Santa Barbara Tourist Information Center
by Yaqui
This is one of two visitor centers. This one is on the corner of Garden and Cabrillo Blvd. It’s where we got our tickets for the trolley tour. They had lots of brochures and information and were quite busy that day. This building is not very big so you may have to wait your turn to get into when business is booming with tourist.
Oh, be careful crossing the street, it is one of the busiest intersections I saw while there. Make sure you take advantage of when its safe to cross. Too many people were not abiding the signal and almost found themselves under a set of wheels. So be careful!!!!
1 Garden St.
(805) 965-3021
Mon.-Sat:9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sun:10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Visitor Information
Big Caliente Springs - just like being in Paradise
by bigsky
There are 3 not so well known but great hot springs in the SB Mountains with warm to *very hot* spring water. 2 are easily accessible, for 1 you need an offroad vehicle.
3 Camping Spots, Nat. Forest permit required, be prepared for freezing cold nights and animals looking for food (no, no need to get scared:).
Directions: not at hand right now, basically on top of the main mountain, ask me.
Jackie, me, my sister Petra ("Narrenkapp") + Robert and Reggie and (after taking a brief bath) ...
... my son A. Morgan - the little Blue Monster!!!
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The Palm
by trvlnurse
Not indigenous to California but now an expected sighting, the palm tree has become a sightseeing must on its own in Santa Barbara. Fat, thin, colorful, plain, long leaves, short leaves- I had no idea there were so many variations of palms. I love the palm tree lined streets and palm shade on the beaches
Mission Bell Lamp Posts line the El Camino Real
by cnango
The 101 Freeway is built over the original El Camino Real, which means “Royal Highway” in Spanish. This historical road is the oldest street in California and used to be just a dusty path. The 21 California Missions were built all along the El Camino Real from San Diego to Sonoma, about 30 miles North of San Francisco hundreds of years ago. The bell pictured is situated in front of the Mission at Santa Barbara and similar bell shaped lamps line the old route of the El Camino Real to honor the California Missions and the original Royal Road.
Some Things You Should Bring
by sisterthyme
If you're visiting in late spring, summer, or early fall be sure to bring light, cool clothing. It very rarely get unbearably hot, but you'll be much more comfortable if you don't wear heavy clothing. Sandals and/or open-toed shoes are a very common and comfortable footwear during the warmer months, so I suggest you bring some. Also, you may want to bring a pair of sunglasses. The sun can get unusually glaring even during the winter. If you're visiting in late fall, winter, or early spring, be sure to bring a reasonably warm coat (preferably something you wouldn't mind being rained on), as well as an umbrella. Closed-toe shoes and/or boots will also help during this time. Just because it's Southern California doesn't mean it doesn't rain hard! If you're going to be doing more outdoorsy activities (such as hiking or bicycling), be sure to bring some tennis shoes. Bring suntan lotion if you intend to be out in the sun during summer or late spring.
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Our lunch selection at Chase
Santa Barbara - USA
hummingbirds were aflutter
Spanish influenced churches adds old world charm
