Located along the Pacific coast at the base of the Santa Ynez Mountains, Santa Barbara lies at the head of the Santa Barbara Channel in southwestern California, U.S. Its population makes it one of California's largest cities with the dramatic backdrop of the Santa Ynez Mountains. It is best known for its broad, sandy beaches, Mediterranean style white stucco buildings, upscale boutiques, Spanish colonial heritage, etc. The town enjoys wide beaches, various wineries, shopping and dining options usually found only in much larger cities. The most popular misconception about Santa Barbara is that it is a celebrity-studded destination. The truth is that it is much more approachable for the average tourist.
Santa Barbara provides superb weather, lovely buildings, fun bars and restaurants, with various ways to enjoy yourself for visitors from all over. Whether you are looking for hiking, water sports, fine dining, relaxing on a beach, great nightlife, or a cultural heritage site, Santa Barbara is for you. Here are some things that you might not want to miss on your next visit.
The stunning views of the city, the Santa Barbara coastline, and the Santa Ynez Mountains attract most visitors to Shoreline Park. This free attraction has a lot to offer, and you may be lucky enough to spot some passing whales. Playgrounds, picnic tables, barbeques, sidewalks, and cozy benches are among the features of this popular 1,462-acre park located on a coastal bluff. Santa Barbara is a great place to take your kids if you wonder what to do with them. To reach the beach from the park, visitors descend a staircase to the beach below through the beautiful Torii gate. A public staircase leads you from the Arroyo Burro Estuary to Shoreline Park Staircase.
Any wine lover will enjoy a tour of Santa Barbara County wineries with two experienced and certified sommeliers. You will be personally driven by Scott Bull and Bryan Hope in a Mercedes-Benz luxury vehicle during your Sustainable Vine Wine Tour. You can explore some outstanding local wineries, vineyards, and barrel cellars. Aside from entertaining and educating you, you will get to sample the wines. Small tours last nearly the whole day and are led by local guides. A tour includes wine tasting and lunch in a vineyard.
One of the most popular places in Santa Barbara is the harbor, situated at the end of State Street. Stearns Wharf in California was completed in 1872 and is the oldest wooden wharf still in use.. John P. Stearns built this terminal, which has been in use for more than 25 years and is named after him. Currently, tourists can find more than ten businesses, including restaurants and cafes, gift shops, and a shellfish market. You can also explore two educational facilities – the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center and the Channel Islands Exhibit Hall. From the harbor, tourists can also explore the area by water taxis.
Also, Read: Best Beaches in Santa Barbara
The Arroyo Burro Beach Park is located on Cliff Drive, just south of Elings Park. Another name of this county beach park is Hendry's Beach. The most popular place for ocean activities includingsurfing, swimming, fishing, and picnics. The park's history dates to 1957, when the first six acres were bought to start a garden. It is considered one of the top attractions in Santa Barbara. Moreover, visitors can also do other fun things such as bird watching or horseback riding.
The Public Market in downtown Santa Barbara offers its visitors a unique opportunity to explore and shop for locally grown products and handcrafted items. The market has some local chefs who teach tourists cooking at "The Kitchen" and provides classes including wine and dinner. There are two events that happen here every day- The Art of Food and Photo Tour of the Public Market.
Santa Barbara has a mild climate throughout the year due to its proximity to the Santa Barbara Islands and the mountains to the north. Still, the best time to visit the port is from March to May or from September to November. The average temperature stays between 60 and 70 degrees all year long.
