Santa Barbara Vacation Blog

Sarah's Santa Barbara Idea

Sat, 24 Apr 2010 12:01:12 GMT

Last week when my sister Sarah phoned me and asked me if I wanted to take a trip with her to Santa Barbara this summer, I didn't think twice and just said

Contribute To Santa Barbara Day Trip

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 17:43:26 GMT

Submit your story here to the Santa Barbara day trip site for everyone to see.

Ventura County Beaches

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 20:00:08 GMT

Your Guide to Ventura County Beaches

Santa Barbara Vacation Activities

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 19:59:30 GMT

Santa Barbara Vacation Activities, Our Top Ten Must See Points of Interest

Santa Barbara, California, Vacation Guide

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 19:47:37 GMT

Discover one local family's perfect day in sunny Santa Barbara, California

Offshore Breezes and Crystal Clear Santa Barbara Mornings

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 03:41:47 GMT

The weather is clear and cool on the Santa Barbara coast. If you're a surfer, or just an early riser, experience paddling out at Rincon, or hiking or biking along a deserted beach at sun-up. Wake-up to light offshore breezes filled with scents of manzanita and sage from the Santa Ynez Mountains. This is the California that songs are made of. Don't miss it.

Greek Festival This Weekend!

Fri, 31 Jul 2009 15:09:11 GMT

Exit 101 at Pueblo and discover one of our favorite summer festivals on Saturday and Sunday. Great food, carnival atmosphere and, of course, lots of Greek dancing! La Fiesta gets rolling this weekend! Don't miss Santa Barbara's biggest bash......

What's the Best Taco in Santa Barbara?

Sat, 25 Jul 2009 01:59:59 GMT
You have to decide. As we approach La Fiesta, consider enjoying the absolutely best taco in Santa Barbara. Julia Child put La Super-Rica Taqueria on the map. Isidoro, the owner, graduated from UCSB. After serving a self-appointed appreticeship in Mexico City, Isidoro returned to Santa Barbara with the authentic goods to start his own restaurant. The line starts out the door at this "cash only" taqueria. Have to love placing your order while behind the cashier, you watch home-made tortillas being pressed in the kitchen. Meanwhile, Super Cuca's is part of Westside Santa Barbara's heritage. the freshest ingredients go into the best Mexican food prepared by the smiling servers behind the counter. You be the judge...... Super Cuca's Taqueria 626 W Micheltorena St Santa Barbara, CA 93101-4131 (805) 962-4028 La Super-Rica TaqueriaLa Super-Rica Taqueria 622 N Milpas St Santa Barbara, CA 93103-3032 (805) 963-4940

Santa Ynez River Bike Ride

Sun, 05 Apr 2009 21:40:46 GMT
Another great Santa Barbara bike ride. Take Highway 154 to Paradise Rd. Go five miles to the National Forest kiosk. Start your ride from one of several day-use areas once you've paid the $5 fee. The ride is relatively flat and crosses the Santa Ynez River a number of times. Bring along a picnic lunch and don't forget to bring a bathing suit. The river is seeded with trout and has a famous swimming hole called Red Rocks. Have fun exploring the five mile stretch of road along the river and let me know if you catch any fish! If you're a mountain biker, follow the trail at road's end another three miles up to Gibraltar Reservoir.

Boathouse Restaurant at Hendry's Beach

Wed, 25 Feb 2009 05:23:50 GMT
I dined at two upscale restaurants in Santa Barbara this past weekend: The Boathouse and Jane. Hands down, The Boathouse, located at the end of Los Positas and Hendry's Beach, comes out the winner. Good service in a completely remodeled restaurant overlooking the surf. Good wine, good food and yes, you pay a premium of about $4.00/entree for beach front ambience, but it's worth it. The Boathouse has entrees starting at about $17. Jane, at 1311 State Street, on the other hand, had horrible service with reasonably priced California cusine entrees starting at $12. Make your reservation at The Boathouse.

