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.
Hidden away in a residential neighborhood in the foothills, this is the oldest museum in Santa Barbara (as of 2016 it’s been open for 100 years!). Upon parking and walking up to the museum you’ll be greeted by a skeleton display of “Chad,” a blue whale, the largest animal to exist on earth. Known best for it’s fine dioramas of birds, mammals, and southern California habitats, and also has halls dedicated to marine life, geology, and Chumash Indian life. A fun 2-3 hour visit can be had here.
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