Andrea's Guidebook
Sightseeing
Santa Barbara Mission: A historic landmark from the Spanish Colonial days. Nice grassy area with rose garden.
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Misión de Santa Bárbara
2201 Laguna StSanta Barbara Mission: A historic landmark from the Spanish Colonial days. Nice grassy area with rose garden.
Santa Barbara Pier. Walk out over the ocean. Snap a pic with Santa Barbaras mountains and palm tree lined shoreline as your background. At the end of the pier is SB shellfish company (avoid the anther pier resataurants). You can bring a picnic and use the picnic tables at the end of the pier or order some fresh seafood and drinks from the take out window at SB shellfish company (they have tables, if you don’t mind a wait). To the left of the pier (facing the ocean) there is an art walk on Sundays. It’s a good place to browse local art, jewelry and other handmade goods as you stroll by the beach.
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Muelle Stearns Wharf
144-152 Stearns WharfSanta Barbara Pier. Walk out over the ocean. Snap a pic with Santa Barbaras mountains and palm tree lined shoreline as your background. At the end of the pier is SB shellfish company (avoid the anther pier resataurants). You can bring a picnic and use the picnic tables at the end of the pier or order some fresh seafood and drinks from the take out window at SB shellfish company (they have tables, if you don’t mind a wait). To the left of the pier (facing the ocean) there is an art walk on Sundays. It’s a good place to browse local art, jewelry and other handmade goods as you stroll by the beach.
Many sea food eateries including Brophy Brothers a local favorite. Sunset cruises and whale watching activities available.
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Puerto de Santa Bárbara
132-A Harbor WayMany sea food eateries including Brophy Brothers a local favorite. Sunset cruises and whale watching activities available.
The “funk zone” is located east of state street near the beach. On any given day, there is more to do here than Santa Barbara’s historical downtown.
Here you’ll find art galleries, and many beer and wine spots, and a handful of some of the more popular restaurants. I would definitely at least take a stroll and grab a drink and a snack.
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The Funk Zone
137 Anacapa StThe “funk zone” is located east of state street near the beach. On any given day, there is more to do here than Santa Barbara’s historical downtown.
Here you’ll find art galleries, and many beer and wine spots, and a handful of some of the more popular restaurants. I would definitely at least take a stroll and grab a drink and a snack.
Parks
Lovely place to have a picnic. Nice gardens, koi ponds with sunbathing turtles.
Alice Keck Park Memorial Gardens
1500 Santa Barbara StLarge park at the base of the Mesa overlooking our harbor. Has BBQ pits, beach access, restrooms and playground.
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Parque Shoreline
Shoreline Dr & Santa Rosa PlaceLarge park at the base of the Mesa overlooking our harbor. Has BBQ pits, beach access, restrooms and playground.
Popular Locals Beach
Henry’s (aka Arroyo Burro beach): A locals beach. To the left there are a ton of dogs with their owners and to the right you have more sunbathers and beach combers. Good for people-watching, and easy to get to. The Boathouse restaurant is a good place to grab a drink at happy hour.
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Hendrys Beach
Henry’s (aka Arroyo Burro beach): A locals beach. To the left there are a ton of dogs with their owners and to the right you have more sunbathers and beach combers. Good for people-watching, and easy to get to. The Boathouse restaurant is a good place to grab a drink at happy hour.
Butterfly beach: Nice little cove in front of the Four Seasons Biltmore. Bella Vista restaurant is located here. It’s a nice place to dine outdoors or grab a drink after a day at the beach. Beautiful view.
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Butterfly Beach
Butterfly beach: Nice little cove in front of the Four Seasons Biltmore. Bella Vista restaurant is located here. It’s a nice place to dine outdoors or grab a drink after a day at the beach. Beautiful view.
Off the beaten path beach.
More Mesa Beach: Do not google or navigate by the name of this beach as it will take you to another beach. Instead navigate to Mockingbird lane (it’s about a 10 minute drive from the house, just outside city limits). The trail starts at the end of Mockingbird lane, but you can’t park there so park on the adjacent street. The trail leads you through a field of grass, fennel, and wildflowers. It is about a 10-15 minute walk to the bluffs edge and then 150-200 steps down to the beach. This is the perfect beach if you want seclusion, but you must be willing to get a bit of exercise. If you walk right (facing the ocean) you may encounter a nude person as that side is the nudist side. But the beach is broad, and usually during the week you feel like the beach is entirely yours. To the left you shouldn’t find any nudists and you will eventually reach Hope ranch Beach followed by Henry’s Beach.
