A quick weekend getaway to Santa Barbara is always a good idea
This heavenly coastal town in Central California described in just one word is simply, beautiful. On the north lie the Santa Ynez Mountains and along its southern side the Pacific Ocean.
To get familiar with the history and architecture of the town you can take one of the many tours offered, my personal favorite being the “shark tour”, a bus which goes both on land and sea.
It’s a 1&1/2 hr tour which will take you around the main architectural points of Santa Barbara and out on the ocean so you can take in the breathtaking panorama in full. Tickets cost $45 for adults, $30 for children under 10, and free for under age 2. 
SharkTourBus
During the day time take a stroll along Cabrillo Blvd., which going north becomes Shoreline Dr. The street is lined with palm tress, the white sandy beach and Santa Barbara harbor. If you have the time and love the sea consider some activities out on the ocean. There are plenty of companies in the harbor which offer kayak rentals, guided kayak tours, sailing, whale watching and trips all the way to Channel Islands. The Santa Barbara pier is accessible on foot or by car and there are several restaurants right on the pier. At the entrance of the pier you will see the dolphin fountain, this is also where many of the tour buses start their route. On weekends the lawn along the beach turns into an art market for local artists.
Hendrys Beach
If you are driving and looking for a little less crowded place I recommend one of my favorite beaches in Santa Barbara, Hendrys Beach. It is a great place if you plan to have a lunch or dinner on the beach with Boathouse Restaurant right there off the sand. To get there drive north on Cabrillo blvd, continue on Shoreline Drive, then when you get to a light take a left on Cliff Dr, keep driving and soon you will have Hendrys/Arroyo Burro Beach on your left. The place is worth a few minutes drive from the harbor, the sand is white, there is a small lagoon, parking is free right by the beach, and the views are amazing.
Views from Paseo Nuevo
Santa Barbara is mostly a quiet, relaxing place. If you are looking for nightlife State Street Is your destination, but except for a few bars most places close by 9-10PM. There is plenty of shopping on State Street, with the very adorable, out-door Paseo-Nuevo mall and cute little restaurants lined all along State St. Whether you are looking for fancy or budget friendly, eatery options are in no short order as is the variety of cuisine.
Beautiful Spanish tiled steps are found all around Santa Barbara
The town has a very good design when it comes to parking, with parking lots all around State St. & Cabrillo blvd; first 90 minutes are free and the later fees reasonable.
You have more than 1 or 2 days to spend in and around Santa Barbara? Try horseback-riding (Circle Bar B, is a great choice), go hiking on the numerous trails surrounding the area, wine tasting in Santa Ynez Valley, para-gliding, or just relax and enjoy a few peaceful days in one of its hotels by the beach.
The air quality here is so good your lungs will be thankful too!
