An insiders guide to Santa Barbara California, the best Hotels in Santa Barbara, the best Santa Barbara Restaurants. The best places to stay, eat and visit in Santa Barbara Ca.

This is the ultimate Southern California City to vacation in. There is so much to see and do in Santa Barbara, from gorgeous beaches, wineries,the Santa Barbara mission, wonderful Montecito, fantastic restaurants of all kinds.

The town drools with atmosphere and shopping is a sweet experience, no tourist junky stores in this town, everything is classy.

I see people from all over the World visiting here. Santa Barbara California is World famous.

If you are planning your honeymoon this is one of the Top Southern California Honeymoon Destinations. And who wouldn't want to honeymoon here.

This is Southern California's most classy and charming city. I have been visting Santa Barbara California for over 30 years, and it's one of the Top Ten Destinations In Southern California.

Nestled on a strip of coastal land between the beautiful Pacific Ocean and the rugged Santa Ynez mountains, the City of Santa Barbara has one of California's most scenic and idyllic settings.

The pleasant Mediterranian climate, lush foilage, palm trees, and the stunning Spanish architecture with white-washed buildings with red-tiled roofs, give the city its distinct and beautiful character.

Santa Barbara California attracts the rich and famous, who really appreciate the small city ambiance, the many fine restaurants and fashionable stores.

Wide sandy Southern California Beaches runs the length of the city along the coast. You can spend a day at this southfacing beach, rent bikes or skates to ride along a palmlined 2 mile bike path.

Every sunday there is an Arts and Crafts Fair on the grassy strip between the bike path and Cabrillo Boulevard, with artisans selling jewelry, paintings and lots more handcrafts.

Jutting out from the beach is Stearns Wharf Santa Barbara with its seafood restaurants, shops and fishing spots.

From the wharf, old fashioned trolley buses run along State Street, the main street in town, to take you to cultural attractions and shops in the downtown area.

The Restaurants in Santa Barbara California are World class thats for sure. People drive up from Los Angeles just to dine here.

The town is chock full of wonderful dining places, but there are a few that I always eat at when visiting this town.
For dinner I love the Ca Dario Restaurant, it's actually the best Italian restaurant in Santa Barbara.

You simply must eat there, it's that good! My favorite dish is Clam Pasta, just delicious. Ca Dario is located at 37 E. Vistoria Street, Santa Barbara California. Phone:(805)884-9419.

For lunch in I usually end up at the Shoreline Beach Cafe.

It's hard to beat the food and beachy atmosphere of this charming beach cafe. It's the only place I know where you can eat lunch while sifting sand between your toes.

They serve the most amazing Tacos. The Fish Tacos are my favorites as is the Ahi Pupu appetizer, soo good. You should try some.

The Shoreline Beach Cafe serve breakfast, lunch and dinner. The address is 801 Shoreline Drive, Santa Barbara, Ca. Phone:(805)568-0064.

Santa Barbara Accommodations are plentiful, so there are lots of wonderful hotels, motels, and Bed and Breakfast in Santa Barbara to choose from.

But the place I really prefer to stay at is the West Beach Inn. No other place compares for the price, the beachfront location, charming ambiance and great service.
You must make reservation well ahead of your visit, because it's one of the best and most popular hotels in this town. Room rates starts at $150.
West Beach Inn is located at 306 W. Cabrillo Boulevard, Santa Barbara, California 93101. Phone:(805)963-4277, Toll Free:(800)716-6199.

There are lots of Motels in Santa Barbara to stay at. But some are better than others, that's for sure.

However, no motel compares to the Marina Beach Motel. It's beach close location, charming cottage look and roomy rooms with kitchens are perfect for families. It's also close to Downtown and State Street. Rooms starts at $99. Pets are allowed. Reservation is a must, because everyone wants to stay here if they want to find cheap motels and accomodations in Santa Barbara.
The Marina Beach Motel is located at 21 Bath Street, Santa Barbara California 93101. Phone:(805)963-9311.

A very pleasant way to explore downtown is to take this self-guided walking tour. Red tiles set into the sidewalk guide you past old adobe homes, the remnants of a fortress, cultural landmarks and hidden shopping plazas.

Pick up a tour map at the Visitors Center at the corner of Cabrillo Boulevard and Santa Barbara Street, two blocks east of Stearns Wharf, opposite Chase Palm Park. The visitors center is open daily 9am-5pm. Phone:(805)965-3021.

The waterfront is very beautiful with palmlined sidewalks and pristine beaches, so plan to spend some time here or a whole day if you like.

Another must see place is the mission. There are only a few miles from the beach to the beautiful Santa Barbara Mission.

It's located at 2201 Laguna Street at Los Olivos Street, Santa Barbara. To get there, exit U.S. Highway 101 at Mission Street, go North to Laguna Sreet, turn left to the mission.

Next I recommend that you visit the Santa Barbara Botanical Gardens. It's one of my favorite places here.

The native California plants displayed along scenic trails on 78 acres are so beautiful, especially during spring when everything seems to be in bloom.

The Botanic Garden is located at 1212 Mission Canyon Road, Santa Barbara California.

Another very scenic and beautiful Santa Barbara place to visit is Montecito Santa Barbara.

It's about 3 miles east of Santa Barbara. I love to explore the old downtown in Montcito with its classy shops and boutiques.

This is where Oprah Winfrey lives among other rich and well-heeled residents.

One of the most visited buildings is the Santa Barbara Courthouse.

This historic building was built in 1929 and it's one of the most beautiful buildings in Santa Barbara. It's located at 1100 Anacopa Street. Free self-guided tours are available daily.

The Santa Barbara Zoo is a favorite and very popular attraction. It's a smallish Zoo, but the grounds are so beautiful that it is a favorite wedding place.

The Zoo overlooks the beach and the place is wonderful for family picnics. The Zoo is located at 500 Ninos Drive, Santa Barbara California. Phone:(805)962-5339.

If you love wine and have the time you should plan a visit to the Santa Barbara wineries.

The wine country is very beautiful and scenic, and there are lots of wineries to choose from.
A brochure of all the wineries in the area is available at the Visitors Center.

As you can see there are lots to do and see in Santa Barbara California. I am building this site so there will be lots more information coming.

Take A Look at The Most Fabulous Hotel In Santa Barabra, The Biltmore Hotel Santa Barbara

Take A Tour Of The Santa Barbara Wine Country

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