Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara is known as the "American Riviera", thanks to its
gorgeous weather, clean air, and beach-centred lifestyle. This
attractive and historic coastal town is framed by the Pacific Ocean
and San Ynez Mountains, and is located just off Highway 1, 80 miles
(120km) north of Los Angeles. Santa Barbara has a character and
laid-back energy all of its own, and attracts both wealthy
weekenders and tourists seeking respite from the busyness of the
larger urban centres to the north and south.
Apart from relaxing on the fabulous beaches, there is plenty
else to see and do here. Surrounding the beachfront are several
popular bike trails, including local favourite the Cabrillo Beach
Boulevard Bike Trail. Santa Barbara Channel is rated one of the
world's best land-based whale watching sites, with over 30
different species of whales and dolphin viewable at different times
of the year. The scenic waterfront is another major draw card,
including Stearns Wharf, the oldest working wharf on the west coast
of America. And if all that sightseeing and sun-tanning works up an
appetite, don't miss the area's highly regarded Mexican food, which
may be complemented by a tasting or two at one of over 100 local
wineries.
A tour of the town would ideally start at the beach front, from
where State Street stretches into the historical and attractive
downtown area. A stroll here will take visitors past charming
boutiques, stores and eateries. The Spanish colonial-style
buildings of the area reflect its history, although many are modern
replicas built after the devastating 1925 earthquake. The surviving
Santa Barbara Mission, built in 1786, is a landmark building, known
for its twin bell towers and rolling green lawns (picnickers
welcome); while the Santa Barbara Courthouse is renowned for its
classical, stately proportions.
In many ways, that earthquake was a great boon for the city,
which had grown into a dense and unattractive agglomeration of
different building styles. Once the dust had settled, city planners
were able to restore the red-roofed adobe structures that today
grace so many tourist photographs.
Santa Barbara attracts the rich and famous for both vacations
and as residents. Oprah Winfrey has a 42-acre estate here, and Jeff
Bridges and Jennifer Lopez are in the vicinity. The town is also
home to the highly regarded college, University of California at
Santa Barbara, and four other colleges, providing a youthful
counterpoint to the reclusive celebrities, retirees and yachting
crowd that make up the area's tax base.