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.
The oldest wharf in California, Stearns Wharf is a great place to walk out onto from downtown to get a little tourist-ing in and makes for a beautiful spot to watch the sun go down. Token touristy gift shops to get yourself a magnet or t-shirt (because we all need more of those!), restaurants, ice cream shop, and the Marine Center. Free parking for the first 90 minutes, there’s no excuse to not make a quick visit out to the wharf! Easy access to the Art walk on Sundays right off the wharf, and Skater’s Point.
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