Planning your Santa Barbara, California Vacation
Visiting Santa Barbara – The American Riviera
 While Santa Barbara is known for its beautiful beaches, there's a great deal more to the area than its shoreline. One-third of the acreage of Santa Barbara county is set within the Los Padres National Forest, creating a wide variety of outdoor activities for visitors. The east-west boundary of the area is flanked by the Santa Ynez mountains, creating scenery which is second to none. Within the city of Santa Barbara, visitors will marvel at the wonderful architecture and landscaping, particularly the Mission Santa Barbara. Santa Barbara, California boasts one of the most pleasant year-round climates in the country, so any time of year is a good time to visit. Temperatures range from the mid-60's to the mid-70's throughout the year. While summer highs can soar into the 80's, the evenings are always refreshingly cool. And to complete the picture of paradise, Santa Barbara averages 300 days of sunshine a year. If you're looking for the perfect vacation, you can't beat Santa Barbara, California.
Travel Tips for Santa Barbara
A visit to the beach is a must during your Santa Barbara vacation, but don't let a sunburn ruin your trip. Be sure to wear sunscreen with a high SPF, and reapply after swimming or activity. If you haven’t been outdoors in a while, build up your exposure gradually, and you’ll be sure to return home with the perfect tan. Santa Barbara is within easy driving distance of numerous wineries, and many local restaurants feature locally produced wines. Be aware, however, that you must be 21 years of age to consume alcohol in California. California law requires that the driver and all passengers must wear seatbelts at all times, and that small children must be in an approved car seat. If you're renting a vehicle and traveling with a small child, be sure to let the rental company know and they will provide a car seat. Attire in Santa Barbara is casual, although some restaurants require dressier clothing in the evening. Layer clothing, as temperatures can vary between the seaside and mountainous areas, and carry a sweater for the cooler evenings and early mornings. |
