Santa Barbara, California – October 1999

Originally populated by the Chumash Indians and then the Spanish, Santa Barbara has a historical past. The town of Santa Barbara grew up around the 10th of the California missions, built in 1786 and the excellent harbour.

Portuguese explorer Juan Rodrigues Cabrillo was the first European to discover the Santa Barbara Channel in 1542, but it was not until 1602 that a Spaniard called Sebastiano Viscaino named the area Santa Barbara, having landed on that saint’s day.

Climate
Santa Barbara enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with an average temperature of about 78-85°F and sunshine on 84% of days. With coastal breezes ensuring fresh air and an abundance of trees and bushes, Santa Barbara is a pleasant changing from smog bound L.A.

From February to August it will be hazy in the mornings, with the coastal marine layer burning off about 11am. From August to September, the skies will be clear from morning till night. In January you can expect a little rain.

The Town
I feel that as well as a very developed tourist scene, there is also a cool local scene that many tourists don’t see. With over 500 bars and restaurants, Santa Barbara is a food lover’s paradise.

The University of California (UCSB) is 10 miles away in Goleta and surrounded by a party place called Isla Vista (I.V.). Montecito, a mile south of Santa Barbara is home to many well-known movie stars and entertainers.

This place loves festivals, there seems to be one every couple of weeks. The most fun are Old Spanish Days (La Fiesta) in August and Summer Solstice in June. The town goes nuts during these periods!

In Santa Barbara you’ll meet people from many countries, folks from all over the States and even a few locals. Whatever your reason for being here, the likelihood is you’ll glad to be here and that is the general vibe of this town, that there is something going on right now.

Arriving
Arriving in Santa Barbara by plane you will find Santa Barbara Airport to be very small and easy to deal with. Located in Goleta next to UCSB, it is 10 miles from downtown.

As taxi fares can be spendy (I know, I used to drive a cab) you can save a bundle by catching a local bus to downtown (75¢ as opposed to $17 for a cab). The bus stop is located on the far side of the road across the short term parking lot.

The route to downtown follows Hollister Ave, which eventually turns into State St. The downtown bus station is located on corner of Carrillo and Chapala St, next to the Greyhound station and is one block from the main street in town (State St), and 2 blocks up from the backpackers on Ortega St.

If you keep going until you hit the beach you will find groups of homeless people who will be only to happy to show you the basics of living ‘alfresco’. Just pick up a case of beer and don’t be afraid to share.

If you’ve really got money to burn just take a taxi to Montecito, located a mile or two south and check into the Biltmore, Montecito Inn, or San Ysidro Ranch. At the Biltmore, you can rent a 4 bedroom cottage for the night for about $2,000.

What would I do?
My plan of attack for tackling Santa Barbara would be to take advantage of the deals. Don’t want to waste your money on cabs? Catch the bus from the airport to downtown. Check into the backpackers.

There is a free shuttle bus that goes from the beach to upper State during the day, so I would use it to get to Mission St to check out the Mission and the Natural History Museum. Then, head back downtown to check out some of the other places of interest such as the Presidio, the courthouse (which has the best view downtown) and the Museum of Art on State St.

I would then cruise down to the beach and enjoy the sunshine. Maybe take a stroll on Stearn’s Wharf and watch the pelicans and sea lions. Most restaurants in town do a lunch special and Brophy Bros. at the marina is a great place to relax and enjoy some steamed mussels and a couple of beers. Happy hour is usually from 4pm ’til 7pm and many bars have free munchies!

Some of the best are:

Hola Amigos! – State St/Cabrillo Blvd, near Stearns Wharf and
Acapulco – State St
Margaritas are $1 all day on Mondays and during happy hours the spread includes rice, beans, chips, salsa, burritos, etc.

All those burritos making you sleepy? Why not head down to the James Joyce (located between Cota & Haley on State St) for a pint of Guinness served by a real Paddy (I’m allowed to say this as my Dad is Irish).

Too many other tourists around? Then head over to SB’s favourite dive bar, Mel’s, (located on De La Guerra/State St) and say hello to the bartender, Sunny, from Thailand. The dive bars (local bars) in town serve the strongest drinks. For your money’s worth go to Art’s Bar on upper De La Vina (a George Thorogood hangout), Joe’s Café at State/Cota, or if you want to hang with the real alkies, the Mecca on Milpas St.

Fancy going nightclubbin’? Zelo on State St is a local favourite and if you arrive before 9pm you can avoid the cover charge. On occasion I’ve made it by about 30 seconds! Zelo also serves good Italian food.

Maybe you meet somebody you like at Zelo and want somewhere a little more intimate. Try the Blue Agave on E.Ortega St. If your new friend has to go and all you want is a Reece’s cup and a jug of Gatorade. Head over to the 24 hour gas station at Carrillo/Chapala St or Mac’s Grog & Groc. at Anacapa/Haley St.

If the drinks are getting the best of you and walking is becoming a problem, call Yellow Cab 965.5111.

PS: Let me know how you get on.

I now live in Oregon but keep in close contact with friends and visit at Christmas time.

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