Take Your Pick- Best Weekend Pizza and Taco Place in Santa Barbara

Mon, 09 Feb 2009 04:55:52 GMT
After a beach run, or hike in the Montecito hills, you can't go wrong with either Paesano's Pizza, or Little Alex's for Mexican food. Paesano's delivers New York thin crust pizza with three toppings for $15 bucks. Little Alex's serves up tasty hard-shell tacos with rice and beans for about $8. Should I go on? Both places are great if you're on the go and hungry. You won't wait long for a meatball sandwich, or garlic cheese bread and a caesar salad when you roll into Paesanos for a Saturday snack. And trust me, Little Alex's is a tradition with Santa Barbara locals and Westmont College students with big appetites. Enjoy!
View Larger Map
View Larger Map

The Finest Dining in Santa Barbara

Thu, 18 Dec 2008 14:31:56 GMT
This week, we will profile the finest dining in Santa Barbara. Folks are always amazed at the large number of great restaurants in such a small town. For starters, try Downey's. Located at 1305 State Street, call 805.966.5006 for a reservation. APPETIZERS run $10-$15 and ENTREES $29-$39.

Hollywood Beach, Oxnard, California

Sat, 13 Dec 2008 22:43:23 GMT
Hollywood Beach looking north with Ventura and Santa Barbara in the distance. Less than 45 minutes south of Santa Barbara, Hollywood Beach is Southern California's hidden gem. This pristine slice of paradise is nestled between Channel Islands Harbor to south and Ventura Harbor to the north. Hollywood Beach earned its name when Hollywood legends migrated north from the beach enclave of Malibu. Rudoph Valentino was a Hollywood Beach local. In fact, part of his movie, the Sheik, was filmed here. Humprey Bogart sailed his 55' sailing yacht, Santana, around Santa Cruz Island twenty miles offshore. Bogie's sailing pal, Larry Dudley of Larry Dudley Yacht Brokerage, told me stories of their sailing adventures when he was alive. Oxnard Shores Beach, to the north, has been a film location to several war movies, primarily for the beach landing scenes.

Santa Barbara's Most Popular Attraction

Sun, 07 Dec 2008 21:18:16 GMT
First in our list of Santa Barbara attractions is the Land and Sea Tours. Formerly known as The Land Shark. A few years back, the City Council disapproved of the Land Shark. It's good the old Shark's owner wasn't discouraged, because today he has the most popular attraction in Santa Barbara. Starting at noon most weekends, the Land Shark takes you on a guided city tour before plunging into the Pacific to see the harbor. Kids are $10 and adults $20 for the 90 minute ride. Bring a camera and meet your amphibious friend, The Land Shark, just east of Stern's Wharf on Cabrillo Boulevard. Park free anywhere along Cabrillo Blvd, or pay park in the city lot at Garden and Cabrillo. Santa Barbara Harbor lights the night on Sunday, December 7, 2008, for the Christmas Boat Parade of Lights. Stop by Brophy's for a steaming bowl of clam chowder after the parade. Christmas carolers, special treats for the kids and 12 tons of snow at the City Pier in front of Brophy Brothers will get your Christmas Spirit sailing. Fireworks to follow the parade. Other places to view the parade: Sterns Wharf, the jetty and Seashell Beach, just west of Sterns Wharf.

Santa Barbara Christmas Holiday Activities

Fri, 05 Dec 2008 19:23:56 GMT
During the month of December there are multitudes of Christmasy things to do. Santa Barbara Santa This weekend: Friday,December 5th, 6-9 pm come join Santa Barbara for the Holiday Parade. Park three hours FREE in the city parking garages. Go to lower State Street and mingle with 40,000 celebrants. Make sure and wear your Santa Hats. The 55th Holiday Parade will feature magnificent marching bands, fun floats and some spectacular performance groups. Fairytale characters and actors dressed in colorful costumes will interact with the audience along State Street. Look for Santa Claus and the lighting of the giant Christmas tree on State Street. Sledding at the Zoo on Sunday, December 7th. Come check-out the Snow Leopard Festival at 9 am until 3 pm. State Street is looking merry, especially in the evenings. Come and do some old-fashioned window shopping amidst the Caroling and Christmas lights. My favorite place to enjoy the festivities: La Arcada plaza.

