"Santa Barbara the American Riviera" Santa Barbara by cnango
Santa Barbara Travel Guide: 647 reviews and 1,200 photos
Santa Barbara really is like the French Riviera in America. But the Architecture is totally California with a Spanish flavor because of our early Spanish roots. The first building in the town was of course the Spanish Mission. Santa Barbara has the highest concentration of Spanish architecture in California, a fact that is both honored & protected by strict building codes. Downtown Santa Barbara claims to be the most beautiful down town in America.Some may challenge the claim of being the best, but there is no doubt about it's being clean, safe & beautiful ! From the beaches to the vineyards & hills covered with everything from mansions to charming cottages, Santa Barbara is a lovely California beach resort.
- Pros:Beautiful, clean & safe Historical Beachtown
- Cons:Exspensive
- In a nutshell:The American Riviera
Reviews (8)
Mission Bell Lamp Posts line the El...
Local Customs
(1)
The 101 Freeway is built over the original El Camino Real, which means “Royal Highway” in Spanish. This historical road... more travel advice
Stearns Wharf
Tourist Traps
(1)
Whenever we go to Santa Barbara visit Stearns Wharf and enjoy the view of the ocean and coastline. We also visit the... more travel advice
Ride the Wharf Woody
Transportation
(1)
The Wharf Woody runs between Stearns Wharf and the parking lot across from Chase Palm Park near the corner of Cabrillo... more travel advice
Land and Sea Tour
Things to Do
(1)
Take a tour on board the "Land Shark" amphibious vehicle. Designed specifically for the tourist industry it can drive on... more travel advice
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Comments (13)
Nice tips!
YOu present good travel tips and the comments enhanced by the pictures well done. I hope that you all get by the rain out there.
Glad you have a tips on Solvang...Santa Barbara is a great place. Thanks for sharing, Nancy. Happy Valentine's from AZ, Norman :)
A bell like this was unearthed in a sleepy town in our country, the Philippines. It has markings "1769 & 1906"and "El Camino Real". The bell looks old and is probably a hundred years old. Could anyone enlighthen me here? virtel2@gmail.com
Me again, just checking back to see your updates since last August. I'm sure all those golf carts would have gotten on my nerves, too!
Nancy, Really enjoyed your tips on Santa Barbara. Outstanding restaurants. Loved the Territory Ahead tip. great buy! Admire the Mission Bell Lamp Posts. The B&B sounds fantastic. Enjoyed the Bacara Resort information. Your honest evaluation made me smile.
I remember a good lunch here many years ago, but we obviously didn't see all the town has to offer. The Land Shark tour looks fun, as does the kayaking. Good restaurant tips too!
Hi, nice pictures of Santa Barbara, the "Land Shark" looks great fun. Best wishes to you and to Jeff. Liz.
Great Santa Barbara tips and photos. It's a place I'd love to visit again.
SB is a favorite retreat, get there with the boat 2-3 times a year and stay aboard 4 days. On Father's Day this June we had 45 reserved for dinner at Moby Dick North room -food bill alone was over $1,350!! Yikes!!! Very good tips.