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| Santa Barbara |
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Santa Barbara [1] is located geographically less than 100 miles from hyper-metropolitan Los Angeles but feels light years away from the noise and
congestion of its huge neighbor to the south, which helps explain why
the upper crust of Southern California have long favored the coastal
retreat as both a getaway destination and the perfect place for a
second (or sometimes first) home. With a temperate climate and
lush natural environs, the "Riviera of the West" is perfect for a day
trip, with its wide, perfect beaches, highly rated wineries, and a
large variety of shopping and dining choices, or a much longer stay,
with a highly active local culture of volunteerism and fund-raising (not to mention the very high number of wealthy people)
that enables the town of just 90,000 residents to enjoy the sort of
cultural and social amenities that are usually found only in much
larger cities.
Although the common perception of Santa Barbara is as a playground for
the rich and famous, the reality is more middle-America than you might
think, with an average income only slightly higher than California as a
whole, and a diverse ethnic makeup and heritage. Notable for its
California Mission-style architecture (a long-standing local ordinance
ensures that all commercial construction follow the Mission theme,
which results in a plethora of red-tiled roofs and faux adobe supermarkets), local
residents are intensely proud of their city's roots and traditions, and
a number of hugely popular festivals throughout the year celebrate the
many cultures found within the city limits.
More in
Santa Barbara >>
SEE DO EAT
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SEE
For a city the size of Santa Barbara, the number of "must-sees" is
quite astonishing. This is only a partial list:
- Karpeles Museum, 21 West Anapamu St., (805) 962-5322, open 7 days a week, 10 A.M. to 4 P.M, [2]. The Karpeles Library is the world's largest private holding of important original manuscripts & documents. Among those items on permanent display in the museum is an original Stone copy of the Declaration of Independence, a replica of the globe used by Columbus (sans the Western Hemisphere), handwritten scores by a dozen leading composers, and the computer guidance system used on the first Apollo lander flight to the moon.
- Santa Barbara Mission, 2201 Laguna St. (from downtown State St., turn east onto Mission St. and follow signs pointing toward the Mission,) (805) 682-4149, [3]. Self-guided tours available daily from 9am to 5pm. Known as "The Queen of the Missions," Santa Barbara's "Old Mission" is a superb example of California's Franciscan Spanish architecture. The tenth California Mission to be constructed, Mission Santa Barbara today is both a scenic wonder and a fine anthropological study of original native culture in the surrounding area. Well worth a visit, be sure to take note of adjacent pottery kiln and tanning vat ruins. $4 for adults.
- Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, 2559 Puesta Del Sol Road (follow signs from SB Mission), [4]. Open 10am to 5pm daily. (805) 682-4711. This large, well-presented natural history museum is - literally - a hidden treasure. Highlights include eleven exhibit halls focusing on regional natural history, and a life-size Blue Whale skeleton. $6 for adults. Admission is free on the last Sunday of every month except September.
- Stearns Wharf, located at the end of State Street along the Waterfront, [5]. This picturesque 1872 wharf - the longest deep-water pier between Los Angeles and San Francisco - has tons of history. Badly damaged several times by fire, Stearn's Wharf has been repeatedly rebuilt and restored and today features more than a dozen shops and restaurants, and one of the best views in California from the end of its pier. The Wharf was also once owned by Hollywood legend James Cagney. Free.
- Santa Barbara Museum of Art, 1130 State Street. Open Tuesday-Sunday 11am to 5pm. (805) 963-4364, [6]. A remarkably well-provisioned museum considering the size of the town it resides in, Santa Barbara's main art museum features a strong collection of Roman antiquities, as well as an impressive lineup of classical European and modern art. Frequently rotated exhibitions are among the strongest in California. Adults: $7. Free admission on Sunday.
- Santa Barbara Zoo, 500 Ninos Dr. Open 10am to 5pm all year except for Thanksgiving and Christmas, and some private events. (805) 963-5695, [7]. Small but well-represented with over 600 animals, the zoo has provided entertainment for all ages since 1963 and is the largest zoo between Los Angeles and San Francisco (unless you count the Monterey Aquarium). Adults 13-59: $10. Children 2-13 and Seniors 60+: $8. Children under 2: Free.
