City Guide
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Santa Barbara
Located along California's scenic central coast, Santa Barbara has long been a popular destination for locals, celebrities, and vacationers from all over the world. The coastline of Santa Barbara has aptly been dubbed "California's Riviera" - because of its mild climate, easy lifestyle, and pristine beaches. |
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Santa Barbara takes pride in its rich cultural and historical heritage. In 1782, El Presidio de Santa Barbara State Historic Park became the first Spanish outpost in the area. Historic buildings within the park include the 1788 El Cuartel, the second-oldest surviving structure in California. Mission Santa Barbara, established on Dec. 4, 1786 - the Feast of St. Barbara - is the 10th of 21 California missions. Called "Queen of the Missions," its pink brick façade is the city's centerpiece, and is one of Santa Barbara's "must-sees."
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The city's Old Spanish Days Fiesta takes place in early August and attracts thousands of visitors from far and wide. The Santa Barbara Arts and Crafts Show, in Chase Palm Park, features the works of more than 300 artists and craftspeople and is held Sundays and holidays year around. It's worth the trip to the Santa Barbara Courthouse for the 360 degree view you can see of the city from its historic clock tower. Santa Barbara Zoological Gardens, a 40-Acre park, has 80 exhibits displaying more than 600 animals their natural habitats, as well as picnic areas, a playground and a miniature train. The landscaped grounds also include a fine botanical collection.
Built in 1872, Stearns Wharf is a landmark in Santa Barbara and originally served cargo and passenger ships as the longest deep water pier between Los Angeles and San Francisco. Throughout the Prohibition era, it was the departure point for people boarding floating casinos, while during World War II the wharf served as a naval installation. Now, the wharf plays host to a myriad of shops and restaurants, most notably the Harbor Restaurant, built in 1941.
Santa Barbara boasts its own Art Museum, Natural History Museum, Symphony Orchestra, several live theatre venues and hundreds of restaurants to satisfy even the most discerning of palates. Several world-class wineries are a short drive away in the Santa Ynez Valley, while many outdoor activities, including sailing, hiking and and events draw young and old alike.
Goleta
Eight miles west of Santa Barbara is the coastal city of Goleta. For centuries, the area was largely an agricultural region, but by the mid-1950's, the aerospace industry began to assert its dominance. Today, the city is a major center for high-tech firms and is a well-known bedroom community for University of California, Santa Barbara students. In fact, our Ramada is one of the most popular hotels in the Goleta area.
Goleta has beautiful parks, including Stow Park, Lake Los Carneros, and the newly designated Ellwood Open Space on the bluffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Goleta Beach County Park is just outside of the city limits.
Panoramic photo of Santa Barbara courtesy of Steve Pinker.
Local Events in Santa Barbara & the Surrounding Area
From concerts, arts exhibits, museums and wine tastings to fine dining, exclusive shopping and a limitless array of outdoor activities like surfing, kayaking and hiking, Santa Barbara is one of the most beautiful vacation destinations on the West Coast. Search through our events blog for interesting things to do while vacationing in our exciting coastal town.
Date posted: 05/25/2010
Santa Barbara Arts & Crafts Show – Weekly Sunday Event
Tags: beach arts and crafts show artists
The Santa Barbara Arts & Crafts Show is held every Sunday (weather permitting of course) under the palms along Cabrillo Boulevard east from State Street.
Date posted: 04/01/2010
St. Mark's-in-the-Valley Cellar Classic: An Auction of Rare & Fine Wines – August 1, 2010
On Sunday, Aug. 1, St. Mark’s-in-the-Valley Episcopal Church invites the public to attend its very first Cellar Classic: An Auction of Rare and Fine Wines. The event starts at 4 p.m. and ends at 7 p.m., and will take place in the church’s garden courtyard and Stacy Hall...
Date posted: 03/01/2010
4th of July in Santa Barbara
Tags: entertainment 4th of july fireworks arts and crafts symphony parade
Downtown Santa Barbara comes alive on the 4th of July with an Arts & Crafts Show, Spirit of ‘76 Parade, Fireworks & Santa Barbara Symphony Patriotic Concert.
Date posted: 02/01/2010
The First Annual Santa Ynez Valley Trails Day – June 5, 2010
Tags: santa ynez valley hiking walking
The first Santa Ynez Valley Trails Day will be held on Saturday, June 5. Offering free guided tours for all ages throughout the valley, the SYVVA, YMCA and Solvang/Buellton Parks and Rec is sponsoring the event to help residents and visitors discover the many hiking and walking trails...
Date posted: 01/01/2010
Downtown Santa Barbara - 1st Thursday – Ongoing Monthly Event
Tags: art entertainment culture
On the first Thursday of each month downtown Santa Barbara features an evening of art and culture.
Date posted: 12/01/2009
Public Star Party at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History – Monthly Event
On the second Saturday of every month throughout 2010 you’ll be able to see the wonders of the night sky through telescopes set up by the Astronomical Unit, the amateur astronomy club sponsored by the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History.