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More Mesa
More Mesa Beach: Do not google or navigate by the name of this beach as it will take you to another beach. Instead navigate to Mockingbird lane (it’s about a 10 minute drive from the house, just outside city limits). The trail starts at the end of Mockingbird lane, but you can’t park there so park on the adjacent street. The trail leads you through a field of grass, fennel, and wildflowers. It is about a 10-15 minute walk to the bluffs edge and then 150-200 steps down to the beach. This is the perfect beach if you want seclusion, but you must be willing to get a bit of exercise. If you walk right (facing the ocean) you may encounter a nude person as that side is the nudist side. But the beach is broad, and usually during the week you feel like the beach is entirely yours. To the left you shouldn’t find any nudists and you will eventually reach Hope ranch Beach followed by Henry’s Beach.
Located on the Mesa near shoreline park. There are just over 200 steps which can be steep and a bit wet near the bottom.
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1000 Steps Beach
1429 Shoreline DrLocated on the Mesa near shoreline park. There are just over 200 steps which can be steep and a bit wet near the bottom.
Mesa Lane Beach: Navigate to Mesa Lane and park at the end of the road. This is a popular local surf spot when the waves are good. There are some well built steps (quite a few) at the end of the road leading down to the beach. If you aren’t into steps or have bad knees go to Hendry’s Beach. If you walk right you will see some fallen eucalyptus trees where someone has placed some site specific art... kind of neat to take a picture. There are just over 200 steps.
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Mesa Lane Steps
Mesa Lane Beach: Navigate to Mesa Lane and park at the end of the road. This is a popular local surf spot when the waves are good. There are some well built steps (quite a few) at the end of the road leading down to the beach. If you aren’t into steps or have bad knees go to Hendry’s Beach. If you walk right you will see some fallen eucalyptus trees where someone has placed some site specific art... kind of neat to take a picture. There are just over 200 steps.
Scenic Vista
If you are up for a drive (30 minutes) into our mountains, google Lizard’s Mouth. It’s a great place to catch a view of the town and see some pretty cool sandstone rock formations. Good place for an easy hike, picnic, or sunset (temps drop at sunset and it can get windy so bring a jacket) You would take HWy 154 north and then take a left on West Camino Cielo. It’s about 4.5 miles from Hwy 154. If you reach Winchester Gun range you’ve gone about 100 yards too far. Don’t pull off at the first turnouts. Best bet is to reach the gun range and drive back 100 yards to the pullouts in front of the “lizards mouth” sign/trailhead. Keep walking to the right on the sandstone once the trail ends to reach the rockformation known as lizards mouth.
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Lizards Mouth Rock
If you are up for a drive (30 minutes) into our mountains, google Lizard’s Mouth. It’s a great place to catch a view of the town and see some pretty cool sandstone rock formations. Good place for an easy hike, picnic, or sunset (temps drop at sunset and it can get windy so bring a jacket) You would take HWy 154 north and then take a left on West Camino Cielo. It’s about 4.5 miles from Hwy 154. If you reach Winchester Gun range you’ve gone about 100 yards too far. Don’t pull off at the first turnouts. Best bet is to reach the gun range and drive back 100 yards to the pullouts in front of the “lizards mouth” sign/trailhead. Keep walking to the right on the sandstone once the trail ends to reach the rockformation known as lizards mouth.
You can navigate to Gibraltar Rock. It has incredible views and is a favorite spot for rock climbers who climb the very large sandstone rock face.
Gibraltar Rock
Gibraltar RoadYou can navigate to Gibraltar Rock. It has incredible views and is a favorite spot for rock climbers who climb the very large sandstone rock face.
Francesci Park (located in our Riviera) good for sunsets views of the city and ocean, but not much of a park to walk through. More of a historical site. If you decide to visit, stop at the mission first since it’s nearby.
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Franceschi Park
1510 Franceschi RdFrancesci Park (located in our Riviera) good for sunsets views of the city and ocean, but not much of a park to walk through. More of a historical site. If you decide to visit, stop at the mission first since it’s nearby.
Hikes
Seven Falls
This is probably one of the more popular Santa Barbara hikes. Its best enjoyed outside of droughts to ensure the pools are flowing. It’s good for those who want to be near water and rewarded with a nice dip, as well as those that prefer to follow a creek than a trail.
Getting there from the house (10-12 minute drive):
1. TakeMissionStreettowardthemountains,crossingStateSt.
2. WhenMissionSt.ends,takealeftonLagunaStreettowardthemission.
3. At the stop sign go right on Mission Canyon Road (the mission will be on your left once you turn).
4. Atthenextstopsign,takearightonFoothillRd.(Hwy192).
5. Atthenextstopsignyouwillseethefirestation.TurnleftontoMissionCanyonRoad.
6. AttheforkintheroadstayLEFTtocontinueontoTunnelRd.
7. FollowTunnelRd.totheendandparkyourcar.
***parking has been an issue as this is a very popular hike. Make sure you park to the left of the white line that marks the road. People have gotten towed. Also make sure you leave room for passing traffic as you make your way to the trail head. Can you imagine how annoying it would be to have people meandering in the middle of the road as you are driving through your neighborhood?