Santa Barbara Beaches

Sat, 22 Nov 2008 23:28:44 GMT
Just Another Santa Barbara Secret Spot Clear crisp days with a slight sea breeze are common this time of year in Santa Barbara. Seems the sun hits an angle the makes the waves sparkle and the shadows long. Enjoy a walk on the beach at Shoreline Park. Then, bring along a couple of lawn chairs, or a blanket to enjoy the late afternoon seascape on the grass.
View Larger Map

Attention Parents of Santa Barbara Youth

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 03:56:44 GMT
Tyra Banks,fashion model, recently released some disturbing statistics about our nations youth: - On average, girls are losing their virginity at 15 years of age. - 14 percent of teens who are having sex say theyre doing it at school. - 52 percent of respondents say they do not use protection when having sex. - One in three says she fears having a sexually transmitted disease. - 24 percent of teens with STDs say they still have unprotected sex. - One in five girls says she wants to be a teen mom. - About 50 percent acknowledge that theyve hit someone. - One out of three teens has tried drugs

El Capitan State Beach Bike Ride

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 01:26:32 GMT
Our favorite Santa Barbara bike rides are along the beach. Approximately 20 miles north of Santa Barbara you'll find El Capitan State Beach. Park in the lot just inside the park. We plan our rides around the lowest tides, called minus tides. Pedal any fat-tire bike onto the beach at low tide. Bring a camera and a water bottle. DON'T START YOUR RIDE UNTIL YOU KNOW YOUR TIDE TABLES! If you ride south, there is no exit off the beach. Go north and you can return to El Capitan via the bike path from Refugio State Beach (approximately 3 miles). Marine life abounds. Miles of untracked beach awaits when you pedal north or south. El Capitan State Beach, Santa Barbara, CA

Santa Barbara Fire!

Fri, 14 Nov 2008 18:35:47 GMT
Hot dry Santa Ana winds fanned flames throughtout the night. The fire is burning in the hills of Montecito. Firefighters are battling the west end of the blaze at Mission Canyon. Tankers are dropping water on the northern edge of the fire. If you're traveling to Santa Barbara this weekend, bring a face mask, because air quality is poor. The fire started on East Mountain Rd. near an area called the Tea Garden. Santa Barbara Tea Fire, November 14, 2008

Santa Barbara's Rincon Point Wakes Up for the Winter

Fri, 14 Nov 2008 17:36:40 GMT
Santa Barbara's Queen of the Coast, Rincon Point, came alive yesterday. Ironically, the classic surf spot was cranking out the waves just as the Tea Fire ignited the hills north of Montecito. Exit 101 at Bates Road. Park in the public lot to the south and walk down the trail to the cove. If you decide to surf, be careful, because it's crowded and these surfers are serious. Rincon Point, Santa Barbara, CA, November 13, 2008

California Indian Festival

Thu, 13 Nov 2008 22:33:12 GMT
California Indian Festival Saturday, November 15th. ll am to 4 pm. Free to members! Otherwise, admission: $10/adults, $7/seniors and teens and $6/kids. Come celebrate the rich heritage of California Indians at the Natural History Museum. Event's Details California Indian Festival. Schedule 2008 11:00 AM - Opening Blessing by Ernestine DeSoto (Chumash) - Coggeshall Bowl 11:30 AM - Samala Singers (Chumash) - Coggeshall Bowl Noon - Pomo Dancers - Coggeshall Bowl Noon - Storytelling by Julie Tumamait-Stenslie (Chumash) - Luria Gallery 12:30PM - Acorn Cooking by Jennifer Bates and Kimberly Stevenot (Miwok)- Broder Patio 12:30 - "Chumash Skies" Planetarium Show - Gladwin Planetarium 1:00 PM - Mishtoyo Family Dancers (Chumash) - Coggeshall Bowl 1:00 PM - Alan Salazar Storytelling (Chumash) - Luria Gallery 1:30 PM - Bear Dance and Stories by Gil Unzueta (Chumash) - Coggeshall Bowl 1:30 PM - Samala Youth Singers (Chumash) - Luria Gallery 2:00 PM - Samala Singers (Chumash) - Coggeshall Bowl 2:00 PM - Storytelling by Julie Tumamait-Stensile (Chumash) - Luria Gallery 2:30 PM - Pomo Dancers - Coggeshall Bowl 2:30 PM - Chumash language Storytelling by Tom Lopez - Luria Gallery 3:00 PM - Acorn Cooking by Jennifer Bates and Kimberly Stevenot (Miwok) - Broder Patio 3:00 PM - "Chumash Skies" Planetarium Show - Gladwin Planetarium 3:30 PM - Mishtoyo Family Dancers - Coggeshall Bowl 3:30 PM - Bear Dance and Stories by Gil Unzueta - Luria Gallery 4:00 PM - Closing words - Coggeshall Bowl

When Santa Barbara Smells like Oil

Thu, 13 Nov 2008 03:48:28 GMT
Carpinteria State Beach was a beachfront Chumash boat building shop. Ever catch a whiff of oil when the tide's low and the wind's calm? The Chumash wood planked canoes were caulked with tar collected from Santa Barbara County beaches. Padre Juan Crespi named Carpinteria after the Spanish word for a carpenter's shop. Oil seeps naturally from the Santa Barbara ocean bottom. Just a tip: for tar removal, carry a small jar of Vasoline and a roll of paper towels when planning a barefooted walk on SB beaches.

