Laid-back but classy, rich in reminders of its colorful history, and bursting with warmth and charm, the American Riviera awaits you.
