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Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara has an upscale, elegant feel. Positioned on an idyllic
and relatively calm portion of the California coast, the surrounding
hills and Santa Ynez Mountains suggest European origins. Santa
Barbara’s Spanish-Mediterranean architecture of while stucco and red
tile roofs seems perfect for the balmy, oceanside climate. Lucky
University of California Santa Barbara students from the nearby campus
mix with wealthy retirees for an unusual demographic profile.
 Wernher Krutein/photovault.com Santa Barbara is an elegant town framed by the ocean and the Santa Ynez Mountains
With many beaches along the Santa Barbara County coast, any visit
should include some time on the sand. Santa Barbara has a two-mile
coastal pathway that is ideal for strolling or cycling. Stearn’s Wharf
is a lively spot waterfront, with shops and restaurants near the pier.
State Street is the main avenue for restaurants and shops.
Santa Barbara County is worth exploring for great hiking, wine touring,
wildlife viewing and mountain biking, as shown on the scenic drive map
below.
Some of the highlights of this destination include:
Attractions: State Street (main shopping avenue), Stearn’s Wharf, Santa
Barbara Mission, Santa Barbara County wineries (near Santa Ynez and Los
Olivos, Moreton Bay Fig Tree, Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, Santa
Barbara County Courthouse, Santa Barbara Musuem of Art, Santa Barbara
Musuem of Natural History, Santa Barbara Zoological Gardens, Santa
Barbara Historical Museum, UC Santa Barbara
Towns: Santa Barbara, Montecito, Goleta, Santa Ynez, Solvang
Beaches: Cabrillo Beach, Hendry’s Beach, Refugio State Beach, Gaviota
Beach, Goleta Beach, Arroyo Burro Beach, El Capitan State Beach
National Forests: Los Padres National Forest
State Parks: Gaviota State Park
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SCENIC DRIVES: Santa Barbara’s mild climate makes it a great
city for walking – especially along State Street as well as the Stearns
Wharf area. Self-guided tour maps of the Red Tile Roofs Tour are
available at visitor center near the wharf. Santa Barbara has many
attractions within the city, along with all the amenities a visitor
could want but, if time allows, explore the nearby upland towns and
wineries as part of this scenic trip.
This drive starts on State Street. Before heading towards the
ocean, consider a quick trip to see Santa Barbara Mission (take Los
Olivos 4-5 blocks towards the foothills) for a wonderful view and a
history lesson.
The main State St. retail and restaurant blocks are easily walkable
and full of diversions on the side streets. When you are ready, follow
State all the way to the main harbor area, Stearns Wharf, and relax on
the beach, shop, dine or walk to the marina.
Back to the road to the very scenic Shoreline Dr., heading west.
The road turns inland and connects to Cliff Dr. where you’ll turn left
and continue on Las Positas until it connects to 101 heading west
towards Goleta. Enjoy the coastside drive or stop at one of the three
state beaches along the way.
Stay on 101 as it heads north and inland toward Buellton, exiting
at Highway 246 – east to Solvang. Windmills, wooden clogs and Danish
pastry in California? You have to see it to believe it. There
is another one of the California missions here, lending a Spanish touch
to the Danish theme. Head east to 154.
SIDETRIP: At Buellton, continue on 101 to Zaca Canyon Rd,
just after the exit for 154. Follow the road to Foxen Canyon Rd
and the left on Alisos Canyon Rd. to return to 101 – a loop passing by
several famous wineries.
SIDETRIP: Take 154 to Los Olivos and Santa Inez and watch for wineries with tours and tastings.
The drive back towards Santa Barbara passes through a bald eagle
habitat so keep your eyes on the treetops. Continue on 154 to 101 back
to Santa Barbara.
SIDETRIP: From 154 before the 101 connection, make a left
on scenic 192, Foothill Rd. for a windy drive to Montecito. At
Mission Canyon Dr. , take a left to visit the extensive Botanical
Gardens. Continue on 192 - turn left at East Drive and right on
San Ysidro to return to 101. |
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