Introducing Santa Barbara
Is Santa Barbara California’s best-smelling city? The jasmine, orange blossoms, hyacinth and more certainly do their part. Certainly it’s fitting that Santa Barbara smells good, it’s that kind of place.
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Sandwiched between the Pacific Ocean and Santa Ynez Mountains, Santa Barbara is affluent and pretty, with red-tile roofs, white stucco and a seaside lassitude reminiscent of the Mediterranean. It’s a highlight of the Central Coast and you should not whiz by on Hwy 101 without stopping. The problem will be getting back on the road.
Five colleges in the area, including the University of California at Santa Barbara (UCSB), give the town a youthful vivacity and balance its yachting and retirement communities. Downtown Santa Barbara has outstanding architectural integrity, a masterpiece of a courthouse, noteworthy cultural institutions, superb shopping and seductive nightlife.
Last updated: May 8, 2009
Tips & articles
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Santa Barbara: California’s perfect weekend getaway
22 March 2011
Okay so we all know the hotspots when travelling to California: San Francisco, Los Angeles and San Diego. But why...
Thorn Tree forum discussion
Recent posts
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Re: Honeymoon
by clarkcoan 14 September 2011
California is perfect for a honeymoon. After you see San Francisco, rent a car and drive down Coastal Highway 1--it's one of the most…
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RE: Wanted: warm US destinations in October & November!
by MarkMark 13 September 2011
San Fran down to LA, with stop overs in Cambria, San Luis Obispo, and my home, Santa Barbara.
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Re: Wanted: warm US destinations in October & November!
by MattwLaw 11 September 2011
Southern California -- say, Santa Barbara south Anywhere on the Gulf of Mexico. Anywhere in Florida.
