The tenth California mission to be founded by the Spanish Franciscans, Mission Santa Barbara is perhaps the most beautiful. The mission was established on the Feast of St. Barbara, December 4, 1786. Set among the broad lawns and lush plant life typical of this seaside town, the current mission was built after an earthquake destroyed an earlier, plainer adobe building in 1812. Daily self-guided tours are available from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
http://www.stearnswharf.org/ Take in beautiful Pacific vistas and stunning ocean sunsets while walking the wooden planks of California’s oldest working wharf. Named for its builder, the wharf bustles with activity: local fishing boats haul in their morning catches, kids enjoy a hands-on aquarium, diners sample a variety of cuisines, and curiosity-seekers board the Harbour Queen for a narrated coastal cruise. Construction of Stearns Wharf—which became the longest deep-water pier between Los Angeles and San Francisco—was completed in 1872.
http://www.santabarbaradowntown.com/ Take a stroll along downtown Santa Barbara’s State Street and you’ll see why this gorgeous coastal town is often described as “The American Riviera.” State Street itself includes dozens of fine boutiques, specialty shops, restaurants, open-air cafés and bars. State Street and the surrounding downtown area is also the place to go for art galleries, museums, historic sites and performing arts venues. Many of the city’s annual festivals and gatherings are held downtown.
One of Santa Barbara’s most popular points of interest is the courthouse, located in the downtown vicinity. Though the Spanish-Moorish architecture gives the building a centuries-old look, it was actually built in 1929. Explore a sunken tropical garden and walk expansive lawns before ascending the courthouse tower, with a panoramic view of the city, the ocean, the mountains and, on a clear day, the Channel Islands.
In a state filled with some of the best grape-growing regions around, Santa Barbara County has distinguished itself as one of the leading tasting and touring destinations. The county is home to more than 60 wineries and approximately 20,000 acres of vineyards, and is recognized as one of world’s great regions for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir varietals. Venture out to the hills of nearby Los Olivos or Santa Ynez to visit the wineries themselves, or enjoy tastings of regional wines at local establishments like East Beach Wine Company, Santa Barbara Winery, The Wine Cask and Stearns Wharf Vintners.
No trip to Santa Barbara would be complete without spending some time at one of Santa Barbara’s many beautiful beaches. To the south, Carpinteria State Beach ranks as one of the west coast’s safest swimming beaches while Rincon Beach County Park provides surfers with one of the world’s finest point breaks (when the swell is right). Santa Barbara-area favorites include East Beach, West Beach, Leadbetter Beach and The Beach House. Don’t forget the towels and the sunscreen!
The tenth California mission to be founded by the Spanish Franciscans, Mission Santa Barbara is perhaps the most beautiful. The mission was established on the Feast of St. Barbara, December 4, 1786. Set among the broad lawns and lush plant life typical of this seaside town, the current mission was built after an earthquake destroyed an earlier, plainer adobe building in 1812. Daily self-guided tours are available from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Take in beautiful Pacific vistas and stunning ocean sunsets while walking the wooden planks of California’s oldest working wharf. Named for its builder, the wharf bustles with activity: local fishing boats haul in their morning catches, kids enjoy a hands-on aquarium, diners sample a variety of cuisines, and curiosity-seekers board the Harbour Queen for a narrated coastal cruise. Construction of Stearns Wharf—which became the longest deep-water pier between Los Angeles and San Francisco—was completed in 1872.
Take a stroll along downtown Santa Barbara’s State Street and you’ll see why this gorgeous coastal town is often described as “The American Riviera.” State Street itself includes dozens of fine boutiques, specialty shops, restaurants, open-air cafés and bars. State Street and the surrounding downtown area is also the place to go for art galleries, museums, historic sites and performing arts venues. Many of the city’s annual festivals and gatherings are held downtown.
One of Santa Barbara’s most popular points of interest is the courthouse, located in the downtown vicinity. Though the Spanish-Moorish architecture gives the building a centuries-old look, it was actually built in 1929. Explore a sunken tropical garden and walk expansive lawns before ascending the courthouse tower, with a panoramic view of the city, the ocean, the mountains and, on a clear day, the Channel Islands.
In a state filled with some of the best grape-growing regions around, Santa Barbara County has distinguished itself as one of the leading tasting and touring destinations. The county is home to more than 60 wineries and approximately 20,000 acres of vineyards, and is recognized as one of world’s great regions for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir varietals. Venture out to the hills of nearby Los Olivos or Santa Ynez to visit the wineries themselves, or enjoy tastings of regional wines at local establishments like East Beach Wine Company, Santa Barbara Winery, The Wine Cask and Stearns Wharf Vintners. 
No trip to Santa Barbara would be complete without spending some time at one of Santa Barbara’s many beautiful beaches. To the south, Carpinteria State Beach ranks as one of the west coast’s safest swimming beaches while Rincon Beach County Park provides surfers with one of the world’s finest point breaks (when the swell is right). Santa Barbara-area favorites include East Beach, West Beach, Leadbetter Beach and The Beach House. Don’t forget the towels and the sunscreen!