The calendar may show that summer is behind us, but desert dwellers know that our summer weather may continue for several weeks. An ideal opportunity to plan an escape to cooler climes.
One of the many advantages of the Coachella Valley is that it lies within a short drive from a variety of climates, environments, landscapes and dramatically different scenery. After all, Southern California is one of the only places in the world where you can be in the desert, the coast and the mountains all in one day — if you were so inclined to challenge yourself.
If you’re looking for inspiration, how about a drive up the Pacific Coast to the stunningly picturesque Spanish town of Santa Barbara? Santa Barbara is both a city and a county, and much like the Coachella
Valley, Santa Barbara County comprises several distinct cities and communities but with a notable exception — add its 100+ miles of treasured California coastline with post card views and it’s a perfect recipe for an enjoyable escape from the desert.
Santa Barbara is also referred to as “the American Riviera” and has earned its moniker honestly because it boasts an enviable Mediterranean climate with 300 days of sunshine, plus its geography and architecture evoke the famed coastal resorts of Europe.
On a recent sojourn to the tony town of Santa Barbara, I discovered firsthand why this prized piece of California coastal real estate is heralded as the America Riviera — with a scenic coastline, a bustling marina and harbor, historic Spanish colonial architecture, and seductive weather, you could envision yourself being in a European resort.
Whether your stay is a couple of days or longer, you’ll find plenty of attractions and recreation offerings to amuse yourself.
Santa Barbara highlights
Santa Barbara Botanic Garden
Be sure to put a visit to the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden on your list of things to do. This was the first botanic garden in the country established to focus solely on native plants. Set on 78 acres, the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden is celebrating its 100th anniversary of cultivating and showcasing more than 1,000 of California’s native plants. Visit: sbbg.org
Queen of the Missions: Old Mission Santa Barbara
Part of the network of 21 California Missions founded by the Franciscan Friar Junipero Serra, the Old Mission Santa Barbara is one of the most beautifully preserved among the California Missions. Established by the Spanish Franciscans in 1786, the Old Santa Barbara Mission has docent-led and self-guided tours of the 15 acres of mission grounds. Visit: santabarbaramission.org
Moreton Bay Fig Tree
At the corner of Chapala and Montecito streets, you’ll encounter a magnificent specimen of a Moreton Bay Fig Tree that is a sight to behold. Planted in 1877, the tree has a sprawling canopy, which covers 21,000 square feet and is the oldest of its kind in the United States.
(A fun fact: at the Fairmont Miramar in Santa Monica — where I was married — has another impressive Moreton Bay Fig tree that was planted just a few years later in 1889 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.)
Santa Barbara Museum of Art
Housed in the 1921 former Santa Barbara Post Office building, the Santa Barbara Museum of Art was founded in 1941. The museum’s collection contains 28,000 works of art including antiquities, American and European paintings, photography and more. Visit: sbma.net
Coastal Celebration Cruises
Board the Azure Seas, a 70-foot yacht, for a leisurely 1-1/2 hour sunset cruise around the Santa Barbara coastline. Enjoy scenic views of the harbor and Santa Ynez Mountains with a sunset cocktail! Visit: celebrationsb.com
Santa Barbara Natural History Museum
This institution is the oldest museum in the Santa Barbara region and has been a vital repository of 3.5 million specimens since 1916 as well as the only planetarium on the Central Coast. Located on 17 acres of sprawling woodlands, it’s an ideal family adventure. Visit: sbnature.org
The Barbara Bay Beach Club
The Barbara Bay Beach Club personifies the luxurious vibe of the American Riviera with cabanas and shaded seating. Show up with nothing but your swim suit and everything else is provided for a relaxing day at the beach. Visit: thebarbara.co
Insider tips
The local tourism folks will reward you with a variety of perks:
If you book a Santa Barbara hotel for two nights, the Third Night Free program has you covered for a complimentary third night. The promotion includes more than a dozen hotels and resorts.
Several Santa Barbara resorts and hotels offer a variety of other perks to sweeten your stay.
For more perks and cool deals, visit santabarbara.com.
Accommodations:
- Harbor View Inn (harborviewinnsb.com)
- Hotel Californian (hotelcalifornian.com)
- El Encanto (elencanto.com)
- The Milo (themilo.com)
Restaurants:
- Convivo (convivorestaurant.com)
- Milio’s Pizza (miliospizzasb.com)
- Gala (galasb.com)
- Backyard Bowls (backyardbowls.com)
- Gracie (graciewaterfront.com)
- Scarlett Begonia (scarlettbegonia.net)
Note: General tourism information can be found at: www.visitsantabarbara.com.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Why Santa Barbara is worth a road trip from Palm Springs this fall
