There is something for everyone in Santa Barbara County. History whispers from the old buildings. Natural beauty beams from the varied landscape of mountains, valleys, coastal foothills, and the sea. With its fascinating history, unique architecture, and extraordinary setting, the city of Santa Barbara alone offers an extensive array of sights to see and things to do: from beaches to missions, museums to mountains, wine country to whale watching, the possibilities are endless.

Santa Barbara Area
Nestled between the gentle peaks of the Santa Ynez Mountains and the sparkling Pacific Ocean, Santa Barbara is the county’s largest city. At first glance, visitors are mesmerized by the stunning backdrop of mountains and sea. Santa Barbara is also famed for its unique architectural beauty. Most of the downtown structures remain loyal to the aesthetic of the 18th and 19th century Spanish Missions. In addition to the beautiful historical buildings, Santa Barbara boasts excellent museums, grand old theaters, lush parks, botanic gardens, and a world-class zoo.

Fun for the whole family, Santa Barbara County's alive with youthful energy and a casual atmosphere. A day in the city could be spent biking, beach-going, fishing, or hiking in a setting rich with evocative architecture, public art, and beautiful parks and playgrounds. The same day could also include time at Santa Barbara's enchanting zoo or visiting a selection of museums with special children's exhibits.

Venture into the back country and enjoy the rugged beauty of National Forest lands, home to everything from amenity-rich lakeside campgrounds to trackless wilderness, providing almost unlimited recreational choices for families. Or visit the alpine village of Solvang, the county's "Little Denmark," with windmills, Tudor architecture, and a wealth of Scandinavian food and souvenirs.

Attractions
With its sunny beaches, world-class museums, and a plethora of beautiful parks and playgrounds, families will find no shortage of things to do in Santa Barbara. For outdoor entertainment, fly a kite on the beach, hike the mountain trails, pitch a tent at a lakeside campground, or rent a quadracycle and coast along the waterfront bike path.

For More information see: www.santabarbara.com

Hotel References:
Alisal Guest Ranch and Resort - 35 miles northwest of Santa Barbara, this one-of-a-kind resort blends the best nature with exceptional golf, horseback riding, tennis, fishing, 73 ranch-style first-class accommodations with wood-burning fireplaces and fine dining Tel 805-688-6411
1054 Alisal Road, Solvang, California 93463

The Ballard Inn - Located in the Santa Ynez Valley, about forty minutes from Santa Barbara, the Ballard Inn offers comfortably elegant accommodations in a peaceful and quiet setting. The inn is ideal for your next romantic escape, family reunion, small business meeting, or corporate retreat.2436 Baseline Avenue Ballard, CA 93463 - (800) 638-2466

Simpson House Inn - At Simpson House Inn we have earned our five diamond rating by doing everything in our power to make your .calm escape effortless, pleasurable and most of all, relaxing. Let us pamper you with one of our many in-room European spa services. Take one of our bicycles and cruise around historic, beautiful Santa Barbara. Mountain hikes, beach walks or just relaxing with a book in our garden…invigorating or calming… the choice is yours. 121 E. Arrellaga Santa Barbara, CA 93101 Phone: 800-676-1280

El Capitan Canyon - It wouldn't be a stretch to say the place is sacred: the canyon's most beloved legend claims that a Native American medicine man-a wise old shaman from the Chumash tribe-is buried in a remote but remarkable corner of the property.Just by meandering up El Capitan Creek-the waterway that ties the entire campground together-a sense of the ancients is undeniable, as for thousands of years, the Chumash lived off the bountiful plethora of riverside plants and wildlife, remnants of an older lifestyle that still survive in El Cap's quaint surroundings. (866) 352-2729

Cabrillo Inn at the Beach - Discover "East Beach", Santa Barbara's oceanfront paradise with swaying palms, sea breezes and an orchestra of waves. It's all waiting for you at Cabrillo Inn at the Beach. We feature spectacular ocean and island views. Begin your day with a complimentary continental breakfast and newspaper in our ocean view lounge. We are only minutes away from downtown Santa Barbara and Stearns Wharf. We also offer beautiful Spanish Vacation Cottages. 931 East Cabrillo Blvd Santa Barbara, CA 93103 (800) 648-6708

The Holiday Inn Express Hotel Virginia is perfectly located in the heart of downtown. Whether visiting for business or pleasure, guests will merely need to walk a few steps to find shopping, fine restaurants, antiques and sunny beaches. 17 W. Haley Street, Santa Barbara CA 93101
Toll Free Reservations (800)-549-1700

Upham Hotel - The Upham Victorian Hotel and Garden Cottages is the oldest continuously operating hostelry in Southern California, situated on an acre of gardens in the heart of downtown Santa Barbara. Close enough, but not too close, to Los Angeles, Santa Barbara possesses a beautiful natural setting by the Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific. It is a red-tile, white-adobe, flower-decked town evoking romanticized Spanish California. 1404 De La Vina Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101 Reservations: (800) 727-0876