Need time away from the city? Leave the smog and crowds behind and head up the coast to Santa Barbara. Ideally situated between the mountains and the sea, rich in history and culture, with beautiful vistas in every direction, it’s the quintessential Southern California escape. Spanish revival architecture surrounded by dozens of varieties of exotic and fragrantly blooming vegetation, create a timeless serenity that will have you wishing you could make the weekend permanent. Rewarding anytime you can make the drive, but visit March through May after a rainy February and the fragrance will linger with you for days. Beaches fill up on summer weekends, but can be remarkably uncrowded midweek. Quieter solitude, consistent temperatures and clear skies follow October through November.
1820 sandstone church, one of 21 California missions founded by 18th-century Franciscan monks.
A chill Mexican spot that offers traditional fare with some of the best chips and salsas around.
Katy Perry loves it, Julia Child loves it, you're gonna love it.
A very pretty trail, very woodsy and shady, and for the most part is a gradual incline making it family friendly. Hike the 3.7 miles to the top and get a nice view of Santa Barbara. In the rainier season, you will find the trail covered in cute little salamanders, so be careful where you step! A fun trail to bring your dogs along with you. Be careful of the poison oak - don’t step off the trail, and you’ll be fine. You can also access Tangerine Falls from this trail! I always forget where the trailhead is, but if you go to the coordinates linked here, you should be able to find it no problem. And the drive in the mountains to get here isn't half bad itself.
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