Santa Barbara Family
Vacation Experience

Santa Barbara Family Vacation is special to me because I was born there and, no matter where life takes me, a part of me always remains there. It is a very special place.

When first arriving in Santa Barbara, it is like stepping into another world especially if you fly from the East. You immediately notice the ocean and mountains all in the same area. The palm trees and different bushes and trees in bloom are always so beautiful. There is a very laid-back mood in the town itself. It has an atmosphere all it's own.

Stearns Wharf continues out to the ocean at the bottom of State Street (the main street). It is a fun place to walk and visit the shops. There are two restaurants on the wharf and we seem to be partial to Moby Dicks both for the atmosphere, owner and fine food. There is also a fast-food place and ice cream and candy stops. If you venture out on the wharf in the early morning, you could be in the morning fog and hear the fog horn and observe people busily getting ready for the day. There are sea lions more prevalent at that time and some of them actually come up on the beach for a look around. There are also other interesting activities going on such as kayak lessons in progress.

You can either walk, or ride, up State Street where you will find many shops of all kinds.. It is fun just walking up or down the main street and observing the many interesting people. If you get tired, you can hop onto the little trolley car that picks people up every 15 minutes for just 25 cents that runs all the way down State Street to the beach area.. On a couple days a week from 4:00 to 7:00, a few blocks of the main street are closed off for a wonderful market which sells flowers, fruits and vegetables. On Saturdays another market is just off the main street. At this market you can purchase everything from palm trees to peaches.

There are many hotels in the area, some in walking distance to the beach. If you plan on being there over a weekend, better make reservations ahead of time and be prepared to pay more for the weekend.

There are many fine restaurants in the area, one for just about any taste. The sidewalk cafes where you can have a meal any time of the day or evening are very unique. One restaurant well worth going out of your way for is Cold Spring Tavern that you can reach by going on the San Marcos Pass toward the mountains (about a 20 minute drive). The view coming down is fantastic. It was an old stage coach stop and is very rustic and romantic with a lot of atmosphere. The food is always delicious. Remember to call for a reservation. To find out more about this tavern look up "coldspringtavern.com."

It would be hard to say what the best spots to see in Santa Barbara are. There are just so many interesting things to do or see. The Santa Barbara Courthouse is the most beautiful court house in our country. During the day, a trip up to the tower in the court house gives you a spectacular view of the city. Be sure to walk around the inside of the building to experience the full extent of this beautiful architecture. The Santa Barbara Mission is the "queen of the missions" and is very beautiful with a lot of history. These places should be visited both night and day for the lighting makes them even more special.

A very special place to see the city is to go up to the "Riviera" area and look out over the city. This is in the foothills of the mountains by the city. It is especially beautiful as the sun goes down and the city lights come on. There is a park (Francissi Park) up there that gives you a beautiful view of the city below and from there you can see the city and out onto the ocean. This park does close at sunset but it is a nice place to take a picnic and enjoy the view during the day.

Whatever you choose to do in this wonderful city, you will be making special memories of your own.