- University of California, Santa Barbara, open all year. Situated on a point somewhat west of Santa Barbara proper (but still part of the city), UCSB is commonly listed as one of the top public universities in the United States. Known for its high science programs and top scholars, it also houses a great Marine Biology department, Dance/Theater/Music programs, and much more. The campus itself is regarded as one of the more beautiful campuses among the UC system (perhaps due to its location). Head to the top floor of the campus library for one of the best views of the whole campus. Much of the campus, especially the areas near the beach, is undeveloped open space, and includes a man-made lagoon. Head to the UCen or the nearby college town of Isla Vista for food. From downtown, take Highway 101 north to Highway 217, and go past the airport exit. Admission is free to the campus, but parking costs, and parking restrictions are heavily enforced.
- Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, 1212 Mission Canyon Road, Open 9am - 6pm, March - October, and 9an - 5pm, November - February. www.sbbg.org, 805-682-4726. Located on 85 acres in the foothills just above the city, the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden features exquisite exhibits of California native plants displayed in beautiful landscaped settings. Walk along a meadow, through a canyon and redwood forest, across a historic dam, and along ridge tops that offer sweeping views of the Channel Islands.$8 adults, $6 seniors, teens 13-17, full-time students, and active military with id, $ children 2-12, children under 2 free.
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DO
Although Santa Barbara is an atypical coastal town, it offers the typical Southern California variety of outdoor activities, from surfing to whale-watching.
- Beaches, along the Waterfront. Santa Barbara's most popular beach, East Beach, is a pristine stretch of blindingly white sand framed by postcard quality palm trees, surrounding hills and nearby harbor. For less crowded beachcombing, try nearby Leadbetter Beach, or further up the road, isolated Arroyo Burro (known to locals as Hendry's Beach,) where dog lovers bring their pets to frolic in a no-leashes-needed surfside dog park. Hendry's Beach is also home to a nudist beach, where one can often see a frolicking nude man pass by. Even more isolated is Butterfly Beach, tucked away in a cove beneath the high-toned Biltmore Hotel in Montecito.
- Golf, Santa Barbara has numerous private and public golf courses located in and around the city. Hidden Oaks, Twin Lakes, and Ocean Meadows are 9 holes courses that provide budget prices for a round of golf. For those wishing to play 18 holes without spending a lot, the Santa Barbara Golf Club located at 3500 McCaw. provides reasonably priced rounds. For those wishing to spend more, Sandpiper Golf Course, located north of Goleta on Hollister, or Rancho San Marcos, located about 15 miles up the 154 provide a world class golf experience.
- Hiking, from the Mesa to the Santa Ynez Mountains, the unique geography of Santa Barbara provides amazing opportunities to see panoramic views and abundant wildlife. Hiking guides and maps are easily obtained at any local bookstore, well-equipped newsstand, or selected stores in tourist-heavy locations such as downtown. Examples include the Douglas Family Preserve, a great off-leash open space that often serves as the backdrop for numerous weddings, and East Camino Cielo Road off of Highway 154, which has several spots one can park and find a little trail to hike on, or even just sit and enjoy the view.
- Paragliding, (805) 968-0980, [8]. - Instruction of beginner and intermediate pilot. Fly solo from the training hill at Elings Park.
- Surfing. There is no surfing in SB during the summer due to islands blocking surf from reaching the beach area!!!
- Wine Tasting. The Santa Barbara back country has a great collection of wineries. Just pop up to Solvang or Buellton and enjoy. Wine tours are available also.
- Sustainable Vine Wine Tours, (805)698-3911, [9] Santa Barbara County Wine Tasting Tours focusing on the sustainable aspects of our regions best producers.
