We have visited the following attractions or small towns - all of which are within a fairly short drive of Santa Barbara, all in Santa Barbara County. Buellton is strategically located on the cross section of where the 101 freeway passes under Highway 46 - about 45 minutes from Santa Barbara via the 101. One can also take the 154 to Buellton from Santa Barbara for a change of pace, but this drive is usually about 10 minutes slower. Buellton … [Read more...]
Santa Barbara, CA – Accomodation
There are over 5000 rooms in Santa Barbara ranging from full service resorts to moderately priced hotel/motels. Some of these hotels are incredible - there is such a choice its hard to know where to stay. There is also a large choice of bed and breakfast inns. The following list is only a partial one, but provides a sampling of the wide range of places to stay in Santa Barbara. The prices listed below range from the lowest (off season/single … [Read more...]
Santa Barbara, CA – Restaurants
Simply put, Santa Barbara is a haven for excellent restaurants (despite being the home to the first "Egg McMuffin" from McDonalds!) often combined with exceptional visual surroundings and the comforts that only a Mediterranean climate can bring. The following restaurants are located in the Santa Barbara area. This is just a partial list. If you have a recommendation for a restaurant please email it to dave@pon.net One look on Yelp under Santa … [Read more...]
Santa Barbara, CA – Shopping
We always love to mix a little bit of shopping into our travels, especially in Santa Barbara. The city features numerous boutique shops, historical shopping centers, and galleries. Paseo Nuevo is one of our favorites; it is located between State and Chapala Streets in downtown Santa Barbara. Look for the orange trees planted along the walkways near the entrance to Paseo Nuevo along State Street. Usually there are oranges on the trees and … [Read more...]
Santa Barbara, CA – Wineries
The following is a partial list of wineries in Santa Barbara and north of Santa Barbara. Most of these wineries are north of Santa Barbara and are located in the Santa Ynez Valley. This means that most of these wineries are between 40 to 50 miles from Santa Barbara. The Santa Ynez Valley was made popular by the movie Sideways and you can even visit the wineries featured in that movie. All Phone Numbers listed are in the 805 area code. All … [Read more...]
Santa Barbara, CA – Annual Events
January February March April May June July August September October November December January -Hang Gliding Festival on January 1st. Local pilots fly over ocean bluffs and demonstrate precision flying. Phone Number (805) 965-3733 -International Film Festival. Annual Event. Very popular. Premiers and screenings of U.S. and international films. Walk up and down State Street stopping at theatres showing … [Read more...]
Santa Barbara, CA – Orchids
Often called the "American Riviera", Santa Barbara has an ideal climate for growing orchids. In fact Santa Barbara now produces more orchids then any other region in the country. Exotic orchids soon became popular and were heavily planted in the Montecito and Hope Ranch estates. After World War II the oil baron Samuel Mosher spent 1.5 million on breeding orchids at his Dos Pueblos Orchid Company. His breeding grounds provided young plants for … [Read more...]
Santa Barbara, CA – Weddings
Are you planning a wedding in Santa Barbara? Santa Barbara has many unique & wonderful locations for the actual wedding as well as the reception afterwards. A number of couples take their vows or renew their vows at the ever popular and picturesque Santa Barbara Courthouse. The following are links to organizations that have wedding or reception locations available for rent in Santa Barbara. Weddings Good Wedding Resource … [Read more...]
Santa Barbara, CA – Other Info
This is a section for certain items that just did not fit in any of the other parts of this article but still have importance for visitors to Santa Barbara. The following are in alphabetical order by category. Bookstores 1. Paperback Alley is located at 5840 Hollister Avenue in Goleta. They have been in business for over 20 years and have over 50,000 used books in stock. Their Phone Number is (805) 967-1051. 2. The Book Den is located … [Read more...]
Santa Barbara, CA – More Info
A visitor information Center, operated by the Chamber of Commerce, is located at No. 1 Santa Barbara Street, at the corner of Cabrillo Boulevard near Stearns Wharf. They are open Monday through Saturday from 9am to 5pm, and on Sunday from 10am to 5pm. From October through April the hours vary slightly. During these months they are open Monday through Saturday from 9am to 4pm, and on Sunday from 10am to 4pm. Their Phone Number is (805) 965-3021. … [Read more...]