Santa Barbara

beautiful city…

Went with the family on a West coast tour.. I need to check this place out again. From what I could remember, it was beautiful and serene.

I love the 4th of July parade in Santa Barbara, various military vehicles, helicopters, men dressed as Abraham Lincoln, State street is totally alive. Great night life, music and bars.

My kids love the park right across the street from the beach and pier area and can play there for HOURS.

Eat at Paolis restaraunt! Yummy!

Take a Cloud Climbers Jeep tour

Trolley tours and learn the history of the city, lots of fascinating things to learn.

The Mission and the rose gardens across from the Mission.

Hotels are pricey, I dont normally stay the night here, but I love passing through or spending a day!

Check out Mission Santa Barbara. A lot of Santa Barbara is scenic, but that’s about all there is to it. I’ve been there a few times since I was a young kid up until recently, and my favorite destination each time was undoubtedly the Mission.

Okay, maybe it’s a little harsh to say that Santa Barbara is not worth visiting… but only a little harsh. My gripe with the place is that it seems to inspire nothing but superlatives from everyone, and I simply don’t think it’s 1) unique enough to deserve the praise it gets, and 2) as flawless as it’s reputed to be – isn’t anyone else tired of getting panhandled, dodging skateboarders, and breathing second hand dope smoke while walking on State Street?

My point is simply this: Santa Barbara doesn’t have a monopoly on scenery, amenities, weather, or any other factor. Check out Morro Bay, Marina del Rey, Santa Cruz, or any of dozens of other cool California beach towns.

Santa Barbara is probably the most unique city in all of California. Standing in the city’s center, you think you are in the foothills of Spain or the coast of France. I may be partial, but being a native of the town, it has a place in my heart.

Places to go:
Paseo Nuevo
The beach
Santa Barbara Mission

Things to do:
Walk along State St. from Victoria St down to the pier
Sit on the lawn in front of the Mission

Eats:
Palazzio’s -> Best Italian, bring your appetite
Cafe Bueno’s Aires -> outdoor patio, a taste of Argentina
Rudy’s -> best Mexican

Bars:
Cafe Buenos Aires has a small bar but it’s good for people watching
Rock’s – with balcony views of the State St.
Wine Bar @ Montecito Inn

Beautiful! Great bohemian community. Sunday open markets on the beachfront are a must. Fun to just stroll or bike around. Laid back atmosphere. Great food, too.

not my kind of place to live, simply because of the beach environment, kind of surreal in comparison to what most places are like.

downtown (state street area) is beautiful, great shops, nightlife, and a great place to walk around.

try a burger from the habit!

i’ve stayed here a few times now…
it’s quiet, charming, safe
el encanto is super!

I am lucky enough to have a brother to visit here. Santa Barbara is wonderful, cool shops, bars, people, etc…