Santa Barbara to Mammoth Mountain

Wed, 12 Nov 2008 05:27:12 GMT
Mammoth Mountain is Santa Barbara's favorite ski area for a reason. I drove home to SB today in less than 6 hours with a stop for a bite to eat. That's pretty good, don't you think for Santa Barbara Sea to Summit? Stopped at Schat's Bakery in Bishop, CA for lunch and was home by 5:45 pm. One more secret if you're going SB sea to Mammoth Mountain summit. Stop at Whiskey Creek along Hwy 395 in Bishop between 5 and 6:30 pm for their happy hour on entrees. That's right, 1/2 off all entrees on the "bar menu." The Flat Iron Steak and the Teriyaki Salmon, together cost under $20.

Santa Barbara Sea to Summit

Mon, 10 Nov 2008 15:23:12 GMT
Early Snowfall at Mammoth Lakes, California Have you ever wanted to ski and surf on the same day? After you hit the waves at Rincon, drive north for five and half hours to Mammoth Lakes. Mammoth Mountain is SoCal's biggest and best ski area. I'm not a snow snob, but Mammoth rates up there with Colorado, Utah and Tahoe when it comes to the West's best skiing. See you at the summit!

Playa Azul, Santa Barbara's Upscale Mexican Restaurant

Thu, 06 Nov 2008 04:02:39 GMT
Playa Azul Cafe is located on Santa Barbara St. at Canon Perdido St. Think of the English translation: Blue Beach Restaurant is located at Lost Canon and Saint Barbara. Anacapa Street, or Mirage Island (Chumash Indian speak) is the next street over. Santa Barbara has a cornucopia of crazy street names. My favorite is Salsipuedes St. meaning, "leave if you can." The old Santa Barbara hospital was located at the end of Salsipuedes St. The superstitious locals refused to be treated at the hospital, because they thought they might never leave. While you're perusing the street names of Santa Barbara, stop at Playa Azul Cafe and have a wonderful Jose Cuervo margarita while lounging on the umbrella covered patio. The menu is reasonably priced and the the Snow Crab Quesadilla is recommended.

Santa Barbara's Island of the Blue Dolphins

Tue, 04 Nov 2008 13:30:30 GMT
R.I.P. George Nidever, Santa Barbara Sea Captain Everyone growing up in California reads the historical fiction novel, Island of the Blue Dolphins. The main character, Karana, is stranded on San Nicolas Island for twenty years. Her rescuer is Captain Nidever, a Santa Barbara Sea Captain. He's buried at Calvary Cemetary in Santa Barbara next to his wife. While Karana, named Juana Maria after her rescue, is buried at the Santa Barbara Mission.

Santa Barbara Golf Club

Sat, 01 Nov 2008 23:45:00 GMT
Another beautiful day in Santa Barbara. The clouds rolled in and it made the fairways look that much greener. If you have a chance, play 9 or 18 holes at the Santa Barbara Golf Club, our magnificent public golf course. (805) 687-7087 Santa Barbara Golf Club is located off Hwy 101 at Las Positas. Drive towards the mountains and a block before State St., turn left on McCaw. Even if you don't play golf, dine at Mulligan's Cafe, the club's restaurant. For lunch, I had the turkey melt sandwich with Jack cheese and fresh red onions. Comes with fries and a side of coleslaw, all for $8.99. Wow! Sit on the patio and watch the action at the 1st tee. Enjoy!

Rainy Day Weekend and Microbreweries in Santa Barbara

Fri, 31 Oct 2008 22:50:47 GMT
While Santa Barbara County's various Wine Trails yield nearly 70 different wineries, little is said of SB's Microbreweries. The rainy-day weather makes it the perfect time for a Santa Barbara microbrew and a football game. You can visit one of seven micro-breweries, but here are our top three: Santa Barbara Brewing Co. 501 State St. (805)730-1040. The Brew House 229 Montecito St. (805) 884-4664. Downtown Brewing Co Santa Barbara 3744 State St. (805) 682-7803.