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EAT
Latin-themed dishes are, quite logically, the order of the day in
Santa Barbara, and the town's Mexican food ranks with any other town in
California. The town's elevated cultural status attracts high-powered
chefs from all over the world, and the selection and sheer variety of
local fare is quite astonishing for a community of 90,000. Here
are just a few of Santa Barbara's culinary choices:
- La Super Rica Taqueria, 622 N. Milpas St., (805) 963-4940. Once tabbed "Best Mexican Food in the Country" by the New York Times. You won't come here for the atmosphere. There is no sign on the building, and seating is first come-first served, but you'll be happy you stood in the long line forming outside the door once you taste what's served up here. Julia Child claimed this her favorite Mexican restaurant (or even all-time favorite place to eat, according to some accounts), saying, "Everything is incredibly fresh. The salsas are wonderful." $5-$15.
- La Salsa Mexican Grill The chain that started the "Fresh-Mex" trend started here in Santa Barbara. Enjoy the amazing fresh salsa bar (one of the few that offers a true habenero salsa), trans and saturated fat free fresh tortilla chips, amazing fajitas and breakfast burritos.
- Panino, 834 Santa Barbara St., Good variety of sandwiches
- Café Buenos Aires,1316 State St., Serves the tastiest parts of the tastiest animals. Good Argentinian beef; the empanadas are great. Chicken, pork, all good. Definite focus on meat here. Good mojito's. The outdoor dining is nice in almost all weathers-it has heaters although not every seat feels the warmth. Pretty courtyard with lighted fountain (the water is a bit dirty and it splashes on the tables next to it). Live Argentinian band some nights, beautiful music.
- Arigato Sushi, 1225 State St., Unbelievably good sushi.
- Maeda Sushi, Across the street from Arigato, very good and a lot less crowded than Arigato
- Los Arroyos, 14 W. Figueroa St., off State, 962-5541; 1280 Coast Village Rd., Montecito, popular and very good Mexican food.
- Lucky's, 1279 Coast Village Rd., Montecito, Steakhouse with some of the best food in town in a prestigious setting.
- Chuck's of Hawaii, 3888 State St., 113 Harbor Way, 564-1200, A great cut of beef -- try anything with artichokes.
- El Encanto Hotel,1900 Lasuen Rd. on the Riviera, Great view of the city and the ocean. A romantic getaway restaurant.
- Super Cuca's Taquería,2030 Cliff Dr., 966-3863; 626 W. Micheltorena St., Big burritos, vegetarian recommended even for those die-hard carnivores.
- Cold Spring Tavern, 5995 Stagecoach Rd., Stop for lunch on your way out to wine taste -- off the 154. Great location and great food. Fun atmosphere on weekend nights with live music.
- Rudy's Restaurant, Six in town, one in Paseo Nuevo. Very good tamales, chimichangas and burritos. Charming family-owned business.
- The Palace Grill,8 E. Cota St., fun Cajun food with great service.
- Elements, 129 E. Anapamu St., Great view of Courthouse with innovative food.
- Montecito Café, 1295 Coast Village Rd., Montecito. Try the coconut cake.
- Palazzio's, 1026 State St., Generous portions of pastas and salads. One entree and a half salad is enough to feed up to three people. Every fifteen minutes waiters walk around with freshly baked garlic rolls that are to DIE for.
- Chads, 625 Chapala St., American cuisine with very good appetizers. Go for happy hour and stay for dinner.
- Four Seasons Biltmore Hotel, 1260 Channel Dr., Montecito, when on an expense account, grab brunch here.
- Pascucci,729 State St., Santa Barbara's best affordable Italian food.
- Cajun Kitchen, 901 Chapala St., 1924-A De la Vina St. Very popular breakfast and lunch place. The beast breakfast in town. Delicious sausages. Good price.
- Brophy Bros., Breakwater at the Harbor, great seafood, known for clam chowder, the setting cannot be beat.
- Your Place, 22-A N. Milpas St., Good Thai food.
- The Habit, 216 S. Milpas St., 962-7472; 628 State St., 892-5400. Stop by for a sidewalk burger.
- The Natural Café and juice bar, 508 State St., ? +1-805-962-9494 (comments@thenaturalcafe.com), [11]. Mon-Sun 11am - 9pm. Outdoor, sidewalk dining that is healthy an
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