I am taking a ten day trip up the Calif. coast in late August from LA to SF, and of course I want to spend my time on the really "good stuff". I am thinking of driving right past Santa Barbara, is there any reason to
stop or is this a good plan?

Marlena, NYC

Santa Barbara is very pretty as is neighboring Montecito and is worth a day. I don't know if Fiesta days are going on in August, but if so, there is lots of dancing and other festivities in and around the beautiful Spanish style courthouse in SB. Even if there are no big events, it's worth a stop.

Thanks for your reply, but could you be more specific? Why is it worthwhile? Scenery? Restaurants? Sightseeing?

Thanks in advance,

Marlena

Marlena, the ocean is beautiful at Sta. Barbara. The Mission is known as the "Queen of the Missions". There are many good restaurants and a lovely beach. In addition there is a very good wine area just east of Sta. Barbara. If you don't think that interests you, then just head up the coast. I'm not quite sure what you think is the "good stuff." Could you clarify that?

We find Santa Barbara to be one our favorite cities in the U.S. Great weather,shopping, restaurants,the ocean,and just the feel of the way California should be. Our dream is to retire there. But we know that means we better have plenty of $$$$$$$$. Dont miss it.JMHO

Pretty scenery, great courthouse, the Mission, the feeling of Old California, good restaurants,. It reminds me a little bit of Connecticut on the coast ( I'm from CT), that's a bit of a stretch but it may help you get the feel of the place. It is not an action packed town, but a lovely spot to unwind, take in the the sea breezes, enjoy the food, and walk the quaint streets. I like it for an overnight stop.

Hi Marlena. We did a very similar trip (LA to Monterey and then into the Gold Country) over 10 days last summer, and stopped in Santa Barbara for a couple of hours to tour the mission (very interesting if you're interested in history and that kind of thing -- we enjoyed it) and had lunch. Actually, our lunch stop in Santa Barbara ended up being one of the most memorable meals on our whole trip. It was just a little hole-in-the-wall place called La Super-Rica Taqueria (yes, a taco stand), but WOW the food was fantastic. Recommended in Frommer's California book as being frequented by Julia Child. We had many pricier meals on our trip, many of which were excellent, but none more memorable than our little lunch stop in Santa Barbara. I highly recommend it. Order 2-3 little items per person and share.

We were glad we didn't stay overnight in SB though. Perfect for 2-3 hours in my opinion. Works out well for a lunch break if you leave LA in the morning. We stayed overnight that night in Cambria, a few hours north of SB & were glad we did (Moonstone Beach there is pretty and a great place to see seals and other wildlife, plus there are some really wonderful restaurants in Cambria -- I highly recommend dinner at Robin's).

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