For more than a century this city has been a getaway for residents of Los Angeles. Prior to the time when Hollywood and the film industry became synonymous, most silent movies were produced here. Native American settlements could be found here as early as ten thousand years ago, and the town has survived at least two major earthquakes in the past two hundred years. Santa Barbara, CA today is a thriving city that has become a popular destination.
After the devastation of the 1925 temblor, the town was rebuilt in a style that has a distinctive Spanish flair, epitomized by the County Courthouse building. Although linked by the ubiquitous freeways of Southern California to the Los Angeles metropolis, that prevailing architectural culture has not completely overtaken the city, which still has a distinctive character that is immediately recognizable.
The city makes an excellent base to explore and rest prior to heading out for a visit to the Santa Ynez Valley and its famous wineries, or before heading up the coast to see Hearst Castle, still elegantly preserved in its unique splendor. The area has been labeled the American Riviera for its Mediterranean seasons, and is a terminal for voyages to the Channel Islands National Park, home to rare wildlife.
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.
Lovers of nature will not want to miss seeing the Botanic Garden, a world-class display of both exotic and native vegetation. While tours are readily available, visitors can enjoy this oasis on their own, wandering the well-maintained pathways among specimens of plants unique in California. Portions of this garden are currently designated as a County Historical Landmark.
History buffs will appreciate the Old Mission, founded in 1786 by a Franciscan Friar. Called the Queen of the Mission Stations, it was the tenth one begun by the Franciscans, and was originally completed by native American artisans. While there has been extensive restoration to repair earthquake damage, the newly reinforced facade is a good representation of its heyday.
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.
Within a relatively short driving distance is the Chumash Painted Cave Historic Park, the transplanted Danish community of Solvang, and the craggy central coastline. There are numerous award-winning restaurants, and a wide range of hotels and motels for nearly any taste. Whether visiting for a weekend or in town for an extended stay, there is always something to see.
After the devastation of the 1925 temblor, the town was rebuilt in a style that has a distinctive Spanish flair, epitomized by the County Courthouse building. Although linked by the ubiquitous freeways of Southern California to the Los Angeles metropolis, that prevailing architectural culture has not completely overtaken the city, which still has a distinctive character that is immediately recognizable.
The city makes an excellent base to explore and rest prior to heading out for a visit to the Santa Ynez Valley and its famous wineries, or before heading up the coast to see Hearst Castle, still elegantly preserved in its unique splendor. The area has been labeled the American Riviera for its Mediterranean seasons, and is a terminal for voyages to the Channel Islands National Park, home to rare wildlife.
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.
Lovers of nature will not want to miss seeing the Botanic Garden, a world-class display of both exotic and native vegetation. While tours are readily available, visitors can enjoy this oasis on their own, wandering the well-maintained pathways among specimens of plants unique in California. Portions of this garden are currently designated as a County Historical Landmark.
History buffs will appreciate the Old Mission, founded in 1786 by a Franciscan Friar. Called the Queen of the Mission Stations, it was the tenth one begun by the Franciscans, and was originally completed by native American artisans. While there has been extensive restoration to repair earthquake damage, the newly reinforced facade is a good representation of its heyday.
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.
Within a relatively short driving distance is the Chumash Painted Cave Historic Park, the transplanted Danish community of Solvang, and the craggy central coastline. There are numerous award-winning restaurants, and a wide range of hotels and motels for nearly any taste. Whether visiting for a weekend or in town for an extended stay, there is always something to see.
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