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.
Katy Perry loves it, Julia Childs loves it, so there’s a pretty good chance you’ll love it too. Definitely the most well known Mexican food joint in Santa Barbara, come here and try one of their many taco offerings or daily specials. Try and come right when they open or on a weekday, as the line can get pretty long. Also, cash only! A must-try: La Super-Rica Especial (marinated pork and cheese-stuffed pasilla chile), or the Chilaquiles, tortilla chips covered in a spicy tomato broth sauce and topped with cheese and green onions (offered on Mondays and Thursdays only).
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