The Chumash Indians thrived in this area of California until just over 200 years ago. The Europeans arrived in 1542 when the Portuguese explorer Juan Cabrillo entered the Channel and claimed the land for Spain. Then in 1602 a ship under the command of the Spaniard Vizcaino entered the Channel to seek refuge from a storm. The day that he and his crew escaped the violent storm was the commemorative feast day for Saint Barbara. Vizcaino and his … [Read more...]
Santa Barbara, CA – Museums
For the relatively small population of Santa Barbara, the amount of and quality of museums will surprise you. Here are a select few that we have personally visited; they are listed in alphabetical order: Carpinteria Valley Museum of History is located at 956 Maple Ave, just south of Carpinteria Ave. Descendants of Carpinteria's pioneer families donated household furnishings and clothing to this museum. A turn of the century schoolroom and … [Read more...]
Santa Barbara, CA – Attractions
Besides extensive shopping areas, wineries, the UCSB campus, beaches, Santa Barbara Mission, historical buildings, various museums, Stearns Wharf and the wonderful climate, numerous other attractions still need to be mentioned. These are a few that we have visited in Santa Barbara - all are listed in alphabetical order: Breakwater Flag Project. Numerous flag poles are located down on the break wall near the Santa Barbara Marina. On … [Read more...]
Santa Barbara, CA – Montecito & San Ysidro Ranch
Montecito is located just south of Santa Barbara off of the 101 freeway. Take the San Ysidro Road exit off of 101 and follow the road to Montecito, continuing straight past East Valley Road. Montecito (Spanish for "little mountain") is an exclusive residential area. Montecito has been compared to Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills. Many expansive estates, mansions, and lush exotic gardens dot the area's hilly landscape. The town of Montecito is … [Read more...]
Santa Barbara, CA – Nearby Santa Barbara
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 – 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 – 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 – 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...]
Palm Springs, CA – Attractions
Moorten Botanical Garden has been in existence for more then 70 years; the gardens contain over 3000 varieties of desert plants from around the world. This garden is also a bird sanctuary. They are located at 1701 South Palm Canyon Drive - right at the corner of El Camino Street - about a mile in from the state route 111. They are open Monday through Saturday from 9 to 4:30, and Sunday from 10 to 4. NOTE: They are closed on Wednesdays. Weddings, … [Read more...]