Santa Barbara Travel Information


Santa Barbara is one of America's favorite beach destinations. Not only has it gained a reputation as the home of many celebrities (we've seen Oprah, Jonathan Winters, Alan Thicke and John Travolta,) it also is a favored vacation getaway for ordinary people seeking family vacations or romantic couples weekends.

From the Spanish architecture and influence seen in downtown brick walkways and the red-tiled roofs of places such as the historic Courthouse, to the bookstores, gift stores, boutiques and cafes, the look and feel is Continental--which is really odd, considering the city sits outside L.A. in the countryside.

With a state university and a college, there are many well-educated individuals, and the academic influence infuses the city with creative juices.

For photographers, the city offers many opportunities to expand your horizons. Not only are the views, vistas and mountains spectacular for picture taking, the well known Brooks College offers photo courses.

Artists are drawn to Santa Barbara, as well. A very organized system allowing limited sales of artwork at a weekend beach fair attracts a high caliber of art and artists.

In addition to the shopping for art, the Santa Barbara Museum of Art worth seeing, and there are other museums and gardens around the city to explore. Santa Barbara Mission, carriage museum, botanic garden, Stearns Wharf and upscale Bacara Resort are a few of our favorite haunts. Located in California's Central Coast Wine Country, you can taste wine, shop and dine, all at the beach.