Whether visiting or living in this California destination, there are many things to see and do. Here are attractions, activities and events of interest:

Attractions

A beautiful Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, California provides a morning or afternoon of wandering through flower paths, set to the backdrop of mountains.

Art from Scrap is an art center and eco-conscious establishment that features rotating art exhibits and an art supply store with recycled materials for sale. If you want something unique and affordable, go there and see the amazing art exhibits.

Santa Barbara History Japanese Attack WWII

WWII Japanese Attack on Santa Barbara Described

Mission Santa Barbara, Queen of Missions in California

Dining

Santa Barbara - Bacara Resort - 3 Restaurants

Events

Festivals

Shopping

Sports

Vacations

Some compare Santa Barbara to the Riviera, while others say it's like no other place on earth. That's absolutely true. Santa Barbara is a destination and region unto itself, and if Oprah and host of celebrities don't have some inside fix on this beach locale, then why have they built multi-million dollar mansions along Santa Barbara's coast and rambling ranch land?

Santa Barbara has lots going for it but here are the elements that come together to make it so desirable: Beaches, mountains, wineries, history, a university, and an arts school.

Santa Barbara's heritage is ever present and visible in places such as the Queen of the Missions. The dual bell towers on the Santa Barbara Mission can be seen in the distance from vantage points at the top of the Santa Barbara County Courthouse. While visiting the courthouse downtown, be sure to take the history stroll along the cobbled brick walkways that weave a story of the city's Spanish past. Known for its red Spanish tile roofs, Santa Barbara looks like a picture book place. Most the history tour winds in and out of shops and buildings along State Street, the main street filled with shopping and dining stretching over a mile to the beach and Stearns Wharf.

Down at the ocean is the wharf experience, beaches lined with towering, stately palm trees, a beautiful skate park, carousel ride, volleyball courts on the beach, a public swimming facility and playground at the beach, and a harbor with tour boats for whale watching, fishing trips, visits to Channel Islands National Marine Park's islands, and other fun activities such as kayaking.

When you visit Santa Barbara, each trip only scratches the surface of the countless things to see & do in Santa Barbara.