This gorgeous coastline city, Santa Barbara, is located between the Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific ocean. It offers a variety of things and places to explore, great cuisine and local wine, beautiful Spanish architectural style, a long coastline, and pleasant climate similar to the Mediterranean. No wonder it’s called The American Riviera. I was really impressed and fell in love with this city immediately. I wish I had more time to explore. And I know I will definitely go back someday.

→WHAT TO EXPLORE IN SANTA BARBARA

Santa Barbara Courthouse and Clock tower

This still functioning courthouse is designed in Spanish-Colonial style and located in downtown Santa Barbara. It is open daily and free to visit, the best part is the Clock Tower where you can see a 360-degree view of Santa Barbara. Find out more about opening hours and other important info on santabarbaraca.com.

CASA DEL HERRERO

Casa del Herrero is an excellent example of the Spanish Colonial Revival style in America. Unfortunately, there were no tours when we were there. You should check online for the opening hours and days, and it’s best to book in advance. Tours can be booked on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. throughout the year. Admission costs 25$ per person. Check out for more info on casadelherrero.com and santabarbaraca.com.

MOXI, THE WOLF MUSEUM OF EXPLORATION + INNOVATION

A great museum where you can experience and feel the science. Unlike museums with a look-but-don’t-touch philosophy, every exhibit at MOXI encourages you to play, engage and participate. Although there are many programs for kids, it’s actually very fun and entertaining for all ages. Admission is $10 for children age 3–12 and $15 for adults. Find out more important information on santabarbaraca.com and moxi.org.

GANNA WALSKA LOTUSLAND

”Madame Ganna Walska, a well-known Polish opera singer and socialite, purchased the Montecito, California estate in 1941 and spent the next 43 years creating Lotusland, today recognized as one of the ten best gardens in the world.” (from lotusland.org)
Advance tour reservations are required to visit because Lotusland is a public garden operating in a private. Guided tours are at 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. from Wednesday through Saturday, from February 16 through November 15. Admission for an adult is 50$.
Check out this beautiful gallery.

STEARNS WHARF

Stearns Wharf is located near the harbor in Santa Barbara. When it was completed in 1872, it became the longest deep-water Wharf between San Pedro and San Francisco. This number 1 attraction in Santa Barbara offers fun recreation, great restaurants, and amazing creatures at the Sea Center.

OLD MISSION SANTA BARBARA

”The Santa Barbara Mission was established on the Feast of Saint Barbara, December 4, 1786, and was the tenth of twenty-one California Missions to be founded by the Spanish Franciscans. More than 200 years later, the Mission continues to be the chief cultural and historic landmark in the city of Santa Barbara. Home to a community of Franciscan friars, a beautiful church with a large and active parish; a museum and gift shop; a cemetery and mausoleum; and twelve acres of beautifully landscaped gardens.” (taken from santabarbaramission.org)

WALKING TOUR WITH ARCHITECT JEFF SHELTON

If you love architecture this is definitely a must. All over the city, you can enjoy beautiful buildings, but this tour shows you some of the most interesting houses designed by Jeff Shelton, the visionary local architect. Find out more about it on Jeff Shelton Walking Tour.

There are many other places to visit in SB, you can visit a district THE FUNK ZONE, full of cafes, galleries, and shops, go tasting the local wines on THE URBAN WINE TRAIL, or visit the LOBERO THEATER…

→WHERE TO STAY

LEMON TREE INN – a cozy 3-star hotel that has an amazing one-acre tropical courtyard and an outdoor pool.
INN BY THE HARBOR – located 10 minutes walk from West Beach and 20 Minutes walk from Stearns Wharf. Has a nice yard and an outdoor pool.
HARBOR VIEW INN – located near the beach, just 5 minutes walk from the Stearns Wharf. Also has an outdoor pool.

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