Santa Barbara Trip Overview
Situated on a south-facing section of Californian coastline, Santa Barbara lies between the Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific Ocean. Santa Barbara’s climate is often described as Mediterranean, and the city has been branded as the “American Riviera” due to its similarities with the French Riviera. The Spanish influence is evident throughout the city with white stucco buildings, red-tile clay roofs and Spanish street names.
In fact, two of the city’s iconic landmarks that you’ll visit Santa Barbara County Courthouse and the the18th-century Old Mission appear to have been transplanted directly from Spain. You’ll also visit El Presidio Real de Santa Bárbara a former military installation also known as the Royal Presidio of Santa Barbara founded and built by Spain in 1782. The Spanish influence goes way back to 1602 when adventurer Sebastián Vizcaíno landed here after surviving a huge storm on the eve of Saint Barbara’s feast day.
Additional Info
Duration: 3 hours
Starts: Santa Barbara, United States
Trip Category: Cultural & Theme Tours >> Cultural Tours
Explore Santa Barbara Promoted Experiences
What to Expect When Visiting Santa Barbara, California, United States
Situated on a south-facing section of Californian coastline, Santa Barbara lies between the Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific Ocean. Santa Barbara’s climate is often described as Mediterranean, and the city has been branded as the “American Riviera” due to its similarities with the French Riviera. The Spanish influence is evident throughout the city with white stucco buildings, red-tile clay roofs and Spanish street names.
In fact, two of the city’s iconic landmarks that you’ll visit Santa Barbara County Courthouse and the the18th-century Old Mission appear to have been transplanted directly from Spain. You’ll also visit El Presidio Real de Santa Bárbara a former military installation also known as the Royal Presidio of Santa Barbara founded and built by Spain in 1782. The Spanish influence goes way back to 1602 when adventurer Sebastián Vizcaíno landed here after surviving a huge storm on the eve of Saint Barbara’s feast day.
Stop At: Old Mission Santa Barbara, 2201 Laguna St, Santa Barbara, CA 93105-3611
Walk around – one of California’s most beautiful relics from the 18th-century
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Santa Barbara County Courthouse, 1100 Anacapa St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101-2099
An exceptional example of a Spanish Colonial Revival style building designed by architect William Mooser III who had lived in Spain for 17 years.
Duration: 15 minutes
Stop At: El Presidio de Santa Barbara State Historic Park, 123 E Canon Perdido St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101-2215
A former military installation is also known as the Royal Presidio of Santa Barbara.
Duration: 15 minutes
Stop At: Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California
The Santa Ynez Mountains provide a dramatic backdrop to Santa Barbara, a city on the central California coast famous for its architectural style derived from Spanish-revival architecture. Santa Barbara County, often called the American Riviera, due to its similarities to the French Riviera, is home to a beautiful landscape and a lovely year-round climate.
Duration: 2 hours
