1st time in Santa Barbara

Old Sep 28th, 2017, 07:09 PM
  #1  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 397
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
1st time in Santa Barbara

We would like to spend 3-4 days there? Is that adequate? Are there nearby towns we should also see? Any good theater in Santa Barbara? What are the main sites? Thanks
wordsmith1 is offline  
Old Sep 29th, 2017, 08:02 AM
  #2  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 34,854
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Yes, I think it's adequate as it isn't that big a city. I think the main point of interest is the old mission, then they have several museums (art, maritime, history) that are worthwhile. And of course people like the walk around the wharf and coast area.

It is actually known for theater, they have a historic theater district.
http://santabarbaraca.com/plan-your-...rforming-arts/

SOme people like to visit Solvang or Ojai which are nearby. Solvang is some town with Danish history or something, which has never interested me to go there but might you.
http://www.solvangusa.com/
Christina is offline  
Old Sep 29th, 2017, 08:21 AM
  #3  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 24,881
Received 4 Likes on 3 Posts
If you also like music, check the calendar for the Santa Barbara Bowl. It's a terrific venue.

Ojai is a nice town, much smaller than Solvang. It's about the same distance from SB, but the back-way drive (route 150) is more scenic with peeks at Lake Casitas. If you'd rather go north than south, I'd head to tiny Los Olivos for lunch and exploring before Solvang. Then, if you have time, stop in Solvang on the way back to SB.

There's a great farmers market in Santa Maria on Fridays.

If you're going in the spring, the wildflowers will be beautiful.
Jean is online now  
Old Sep 29th, 2017, 09:03 AM
  #4  
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 801
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Don't miss the new MOXI Museum,Bouchon is a favorite for dinner, Reynaud's for breakfast, the Four Seasons for cocktails or the most fabulous Sunday brunch! The Mission is beautiful and the adobe and historical buildings downtown and very interesting and picturesque if you're interested in Old California.Santa Barbara is very laid back and casual, the harbor area has a nice breakwater to walk along and its a nice place for riding bikes, jogging or walking. A tour out to the Channel Islands or a whale watching cruise might be fun, depending on time of year that you are i. Do you already have your lodging, Santa Barbara books up very quickly and is quite pricey.
lynni is offline  
Old Sep 29th, 2017, 09:25 AM
  #5  
 
Join Date: Sep 2005
Posts: 3,287
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
The Mission is beautiful, one of the prettier ones IMO. There is also a nice art show along the waterfront on Sundays. We normally spent more time wine tasting in the Santa Ynez Valley just north of Santa Barbara, but there is tasting in town I believe.
jamie99 is offline  
Old Sep 29th, 2017, 10:55 AM
  #6  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 397
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
We have been thinking of taking a tour of Santa Ynez valley---worth it?
wordsmith1 is offline  
Old Sep 29th, 2017, 11:48 AM
  #7  
 
Join Date: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,290
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Be sure to put the county courthouse on your list. It's beautiful, interesting, and was built in the Moorish style. Fine clock tower with view and a stunning library.
Underhill is offline  
Old Sep 29th, 2017, 11:50 AM
  #8  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 397
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
What are the nicest hotels? Hopefully near water
wordsmith1 is offline  
Old Sep 29th, 2017, 03:44 PM
  #9  
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 801
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Yes, the Courthouse is a gem, the Mural Room is one of my favorites!

For hotel, what budget do you have in mind and when are you coming?
lynni is offline  
Old Sep 29th, 2017, 04:19 PM
  #10  
 
Join Date: Aug 2017
Posts: 2,400
Likes: 0
Received 13 Likes on 2 Posts
The nicest hotel is the Four Seasons.
MoBro is offline  
Old Sep 29th, 2017, 04:20 PM
  #11  
 
Join Date: Aug 2017
Posts: 2,400
Likes: 0
Received 13 Likes on 2 Posts
http://www.fourseasons.com/santabarb...170930011952:S
MoBro is offline  
Old Sep 30th, 2017, 06:17 PM
  #12  
 
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 6,024
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Yes, a tour of the Santa Ynez Valley is definitely worth it; pretty country and excellent wineries.
socaltraveler is offline  
Old Oct 1st, 2017, 02:34 PM
  #13  
 
Join Date: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,390
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Bookmay
patandhank is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Original Poster
Forum
Replies
Last Post
jacolis
United States
9
May 7th, 2017 06:05 PM
Katherine4
United States
10
Jul 15th, 2014 02:59 PM
bc
United States
12
Sep 10th, 2013 10:37 AM
EMM
United States
9
Jan 31st, 2006 08:52 AM
sam88
United States
4
May 29th, 2003 07:29 AM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is On
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are On


Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Manage Preferences - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information -