Santa Barbara: Where Charm and Elegance Meet
- The Siesta Seeker
- Dec 19, 2023
- 5 min read
Updated: Dec 29, 2024
There are the must-see American metropolises: New York, Los Angeles, Miami, or Las Vegas... but there are also those small towns where you can stroll peacefully, take a moment to relax without rushing around, and enjoy doing nothing, or not much, for a few days. Santa Barbara is one of those cities where you can spend your time wandering the streets, lazing on the beach, taking a few photos and a selfie or two in front of magnificent buildings, and think to yourself, "I could live here" before realizing that the city has the highest concentration of very high incomes in the country just after Manhattan and San Francisco, and therefore a real estate market almost inaccessible to the average person. It's not without reason that Santa Barbara is nicknamed the American Riviera, known for being the residence of many Hollywood personalities. Let's take a little tour of this very pleasant city.
🤷♂️ Why Should I Drag Myself To This Place? Why Santa Barbara? Simple. It’s a quick weekend escape that doesn't require a passport, too much gas, or a survival plan. Just a couple of hours away, it's the kind of place where the biggest decision of the day is whether to nap on the beach or sip coffee with an ocean view. I was after some peace, quiet, and a break from the endless noise. It's perfect: relaxing, nearby, and way easier on the energy levels than, say, climbing a mountain.
Santa Barbara is located north of Los Angeles, approximately a two-hour drive (without traffic) along the Pacific coast on Route 101. The city is nestled between the Santa Ynez Mountains and the ocean, giving it a unique charm. Santa Barbara is a small coastal town with an ideal climate, boasting just under one hundred thousand residents.
The architecture of the city is the first thing that impresses: Santa Barbara was founded in 1782 by Spanish conquistadors and most of the buildings reflect the city's Hispanic colonial past. The downtown area, crossed by a long avenue, State Street, is very pleasant and full of flowers. You can find shops, restaurants, a shopping center, bars, and hotels. The first photo stop in the city is for the Superior Court of Justice and its absolutely beautiful tower. Take a walk around the courthouse, every angle is fantastic!
While strolling through the city, you come across the presidio, the first military complex (including a chapel) established by the Spanish upon their arrival. A very interesting historical site to see how the conquistadors settled and lived in this place.
The conquering Spaniards always built a military base (or presidio, below) to secure the encampment and then a mission to convert the local Indian populations to Catholicism. This presidio is magnificent, and it is possible to enter some reconstructed rooms, giving a good idea of local life at that time.
The mission of Santa Barbara is one of the twenty-one missions built in California along the famous "Royal Road" or El Camino Real. The first mission was built in San Diego in 1769. The Santa Barbara mission was completed in 1785 and is one of the most beautiful (in my opinion!). It is also known as the Queen of the Missions and overlooks the city.
It was destroyed in 1925 by an earthquake but was reconstructed to its original form. The facade is beautiful with pink tones, and the interior courtyard is also very lovely. Definitely a must-see!
Heading back down the hill and continuing along State Street, you eventually arrive facing the ocean. The beaches of Santa Barbara are very wide and beautiful. While the ocean water may be cool (even in summer), a beach break is always a good idea.
At the very end of State Street, there is a wooden pier overlooking the ocean (Stearn Wharf). You can take a stroll on the pier where you can even stop at a restaurant, a bar, or a small shop.
One interesting aspect of Santa Barbara is that the city hall imposes rather strict rules regarding urban planning and construction in order to preserve a certain homogeneity. While red and ochre tiles and colonial style are allowed (and encouraged!), commercial signs are not well-received here. Most commercial signs have a regulated size and are quite difficult to spot from afar (Starbucks, McDonald's, and the like!). Even the post office is hard to find!
However, over the past fifteen years, a local architect has been attracting attention by revitalizing and modernizing certain buildings and houses in the downtown area. In collaboration with local artisans, Jeff Shelton has worked on the design of around sixty buildings, and it is now possible to take the "Jeff Shelton Architecture Tour" to see his most famous projects! I took this tour myself by walking through the downtown area, and the houses we discovered are quite incredible! Jeff Shelton seems to be inspired by Gaudi. I'll let you judge with a compilation of some photos taken during my city tour.
To learn more about Jeff Shelton and get the addresses of the houses I photographed during my little tour, visit the following website in English: Jeff Shelton Walking Tour.
When leaving the city, you can also take a moment to walk under a rainbow. Simply locate the Chromatic Gate, which was installed in 1991 in a small park just across from the seaside! Influencers, it's time to get back to work. #rainbow #checkthisout #superfun.
To finish, one little thing to know about Santa Barbara: the city is facing the ocean, but you won't see the sun set over the Pacific. I was surprised when the sun set on the wrong side (!) and it ruined my photo. In fact, if you look closely at the city's geographical location and the coastline, Santa Barbara faces south, not west. Therefore, the sun sets behind the mountains and not over the ocean. I prefer to warn you if you are planning a romantic sunset beach photo!
The Quick Recap (Too Long To Read Edition)
🌟 What Was The Highlight Of My Trip? The blissful, laid-back vibe of the city and its charming architecture, especially the courthouse that looks like it’s auditioning for a role in a period drama. And let’s not forget the mission! However, prepare to ask for a raise from your boss and save up for about 30 years if you want to snag a second home on those lush, green hills with an ocean view. Because let’s face it, that dream house overlooking the Pacific doesn’t come cheap.
📅 How Many Days? 2 full days are ideal, enough time to meander through the city streets at a leisurely pace and enjoy a picnic on one of the many stunning beaches. This way, you can soak in the sights without feeling like you’re sprinting through a marathon. Plus, it gives you ample opportunity to find a cozy spot to rest and recharge between your explorations. Think of it as the perfect balance between adventure and downtime, without needing to channel your inner superhero.
⚡ Energy Level For This Adventure? The energy level for exploring Santa Barbara is refreshingly low, perfect for someone like me who’s perpetually tired and in need of a break. Santa Barbara is essentially a charming, walkable town, so even I could handle it without feeling like I’d just run a marathon. You can easily stroll through the city without needing a personal sherpa or a weekend recovery plan. The real challenge is getting there. The traffic? That’s the true endurance test. Maneuvering through the endless sea of brake lights is often more exhausting than the actual sightseeing. But once you finally escape the car and hit the city streets, it’s smooth sailing. You can enjoy the city’s laid-back vibe without breaking a sweat.