More About Santa Barbara, California
Barbara State Historic Park gives a glimpse into a Spanish soldier's life in early California.
Nearby Santa Ynez Valley is Santa Barbara's wine country, home to vintners such as Zaca Mesa, Fess Parker, Firestone, Byron and Cambria.
Befitting its long history as getaway for the rich and famous, Santa Barbara's top digs are priced to match their reputation. Inn of the Spanish Garden's 23 rooms take top honors, followed by San Ysidro Ranch, a popular romantic refuge since newlyweds John and Jackie Kennedy honeymooned there in 1953. On the eastern waterfront lies Four Seasons Biltmore Hotel, famous for its lavish Sunday brunches. More affordable but still centrally located, the West Beach Inn and Marina Beach Motel offer comfortable, clean lodging.
Carlito's Café y Cantina serves excellent Mexican cuisine, Arigato dishes up top-rated sushi and Chad's is a popular spot for a romantic repast, but judging from persistent lines outside Brophy Bros seafood restaurant, a seat on their balcony overlooking the marina is one of the hardest in town to come by. Speaking of lines, there's almost always one outside tiny taqueria La Super Rica, waiting to order the inexpensive, authentic, fresh Mexican food that made it one of celebrity chef Julia Childs' favorites.
A few miles outside Santa Barbara, nineteenth-century stagecoach stop Cold Spring Tavern is a charming spot for steaks, drinks and impromptu Sunday afternoon concerts, its clientele an eclectic, convivial mix of motorcycle riders and luxury sedan drivers.
Newspapers are Daily Nexus, Santa Barbara Independent
Santa Barbara Sports teams are The Gauchos
Local Schools are University of California: Santa Barbara Campus, Westmont College
