California is a large and diverse state. We have hundreds of miles of farms; we have Silicon Valley and Silicon Beach; we have mountains, deserts and beaches; forests and deserts and so much more. And then we have Santa Barbara, aka The American Riviera. Here's some suggestions for you should you visit this truly extraordinary destination.
Things To See & Do
1212 Mission Canyon Rd, Santa Barbara, CA 93105
Their mission is to preserve and showcase California native flora. And they do it so well too! The various trails and gardens and educational centers would make it easy for you to abandon dreams of water-demanding flowers like sakura and hydrangeas.
2201 Laguna Street, Santa Barbara CA 93105
Missions are a part of California history and is worth knowing. The Santa Barbara Mission is still a working and operational church. Masses are still conducted here and there are tours available too. Don't miss their rose garden at the front!
2559 Puesta Del Sol, Santa Barbara CA 93105
Small museum but packs a full punch. Has a gems section, marine animals, mammals, avian animals, a dinosaur garden, beautiful "Santa Barbara" architecture, art gallery with rotating exhibits, and a Chumash section.
El Presidio de Santa Barbara
123 East Canon Perdido Street, Santa Barbara Ca 93101-2215
El Presidio is a historic State Park right in the midst of the hustle and bustle of downtown Santa Barbara. With bars and shopping centers through and around this State Park, it took a while for my brain to adjust to that fact that I'm looking and touching the same stones, walls and buildings that the Spanish colonizers and the local Chumash built a couple of hundreds of years ago.
I always mention the Santa Barbara Courthouse because its architecture exemplifies Santa Barbara's Spanish colonial esthetic. This building is well designed and well executed. The gardens are also beautiful. AND... it's a public building so you could walk around the public areas. (See photo at the beginning of this blog.)
Cabrillo Blvd
No better place to bike in Santa Barbara than this miles-long, oceanside bike path. On this path, you'll hit a lot of Santa Barbara's famous beaches along with its famous pier, yes, the one with the dolphin fountains at the front.
La Arcada Plaza
La Arcada is an outdoor gallery with beautifully curated shops and great dining options. It has many interesting features like a fountain and its distinctive old world, read Spanish, design.
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This outdoor mall has a theater and an art gallery on the upper level which you can reach by using those beautiful moorish tiles.
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Where To Eat & Drink
I love public markets and this Public Market is a great place to go if you're not sure what to eat. They have pizza, noodles, ice cream, coffee, barbecue... and they have a large eating area too! This is a very convenient way to indulge yourself with local ice creamery, Rori's.
Funk Zone is like their Arts District. Local microbreweries, wine tasting rooms, and street murals make this fairly new section of Santa Barbara a must see. Don't miss Helena Avenue Bakery and The Lark Santa Barbara.
The most unique coffee experience I've ever had in my whole life. If you like cocktails but don't actually like drinking alcohol, and you happen to love coffee as well, then this place is perfect for you! They elevate espresso drinks to a level limited only by their creative imaginations... and it works!
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