Need time away from the city? Leave the smog and crowds behind and head up the coast to Santa Barbara. Ideally situated between the mountains and the sea, rich in history and culture, with beautiful vistas in every direction, it’s the quintessential Southern California escape. Spanish revival architecture surrounded by dozens of varieties of exotic and fragrantly blooming vegetation, create a timeless serenity that will have you wishing you could make the weekend permanent. Rewarding anytime you can make the drive, but visit March through May after a rainy February and the fragrance will linger with you for days. Beaches fill up on summer weekends, but can be remarkably uncrowded midweek. Quieter solitude, consistent temperatures and clear skies follow October through November.
1820 sandstone church, one of 21 California missions founded by 18th-century Franciscan monks.
A chill Mexican spot that offers traditional fare with some of the best chips and salsas around.
Katy Perry loves it, Julia Child loves it, you're gonna love it.
Alice Keck Park, aka turtle park. Come here to enjoy a nice walk around the grounds, check out the variety of flowers and plant life, and to see some (a lot!) of turtles, ducks and the occasional heron in the pond in the middle of the park. Meander around the walkway that goes around the whole park, there are plenty of hidden little nooks and benches where you can steal away a nice quiet moment to yourself. This park also borders Alameda Park, where you can enjoy even more open space and a rather large playground for the kids.
