Fun things to do in Santa Barbara

I would recommend chartering a sail boat, but I would not recommend taking the sailboat out to whale watch. We didn't realize how far from shore you have to go to hopefully see whales. The water is really rough, so if you are on a smaller boat, it gets really rocky and it gets really cold. If you get sea sick, you will be hating life. Sail around the harbor and not too far from shore, that way you can relax and enjoy the beautiful views that Santa Barbara has to offer. You'll also stay much warmer.

If there is a show playing at the Santa Barbara Bowl, it's a great venue! About 1/4 the size of the Hollywood Bowl, it feels much more intimate feeling. If you're staying downtown, it is totally walkable to get to (less than ~2 miles) and a lovely walk. If you drive, you still have to walk about half that distance to get from the parking area to the venue anyway.

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Santa Barbara was, for us, the most appealing beach in USA. A good stripe of sand, a calm sea, an organized and well maintained shore and lots of shops and restaurants at walking distance.

The life seamed easy and calm, and good taste was present.

Even the sun came to help our good appreciation. Definitively: Santa Barbara was "MY" beach in my first trip to California

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Located down in Santa Barbara's Harbor is the Maritime Museum. It was closed by the time we got to the harbor, but I am sure it is neat. I love places like this. Museums like these are a treasure to their commuities and the education of our young.

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There are a couple of restaurants here such as Brophy's Bros, Chucks Waterfront Grill and the Maritime Museum. Other than that it is mostly where the boats slips are, but it has a wonderful walking path you can stroll along to see the beautiful ocean all the wonderful boats or yachts. You can catch that water taxi from here and will take you to Stern's Wharf or back to here.

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While on our little adventure from the tavern, we noticed these signs, so we followed one. It lead us to a spot where you can see the underbelly of the Cold Springs Canyon Arch Bridge and to a sign that explained a little bit of the history.

It says: Old Stagecoach Route 1860-1901
This old stagecoach road was used by all traffic until the Cold Springs Arches Bridge was built in 1963.

Sponsored by
Well Fargo Bank, Goleta Beautiful, Goleta Historial Society, City & County of Santa Barbara, De La Guerra y Pacheco Chapter 15 E Clampus Vitus and Other Friends.

Cold Spring Canyon Arch Bridge is the 5th longest span arch bridge of a supporting deck in the world. It also is know for some fatal attraction, so hopfully they will find a way to fix that soon.

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Ojai jail was built by then Constable Andrew Van Curen in 1873. When the town replaced Van Curen, he wouldn't let them keep the wooden jail. So they replaced it with a concrete bunker built in 1920 that sits in Libby Park in Ojai still. This wooden jail is located at Cold Springs Tavern. Located towards the back off the patio of the restaurant building.

Inside the Treasure N Trash building is some wonderful newpaper articles of the history of the building and the people who have owned it. Some neat photos too!

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The plaque reads: In 1868 this tavern was known as "Cold Springs Relay Station". It was the half way stop between "Mattel's Tavern" to the north, and Patrick Kinevan's "Summit House" to the south. In those days sturdy stagecoaches know as "mudwagons" traveled the rugged San Marcos Pass. It was here horses were changed and passengers rested and enjoyed the noon day meal. In 1900 the Doulton family bought the old tavern with its adjoining 40 acres. In 1941 they sold it to the Ovington family whose daughter Audrey Ovington owns it to this day.
Plaque dedicated August 4, 1993 by
Santa Barbara Parlor No. 116. Native Sons of the Golden West
Reina Del Mar Palor No. 126 Native Daughters of the Golden West
Tierra De Oro Palor No. 204 Native Daughters of the Golden West

It was also very dangerous road due to the fact that highway robbers frequent this pass. Let alone enduring the bump ride to get to point a and b. What is so unique they have maintained its rustic charm. It is nestle in the moutain and the road can be quite dangerous if your not paying attention.

The other building on the property has its own history. The Road Gang house was where the Chinese laborers bunked at while the San Marcos turnpike was being built in 1868.