Coal Oil Point

Wed, 29 Oct 2008 18:27:33 GMT
It's going to rain in Santa Barbara this weekend. But that's the perfect time for a beach hike. Clouds scudding along the horizon. Walk the bluffs along Coal Oil point, north of the UCSB Campus. Cross the wetland marine sanctuary, then follow the beach to Bacarra Resort.

Santa Barbara Restaurant Nostalgia

Sat, 25 Oct 2008 16:49:37 GMT
A quiet weekend in SB so it's time to sample 3 of Santa Barbara's most classic restaurants Joe's of Santa Barbara has been serving stiff drinks and large entrees since 1928. Some say the drinks are at least doubles, a couple of folks claim they're triples. Located at the corner of State and Cota, Joe's is open from 7:30 am to 11 pm. (805)966-4638. Harry's on upper State has been serving up the prime rib specials for a very long time. Just north of Las Positas and State at: 3313-B State Street. 805-687-2800. Esau's has been a fixture in SB since the 1930s. Classic surf chow. The best darn pancakes in town. For dinner, try the Baja halibut tacos, so big you won't be able to finish them. Also recommend a side order of fried green tomatoes. Cesar salad and seared ahi is incredible. Enjoy the surf art and videos while you wait for your food. They're 3 months in their new diggs at 721 Chapala Street. Park across the street in the underground at Paseo Nuevo. 805-965-4416

Double Dolphin Sunset Cruise

Mon, 20 Oct 2008 18:27:47 GMT
Now is the time to take the two hour sunset cruise on Double Dolphin sailing from Santa Barbara Harbor. Costs $20 to see tons of marine life and enjoy the sunset aboard this 50 foot Catamaran! Click on the link below for more info on the Double Dolphin and other fun Santa Barbara Attractions. Photo taken from the deck of Double Dolphin

Santa Barbara Events this Weekend

Thu, 16 Oct 2008 12:31:54 GMT
2008 California Lemon Festival, Saturday and Sunday 10/18-19 9am-6pm free at Girsh Park. Directions: take 101 to Storke Rd. exit in Goleta, drive towards the ocean. Girsh Park is just past Home Depot on your right. Los Olivos Day in the Country Saturday, October 18th, Celebrate the 28th annual event with activities, entertainment, crafts, wine tasting, an apple pie contest, and plenty of food and entertainment for the family! 10k run early and parade to follow at 10 am. Fun activity all day long. Santa Barbara Beer Festival Sat., Ocober 18th in Elings Park on Los Positas Rd. $30 gets you a glass to roam among some of the best brewers in California. Noon to 4 pm.

The Santa Barbara Channel

Tue, 14 Oct 2008 03:30:16 GMT
It's twenty miles by boat from Santa Barbara to Santa Cruz Island. On these windy Santa Ana days, drive along Mountain Drive above Santa Barbara. Take in the Pacific blue Santa Barbara Channel. Better yet, drive up San Marcos Pass towards Solvang. Stop along the way and gaze seaward. What can you see on the clearest day? From east to west: Palos Verdes Peninsula and Catalina Island, tiny Santa Barbara Island, Anacapa Island, big Santa Cruz Island, Santa Rosa Island and farthest west, San Miguel Island. Santa Barbara Harbor to Santa Cruz Island as seen from Mountain Drive.

Santa Barbara Harbor

Sun, 12 Oct 2008 23:11:14 GMT
The Harbor Seafood Festival on Saturday was windy, yet awesome. Got to love Santa Barbara Harbor for its quaint fishing village appeal. Local fisherman show-off their catch many Saturday mornings, so don't miss this. Like taking cityscape photos? Take the elevator up from Endless Summer Restaurant and the Maritime Museum to the crow's nest overlooking the harbor.

Santa Barbara Harbor Festival

Wed, 08 Oct 2008 18:22:03 GMT
This Saturday, October 11th, come have fun at the harbor. What a great time to come to Santa Barbara. The harbor is home to a small fishing fleet. Expect lots of fresh seafood and lots of fun activities. We recommend you visit the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum. Click on our TOP SB ATTRACTIONS link for more information on the museum.

Santa Barbara Seashells

Tue, 07 Oct 2008 04:37:17 GMT
Every Sunday, watch the local Seashell fleet race around the buoys near Sterns Wharf. Seashell sailing is a uniquely Santa Barbara experience. Kids learn to sail, but most importantly, they learn honesty and integrity as they tack and jib their way to the finish line.