Santa Barbara California Travel Planner

Santa Barbara California is a great destination for California vacations to the central coast beaches.

Pretty, affluent Santa Barbara has a Mediterranean feel with its white stucco, red tiled homes on the hills above the breathtaking Pacific Coast.

The beautiful setting plus interesting Santa Barbara attractions, lodging, restaurants, shopping and great beaches make this a favorite California weekend getaway.

Location
Santa Barbara Ca is about 100 miles from the Los Angeles (LAX) airport. Take the 405 North to 101 West.

Weather
The temperate climate makes for great Santa Barbara vacations any time of year. The high is from 64 degrees in January to 77 degrees in August and the lows range from 45 to 60.

Santa Barbara Attractions

• Scenic Drive - On Cabrillo Blvd. follow the green "scenic drive" signs, looping into the mountains and around the city.
• State Street - Tree lined 2 mile Boulevard through the center of the city, lined with shops, restaurants and museums.
• Mission Santa Barbara is called the "Queen of the Missions", check out the mission archives.
• Museum of Art - collection of classical Greek, Asian and European works.
• Museum of Natural History - Many Chumas Indian artifacts and a planetarium.
• Botanical Garden - 5 miles of trails highlighting California native flora.
• Stearns Wharf - at the foot of State Street, check out the "Sea Center" with its hands-on exhibits, many restaurants and shops.
• Hike the paved trail from the harbor, stretching for miles along the coast and beaches.
• Santa Barbara Zoo - mini train winds through zoo which has an open feel and miniature "African Plains"

Hotels in Santa Barbara California

Simpson House Inn

Montecito Inn

Best Western Pepper Tree Inn

The Sandman Inn

Check out more Santa Barbara CA hotels including photos and reviews.

Santa Barbara Bed and Breakfasts

Old Yacht Club Inn - Romantic Santa Barbara getaway B&B just one block from the beach.

Cheshire Cat Inn - Two historical 1894 Queen Anne houses, suites and cottages are cozy and romantic, afternoon wine and hors d’oeuvre hour daily, downtown location.

Santa Barbara Vacation Rentals

Here are some Santa Barbara rentals including condos, cottages and homes. Click on the photo or name to get detailed information including email for the owner.

Charming, Romantic, Private Cottage

PARADISE LOCATION! One bedroom, Catching Heaven Cottage, in the Montecito area. This has a unique peaceful setting with mansions sprawled across a lush landscape on or below the mountainous terrain. It is only minutes from the most beautiful beach miles around and 5 minutes from downtown Santa Barbara California. Montecito is home to Butterfly Beach and the famous Biltmore Hotel.

The guest house is nestled on a private lane. Quiet setting, look out the many large windows that overlook the lush tropical gardens, floral vines and towering trees.

Historic Downtown Cottage

Authentic two bedroom luxury cottage in the heart of Santa Barbara. Experience vintage Santa Barbara elegance in this classic Downtown property. Completely restored in 2008, this authentic cottage provides a relaxing escape for couples or small families.

Built in 1929, the home is a beautiful specimen of the historic Santa Barbara bungalow style. The owners have preserved the antique windows, the original wooden floors, the cozy fireplace, and have completely redone the kitchen and baths. Native landscaping surrounds the property, with beautiful stone walkways and patios. The back patio features a fountain, a spa, and lovely outdoor furniture for dining and relaxing. The kitchen is completely remodeled and updated with all new stainless steel appliances.

Paradise at Casa del Mar

This three bedroom Santa Barbara Beach Rental, Casa del Mar, sits across the street from Ledbetter Beach and the 15 acre Shoreline Park. The living room with its wall of glass and the beautiful back yard offer breathtaking views of the ocean, beach, shoreline, wharf and harbor. You are just steps away from the sand and surf.

The spacious patio has abundant patio furniture for outdoor dining of meals prepared on the gas BBQ. Tastefully decorated living room, family room and very well equipped kitchen. The house is within walking distant of State Street shops and terrific restaurants. Cable TV and high speed, wireless Internet access are provided.

Award Winning Luxury Condo

One bedroom condo in one of Santa Barbara's most photographed buildings. Cota Street Studios was designed by renowned local architect, Jeff Shelton. It is centrally located in downtown Santa Barbara California and is five blocks from the beach. you will meander through interlocking paseos and courtyards, amidst fountains and arches, native plantings and specimen trees, and exquisitely hand- crafted tile and ironwork.

Our Condominium provides its own unique blend of indoor and outdoor living, with private balconies and enclosed courtyards overlooking Santa Barbara's beautiful Riveria and Mountains. Floors are colorful Mexican tile and Lyptus, a hybrid hardwood sustainably farmed in Brazil. The kitchen include Viking and Sub- Zero Appliances. Newly created in 2005, Cota Street Studios is a collaboration of design and artisanal craft by many of the most exciting innovators in Santa Barbara's artistic and construction community.

Would you like to see more? Here is a complete list of Santa Barbara California Vacation Rentals.

Santa Barbara Restaurants

For a romantic getaway, try Bouchon with its California cuisine in a rustic, but elegant dining room.

Ethnic options are: Italian with generous pasta dishes....Palazzio with its reproduction of the Sistine Chapel ceiling; Mexican La Superica Taqueria....great fresh tortillas and tamales; Indian Taj Cafe....try the Tandoori chicken.