Santa Barbara, California
Known as the County Seat of Santa Barbara County, California, Santa Barbara is located 90 miles west-northwest of Los Angeles on a south-facing section of coastline between the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Ynez mountains. Offering the amenities of a larger city, while still retaining a small-town feel, Santa Barbara enjoys a Mediterranean climate similar to the French and Italian Rivieras that makes it a popular destination for tourists worldwide, as well as a favorite place for a relaxing weekend getaway.
Much of the architecture found in Santa Barbara has a distinct Spanish flavor, especially the Presidio, a Spanish chapel and military installation, and Mission Santa Barbara, which were both founded in the 1780s by Father Junipero Serra. The population of Santa Barbara doubled between 1850 and 1860 after its acquisition by the United States, and in the 1870s even more wealthy American travelers visited and stayed after it was promoted in advertisements as a health resort. An earthquake destroyed much of the downtown area in 1925, and city leaders subsequently adopted the romantic Spanish Colonial Revival style of architecture in keeping with the city's heritage. It is this iconic style that is so classically Santa Barbara and can be seen throughout the town today.
In addition to first-rate shopping and Mexican food in an idyllic setting, Santa Barbara offers events and tourist attractions throughout the year. The annual Santa Barbara French Festival is held in July and is the largest of its kind in the western United States. Visit in August, and you might witness the annual Fiesta hosted by the Native Daughters and Native Sons of the Golden West. You can also enjoy the Santa Barbara Arts and Crafts Show on Cabrillo Avenue any Sunday of the year. Late January is when you can catch the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, which runs for ten days and draws over 50,000 attendees. There is also the Santa Barbara Zoo, several museums, and plenty of surfing to be had. There is no other place quite like Santa Barbara. Book a trip and you will see why a relaxing stay in Santa Barbara is something that you will want to recommend to all your friends!
Much of the architecture found in Santa Barbara has a distinct Spanish flavor, especially the Presidio, a Spanish chapel and military installation, and Mission Santa Barbara, which were both founded in the 1780s by Father Junipero Serra. The population of Santa Barbara doubled between 1850 and 1860 after its acquisition by the United States, and in the 1870s even more wealthy American travelers visited and stayed after it was promoted in advertisements as a health resort. An earthquake destroyed much of the downtown area in 1925, and city leaders subsequently adopted the romantic Spanish Colonial Revival style of architecture in keeping with the city's heritage. It is this iconic style that is so classically Santa Barbara and can be seen throughout the town today.
In addition to first-rate shopping and Mexican food in an idyllic setting, Santa Barbara offers events and tourist attractions throughout the year. The annual Santa Barbara French Festival is held in July and is the largest of its kind in the western United States. Visit in August, and you might witness the annual Fiesta hosted by the Native Daughters and Native Sons of the Golden West. You can also enjoy the Santa Barbara Arts and Crafts Show on Cabrillo Avenue any Sunday of the year. Late January is when you can catch the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, which runs for ten days and draws over 50,000 attendees. There is also the Santa Barbara Zoo, several museums, and plenty of surfing to be had. There is no other place quite like Santa Barbara. Book a trip and you will see why a relaxing stay in Santa Barbara is something that you will want to recommend to all your friends!
Santa Barbara, California
