Santa Barbara Things to see

When visiting Santa Barbara take time to visit El Presidio de Santa Barbara Historic Park. Dating back to 1782, this was the last of a series of Spanish fortresses built to defend the Spanish Missions. The fortress was built in adobes, sun-dried clay bricks, like many other colonial buildings. There is a red tile walking tour starting on State Street, the main road in the old town centre and focus of city life, continuing on Anapamu, De La Guerra and Santa Barbara Streets.
The Botanic Garden offers a fantastic display of Californian flora, over 1000 plants including a 1130 redwood tree that was knocked down during a heavy storm.
Take a cruise on board of the Harbor Queen departing from Stearns Wharf, this is lovely way to admire the palm tree lined beaches, the colonial constructions and the mountains over Santa Ynes. Other excursions departing from Stearns Wharf go out daily to closely observe the whales migrating from Alaska to Mexico in March and April.

Northwest of Santa Barbara, the area of Santa Ynes and Los Olivos is covered with vineyards and is home to over 50 wine companies producing good Californian wine. A drive around the area stopping off at some of the vineyards open to visitors makes a nice afternoon out.
In the surrounding areas, Montecito is a lovely village only a few miles east of Santa Barbara set on the hills overlooking the ocean. Montecito is referred to as the “little Beverly Hills” for the luxury of its houses. Charlie Chaplin had the Montecito Inn built in 1928 becoming a refuge for the Hollywood stars