Santa Barbara lies on a south-facing stretch of coast about 150 km (95 miles) north-west of Los Angeles, squeezed between the ocean and a wall of mountains. After an earthquake in 1925 the centre was rebuilt in a unified Spanish Colonial Revival style, and strict planning has kept it that way: low white buildings, arcades, courtyards and tiled roofs.
It is a place to slow down rather than tick off sights — a mission, a remarkable courthouse, a pier, a string of beaches and a cluster of urban tasting rooms. Forty minutes inland, the Santa Ynez Valley has vineyards, ranch country and the Danish-themed town of Solvang. Santa Barbara is the natural overnight stop between Los Angeles and Big Sur.
Highlights
- The “Queen of the Missions” and its rose garden
- The view from the courthouse clock tower
- Walking out over the water on Stearns Wharf
- Tasting rooms and street art in the Funk Zone
- Palm-fringed East Beach and the harbour
- Vineyards of the Santa Ynez Valley and Solvang’s windmills
Plan your time in Santa Barbara
One full day covers the mission, the courthouse, State Street and the waterfront on foot or by bike. A second day is well spent in the Santa Ynez Valley on a wine tour, or on the water. The centre is compact and flat, so park the car and leave it.
