Santa Barbara Harbor & Beaches
Restaurants, shops, Ty Warner’s sea center, and much more are to be found on Stearn’s Wharf. At the harbor itself one can also enjoy restaurants and shops and many activities such as kayaking, whale watching, surfing, fishing, boat rentals, etc. The many beaches are superb for sunning, swimming and beach volley ball.
The Arlington Theatre
Built in 1929 and finished in 1931, designed by architects Edwards, Plunkett & Howell, this theatre is considered Plunkett's crowning achievement. The annual Santa Barbara Film Festival holds many events here. Throughout the year the theatre offers movies, hosts lectures and presents many individual performances.
The Lobero Theatre
This historic theatre, designed by architects George Washington Smith and Lutah Riggs and built from 1922 to 1924, is the home of the Music Academy of the West’s master classes as well as plays, lectures and concerts.
The Santa Barbara Mission
Built in 1786, this mission was the 10th of 21 missions founded in California. It is known as “the queen of missions” due to its size and beauty. Many events are held at the mission such as the I Madonnari street painting festival (shown in this photo) which takes place in May every year. Daily tours and masses are held every day.
The Santa Barbara Court House
Architects J. William Hersey, William Moser and Co. designed this magnificant Spanish-Moorish “palace”. Built in 1929, this building is surrounded by lawns and a sunken tropical garden that plays host to many functions through-out the year. The tower offers a 360 degree view of the city, ocean and mountains.
Lotusland
This unique 37-acre estate and botanic garden founded by Ganna Walska includes exceptional gardens, outstanding educational programs and innovative horticultural practices. From 1920-1927 architects Reginald D. Johnson designed the main house and George Washington Smith the guest house. Tours are available only by appointment.
Santa Barbara Polo Club
Established in 1911, this club is the third oldest polo facility in the United States and is world renowned for its three lush polo fields and international outdoor competition. The season begins in April and continues through October each year with July and August being the high-goal season. The public is welcome and tickets can be purchased at the gate every Sunday during the season.
The Montecito Country Club
This club is one of Santa Barbara’s first private country clubs, built in 1916 and designed by architect Bertram G. Goodhue. There are now four private country clubs in the area along with five public golf courses. The setting of this club is the best of all the clubs due to its spectacular view of the bird refuge, the ocean and the islands.
Mountain Activities
Hiking, biking and horseback riding are all very popular activites on Santa Barbara’s miles of trails in the Santa Ynez mountains. Waterfalls, hot springs, swimming holes, lakes, creeks, deep canyons, bluffs and more can all be enjoyed, many with unbelievable panoramic views.
Lake Cachuma
Man-made in 1953, this lake is the source of water for the City of Santa Barbara as well as other areas. Fishing, boating, hiking, lake cruises, nature programs and tent, trailer, RV and yurt camping are some of the many activities available here.
THE GRANADA OPENS!
Santa Barbara's Center for the Performing Arts has opened its doors with warm welcomes to CAMA, Music Academy of the West, Opera Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara Symphony, State Street Ballet and Santa Barbara Choral Society, its new resident companies. Individual performances, Broadway shows and much more are scheduled throughout 2008 and 2009. At a cost of approximately $60M, this theatre, as promised, will be a Santa Barbara treasure for many years to come!