Tourist for a Day
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You don't really need a directory to find the Santa Barbara sights-just cruise downtown
with open eyes. Santa Barbara is filled with weekend events, arts and cultural festivals,
and sports events in addition to the intriguing historic sights and natural beauty.
For information on special events, check the Santa Barbara News-Press or Independent.
Andree Clark Bird Refuge
The Andree Clark Bird Refuge is located on 1400 East Cabrillo Boulevard, adjacent
to the Santa Barbara Zoo. It contains a bikeway and walking path as well as interpretive
and environmental self-guided tours. An artificial freshwater lake provides a safe
haven for a diverse bird population including ducks and geese. The refuge is one
of the most popular biking/jogging/skating paths in the area. 564-5433.
Chumash Painted Cave
The Chumash Indians painted brightly colored pictographs on this cave's walls hundreds
of years ago at what is now a State Historic Park. Highway 154 to Painted Cave Dr.,
follow signs to the Cave (about 4 miles).
County Courthouse
Impressive Spanish/Moorish structure featuring graceful arches, curved staircases,
and giant hand-painted murals; ride the elevator to the top of the clock tower for
a sweeping view of the town. Admission is free. Free guided tours, call 962-6464
for hours; 1100 Anacapa St., Santa Barbara.
El Paseo
Famed site encompasses small shops and the historic De La Guerra Adobe. Points of
interest include a fountain, courtyard, outdoor restaurant, many shops, and quaint
covered passageways. Between State and Anacapa Streets.
El Presidio de Santa Barbara ~ State Historic Park
Reconstruction of the original Presidio founded in 1782 by imperial Spain. Museum
displays, a slide show presentation, and self-guided tours. Admission fee is $3
per person, call for hours. 123 E. Canon Perdido, Santa Barbara; 965-0093.
Fernald Mansion and Trussell-Winchester Adobe
Fernald Mansion is a multi-gabled Victorian mansion handsomely furnished in original
Victorian furniture. Features circular mahogany staircase and music room. Next door
stands the Trussell-Winchester Adobe. Call the Santa Barbara Historical Society
for tour information, donations welcome. 414 W. Montecito Street, Santa Barbara;
966-1601.
Hope Ranch Residential Area
Named after the family who owned the Hope Diamond, this is one of America's most
luxurious residential communities. Great bike and horse trails. Enter at Las Palmas
Road off Modoc Road.
Mission Santa Barbara
Called the "Queen of the Missions" for its graceful beauty, it was founded in 1786,
the tenth of 21 missions in California. Tours offered daily, call for hours. 2201
Laguna Street, Santa Barbara; 682-4149.
Montecito Residential Area
Montecito is where many of Santa Barbara's rich and famous live. The area is filled
with beautiful homes and private estates, many of which are visible from the road.
The town of Montecito is located in two areas; the old village is on the corner
of East Valley and San Ysidro Roads, and the newer part of town is on Coast Village
Road.
Red Tile Walking Tour
A self-guided walking tour through 12 short blocks in Downtown Santa Barbara brings
you through some of the City's oldest and most fascinating landmarks. Brochures
available at the Santa Barbara Tourist Information Center, 1 Garden Street.
Santa Barbara Botanic Garden
Seventy-eight acres of California native plants in beautiful landscaped settings.
Over five miles of easy-to-walk paths. Particularly beautiful in spring. Dogs are
allowed on a leash. Free guided tours, call for times and admission prices. 1212
Mission Canyon Rd., Santa Barbara; 682-4726.
Santa Barbara County Wineries
Through peaceful country roads, picturesque farmland and breathtaking views of the
valley and mountains, Santa Barbara County wine country welcomes you and/or your
parents to tour and taste (if you are over 21) all it has to offer. Wineries' tasting
rooms range from attractively rustic to architecturally sophisticated. Most tasting
rooms welcome visitors year-round and are open daily to sample or purchase wines.
Several offer tours explaining the winemaking process and most have attractive picnic
areas. Wineries without their own visitor facilities are featured at wine shops
in Los Olivos, Solvang, Santa Barbara and Santa Maria. For a list of events and
festivals, or for more information, contact the Santa Barbara County Vintners' Association
at our website www.sbcountywines.com or email www.sbcountywines.com or
email @ information@sbcountywines.com.
Santa Barbara Farmers Market
Farmers have taken full advantage of the climate to grow an astonishing array of
produce, including many items that you'll never find in a supermarket. Throughout
the week, hundreds of varieties of fruits, vegetables and flowers are for sale at
various locations. For a listing of days and locations go to www.sbfarmersmarket.org.
Santa Barbara Orchid Estates
Thousands of cymbidiums and other species from all over the world are displayed
and sold at the estates. Self-guided walking tour is available, call for hours.
1250 Orchid Drive (ocean end of Patterson); 967-1284.
Santa Barbara Zoo
Santa Barbara's #1 visitor attraction and conservation leader with over 500 rare
animals and plants in a garden atmosphere; offers special programs for adults, children,
and families, as well as volunteer opportunities and internships. Near East Beach
off Cabrillo Blvd. Call for hours, admission prices, employment or internship opportunities,
or to receive an educational programs brochure: 962-5339.
Sea Center
Aquariums, exhibits, dioramas, touch tanks and interactive displays educate the
public about the Santa Barbara Channel marine environment. 211 Stearn's Wharf, Santa
Barbara.
Solvang
Solvang, founded in 1911 as a Danish colony, has developed into one of the principal
tourist attractions in the state. Located inland about 45 miles north of Santa Barbara,
Solvang is full of shops featuring Danish goods and bakeries which specialize in
delectable pastries. Don't forget to see the Old Mission Santa Ines, Hans Christian
Andersen Museum, Elverhoj Museum, and the Honen Horse Drawn Streetcar. Solvang can
be reached by Highways 101 or 154. Solvang Conference and Visitors Bureau: 1511
Mission Drive, Solvang; 688-6144; http://www.solvangusa.com.
South Coast Railroad Museum at the Historic Goleta Depot
The museum features a 400-square-foot HO-scale model railroad exhibit, a Southern
Pacific bay-widow caboose and restored refurnished rooms inside the 1901 depot.
Miniature train and handcar rides offered year-round; call for current schedule.
Picnic facilities are on the grounds. Call for hours; 300 N. Los Carneros Rd., Goleta;
964-3540. Visit the website at: www.goletadepot.org.
Stearn's Wharf
This pier offers breathtaking views of the city, mountains, shoreline, and ocean.
About three blocks long, it has shops, restaurants, the Sea Center, and fishing
off the end of the pier. State Street and Cabrillo Boulevard, Santa Barbara; 564-5526.
Stow House and Museum
The 1872 Stow House has been furnished to represent the era 1880-1920 by the Goleta
Valley Historical Society. The Museum of Goleta History is located in the historic
ranch building behind Stow House, along with displays of farm equipment and maritime
artifacts. Special events occur at certain times including Mother's Day, the Fourth
of July, and Christmas. Call for hours and event schedule; 304 N. Los Carneros Rd.,
Goleta; 964-4407.
Yacht Harbor and Breakwater
Haven for 1,200 working and pleasure craft and created by a constructed breakwater,
the Santa Barbara Harbor has a paved walkway offering a view of the harbor, ocean,
city, and mountains. Offers restaurants, snack bars, shops, sailing, whale watching,
fishing, and more. Departure point for shoreline tours and sportfishing excursion
boats; you can also rent or charter boats. West Cabrillo Boulevard, Santa Barbara;
564-5531.
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