This coastal city has been a getaway for Los Angeles residents for over one hundred years. Before the name Hollywood became indelibly associated with the movie industry, it was a center of silent film production. Its rich human history began over ten thousand years ago with native settlements, and it has survived at least two serious earthquakes. Today Santa Barbara, CA is an exciting and popular destination for visitors.
After the devastation of the 1925 temblor, the town was rebuilt in a style that has a distinctive Spanish flair, epitomized by the County Courthouse building. Although linked by the ubiquitous freeways of Southern California to the Los Angeles metropolis, that prevailing architectural culture has not completely overtaken the city, which still has a distinctive character that is immediately recognizable.
This destination is the perfect place to spend a few days before traveling up the coast towards Hearst Castle, a opulent residence that has been preserved in its original splendor, or to use as a home base for experiencing the wineries in the Santa Ynez Valley. The region has been described as the American Riviera because its climate, and is a gateway to Channel Islands National Park.
One of the better-known landmarks in town is Stearns Wharf, which juts into the sea where State Street ends. Originally erected in the 1870s, the wharf has survived several disasters, and today is home to shops, restaurants, the Natural History Sea Center, and other attractions. Visitors come for the fine dining, but also enjoy seeing the churning surf on one side framed by mountains on the other.
For nature lovers, the Botanic Garden is a peaceful haven filled with displays of native and exotic plants. Tours are available, but visitors are also encouraged to stroll at on their own down the carefully maintained pathways to enjoy a changing panorama of vegetation unique to Southern California. Portions have been designated a County Historical Landmark.
Fans of history appreciate seeing the Old Mission, originally founded by the Franciscans in 1786, and still referred to as the Queen Of the Mission Stations. It was the tenth in California, and the interiors were decorated by skill native American artists. Although there has been extensive restoration work completed due to earthquakes, the facade still looks very similar to the original.
Other historic landmarks include the Casa de la Guerra, which was originally a community center for many purposes, and which today is part of the El Pasea complex, modeled after an original Spanish street. The original Presidio, or fortress, became less significant after the Americans arrived in 1846, but soldier quarters and some original rooms still exist, and are located in the downtown area.
Within a relatively short driving distance is the Chumash Painted Cave Historic Park, the transplanted Danish community of Solvang, and the craggy central coastline. There are numerous award-winning restaurants, and a wide range of hotels and motels for nearly any taste. Whether visiting for a weekend or in town for an extended stay, there is always something to see.
After the devastation of the 1925 temblor, the town was rebuilt in a style that has a distinctive Spanish flair, epitomized by the County Courthouse building. Although linked by the ubiquitous freeways of Southern California to the Los Angeles metropolis, that prevailing architectural culture has not completely overtaken the city, which still has a distinctive character that is immediately recognizable.
This destination is the perfect place to spend a few days before traveling up the coast towards Hearst Castle, a opulent residence that has been preserved in its original splendor, or to use as a home base for experiencing the wineries in the Santa Ynez Valley. The region has been described as the American Riviera because its climate, and is a gateway to Channel Islands National Park.
One of the better-known landmarks in town is Stearns Wharf, which juts into the sea where State Street ends. Originally erected in the 1870s, the wharf has survived several disasters, and today is home to shops, restaurants, the Natural History Sea Center, and other attractions. Visitors come for the fine dining, but also enjoy seeing the churning surf on one side framed by mountains on the other.
For nature lovers, the Botanic Garden is a peaceful haven filled with displays of native and exotic plants. Tours are available, but visitors are also encouraged to stroll at on their own down the carefully maintained pathways to enjoy a changing panorama of vegetation unique to Southern California. Portions have been designated a County Historical Landmark.
Fans of history appreciate seeing the Old Mission, originally founded by the Franciscans in 1786, and still referred to as the Queen Of the Mission Stations. It was the tenth in California, and the interiors were decorated by skill native American artists. Although there has been extensive restoration work completed due to earthquakes, the facade still looks very similar to the original.
Other historic landmarks include the Casa de la Guerra, which was originally a community center for many purposes, and which today is part of the El Pasea complex, modeled after an original Spanish street. The original Presidio, or fortress, became less significant after the Americans arrived in 1846, but soldier quarters and some original rooms still exist, and are located in the downtown area.
Within a relatively short driving distance is the Chumash Painted Cave Historic Park, the transplanted Danish community of Solvang, and the craggy central coastline. There are numerous award-winning restaurants, and a wide range of hotels and motels for nearly any taste. Whether visiting for a weekend or in town for an extended stay, there is always something to see.
About the Author:
Get to know about life in Santa Barbara by reading the interesting articles online. To explore the web pages, go to http://santabarbaralife.com.