Santa Barbara town
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Santa Barbara - by Photopippo (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Description
Santa Barbara is a city located between the Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, about 150km to the northwest of Los Angeles. It was settled by Spanish missionaries and soldiers in the 1780's who built the Santa Barbara Mission and the military Presidio. Nowadays, it is a popular resort and university town with a Mediterranean climate. Highlights include the Santa Barbara County Courthouse, the Presidio and the Mission, Our Lady of Sorrows Church, the Stearn Wharf, and the annual Summer Solstice Parade.
Access & Transport
The city is a 2h40 train ride away from L.A. on the 'Surfliner' and 1h30 by car on the US-101. From San Francisco, it is a 5h+ drive on the US-101 or about 7h if driving through Big Sur on the CA-1.
Instructions & Recommendations
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Environmental & Social
The main activities in the city have a low carbon footprint. Socially neutral
Conclusion
Santa Barbara is much more of a week-end getaway or lifestyle town rather than a travel destination. It is a little light on cultural aspects and landmarks but will please foodies and shoppers.
Key positive
Some nice Mediterranean and Spanish Colonial architecture
Easy to get to by car or train from LA
Key negative
Not that much to see in town
Suitability
No restrictions
About this Rating
TYPE
Onsite
RESEARCHED IN
August 2024
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:0h 20m
est. visit time:4h
Sunrise / early morningOk
MorningOk
Lunch timeOk
AfternoonOk
Sunset / eveningOk
Night – bef. midnightNo
Night – aft. midnightNo