As much as I’ve called this tranquil town my second or third home by visiting it so much, I’ve never lounged around on my own, basking in the feeling of living like a local in Santa Barbara. I’m house-sitting for a few weeks and that means my childhood friend who I pal around with when I’m usually here is off galavanting while I mind her home, her dog and her squeaky fat cat.
A few steps out the back door and behind the Mission, Mission Creek, Santa Barbara
Even running errands here is different, as no matter where I go, I have a backdrop of rustic foothills or glimmering ocean and always the signature Santa Barbara style stucco and red-tile roof bungalows. The darling dog, Marrs, has gone from playing protector to me to snuggling with me every night and leads me to the most beautiful oak-studded trails alongside Mission Creek, behind the famous Santa Barbara Mission.
The Apple store in town is located centrally on State Street and I keep finding reasons to go in there and stroll this main drag and window shop while indulging in a frappalattesomethin’.
After an SEO workshop I went to locally, I found myself only blocks from the pier so of course I detoured and took a stroll. I love the long shadows cast by the palm trees in the fading light and sometimes, the fact that the sun doesn’t really set over the ocean in Santa Barbara due to it’s quirky geography, the photo opportunities can be pleasantly surprising.
Santa Barbara Pier
I avoided the beach over the weekend; not because it ever gets thronged with masses here, but because as I’m staying for weeks, I prefer to wait for the serenity of empty coastline strolling. I may even hit my “treadmill” again 😉
I’m here for a bit longer, and I am game for you, my loyal readers, to direct me via interactive travel to try some attractions or restaurants you’ve heard of. I did try La Super Rica and will highlight my findings in an upcoming Santa Barbara food post!
If you enjoy my tales of Santa Barbara bliss, you might also like Santa Barbara: Like Visiting an Old Friend
and Santa Barbaraaahhhh Beach Walking, Site Gawking
All Photos by Gina Stark
{ 16 comments… read them below or add one }
interesting to read as always
Thank you…interesting to be here 🙂 G
Nice stay you are having in Santa Barbara, sounds very relaxing 🙂
It's absoluutely lovely here. Now my friends have returned so it's even better with company! Thank you for reading. G
I love the idea of running errands with gorgeous backdrops wherever you go… that is more compelling to me than many of the other wonderful factoids and lovely photos… I do believe my family and I will have to descent on Santa Barbara at some point this summer… (like your 'treadmill') 🙂
We loved Santa Barbara, though just stayed for a short time. We did get to go out and whale watch which was absolutely fabulous. Nice that you get to do a good deed for a friend (and pets) amidst such beautiful scenery!
Hi Steve! I haven't gone whale watching in far too long! One of the afflictions of being a native So-Calian 😉 And yes, house-sitting in SB was definitely a win-win! 🙂 Happy travels, Gina
what a great post …I would SO love to live in SB.
Thanks so much! I feel it's one of the best town/cities in the world, not just California or the U.S. I'm lucky it's close and I get to savor it often 🙂 Cheers! Gina
Gina, I've never been to Santa Barbara, but your descriptive comments make me want to check it out. It also makes me want to relook at the area I live in to see the beauty that I take for granted. Thanks so much
Santa Barbara is such a gorgeous town and it would be an absolute dream to live there. Great restaurants to try would be Rose Cafe on the Mesa, The Chase Restaurant downtown, Breakwater Cafe down by the beach/harbor, The Paradise Cafe on Anacapa street. Try some of the hikes too, Inspiration Point is a good one and so is Rattlesnake and Seven Falls. All supply a great view once you reach the top too! If you ever come back a great place to stay would be the Sandman Inn (www.thesandmaninn.com). Really great location and incredibly affordable! Very localized as well.
WOW! Such great tips! I know I've tried Paradise, but not in a while and I think the Breakwater Cafe which, if I recall correctly, has fantastic views near the pier. I am lucky enough to stay with dear friends when I'm up there, but I'm sure my readers will appreciate the accommodation recommendation! I'm not sure of the names of my hikes that I've already logged, but be assured, I shall now seek these out! I'll report back 🙂 But first, ITALY!! Cheers and Ciao and thanks so much for your awesome sharing! Gina
My girlfriend and I stayed in The Sandman because we read this comment, and I've got to say we were definitely impressed. Saved a helluva lot of money by not going somewhere expensive…my girl liked that because we got to go out for some nicer dinners and wine.
Hi Marty, thanks for sharing! I love when my blog becomes a helpful travel community for people to enjoy the bestest out there! Cheers and happy continued travels. Gina
Cold Springs Tavern! I lived up there, in SB, for a number of years when I went to Brooks
Heya Keith! You're the second person who has suggested that Tavern…up on the pass, yes? Now I really must go there when I'm back in the states 🙂 And Brooks is the photography school. One day, I'll work up the nerve to take a class, or two, or 84 🙂 Thanks for the input! Gina