The Hike:
This is about a 3.2 mile roundtrip hike with an elevation gain of about 850 feet. The miles and elevation will increase if you have to park far from the trailhead (holiday weekends), or if you choose to keep following the creek up beyond the pools.
1. 2.
3.
Once you’ve parked your car walk up to the end of Tunnel Road until you see the metal gaits across the road.
Pass through the metal gaits and follow the paved Edison Rd. Don’t be put off by the paved road! Once you get to the creek its worth it ☺ Plus, you get some nice e city views from the road.
At about .75 miles you will cross the creek on a bridge. Just beyond this the road becomes dirt and you’ll reach a junction. Keep left (to the right the Edison utility road will continue for several miles)
4. A few hundred yards further you will reach another junction. Stay left on Jesusita trail instead of taking Tunnel Trail (which is right).
5. You will reach the creek at about 1 mile. At this point instead of following the trail you go right up the creek.
6. Youcanboulderhop,orgothroughthewatertoreachthefalls,whichareaseriesof small falls that spill into sandstone swimming hole basins. Some of these pools have natural slides! Have fun, be safe, and if you like jumping into the pools make sure you go feet first.
** tip: when you reach a point where you can no longer rock hop up the creek, look for hand and foot holds in the sandstone rock to the left of the creek. They can be hard to see, but they are there and pretty good if you are a decent rock climber. If this is too intimidating you can back-track a bit and follow a trail to the left around the rocks and up the creek
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Seven Falls
Tunnel RoadSeven Falls
This is probably one of the more popular Santa Barbara hikes. Its best enjoyed outside of droughts to ensure the pools are flowing. It’s good for those who want to be near water and rewarded with a nice dip, as well as those that prefer to follow a creek than a trail.
Getting there from the house (10-12 minute drive):
1. TakeMissionStreettowardthemountains,crossingStateSt.
2. WhenMissionSt.ends,takealeftonLagunaStreettowardthemission.
3. At the stop sign go right on Mission Canyon Road (the mission will be on your left once you turn).
4. Atthenextstopsign,takearightonFoothillRd.(Hwy192).
5. Atthenextstopsignyouwillseethefirestation.TurnleftontoMissionCanyonRoad.
6. AttheforkintheroadstayLEFTtocontinueontoTunnelRd.
7. FollowTunnelRd.totheendandparkyourcar.
***parking has been an issue as this is a very popular hike. Make sure you park to the left of the white line that marks the road. People have gotten towed. Also make sure you leave room for passing traffic as you make your way to the trail head. Can you imagine how annoying it would be to have people meandering in the middle of the road as you are driving through your neighborhood?
The Hike:
This is about a 3.2 mile roundtrip hike with an elevation gain of about 850 feet. The miles and elevation will increase if you have to park far from the trailhead (holiday weekends), or if you choose to keep following the creek up beyond the pools.
1. 2.
3.
Once you’ve parked your car walk up to the end of Tunnel Road until you see the metal gaits across the road.
Pass through the metal gaits and follow the paved Edison Rd. Don’t be put off by the paved road! Once you get to the creek its worth it ☺ Plus, you get some nice e city views from the road.
At about .75 miles you will cross the creek on a bridge. Just beyond this the road becomes dirt and you’ll reach a junction. Keep left (to the right the Edison utility road will continue for several miles)
4. A few hundred yards further you will reach another junction. Stay left on Jesusita trail instead of taking Tunnel Trail (which is right).
5. You will reach the creek at about 1 mile. At this point instead of following the trail you go right up the creek.
6. Youcanboulderhop,orgothroughthewatertoreachthefalls,whichareaseriesof small falls that spill into sandstone swimming hole basins. Some of these pools have natural slides! Have fun, be safe, and if you like jumping into the pools make sure you go feet first.
** tip: when you reach a point where you can no longer rock hop up the creek, look for hand and foot holds in the sandstone rock to the left of the creek. They can be hard to see, but they are there and pretty good if you are a decent rock climber. If this is too intimidating you can back-track a bit and follow a trail to the left around the rocks and up the creek
i
Lizard’s Mouth
Getting there from the house (about a 30 minute drive) :
1.
2. 3.
4. 5. 6. 7.
Take the 101 freeway north and exit State St., Hwy 154. Stay in the middle lane to go straight through the light after the off ramp to continue to Calle real.
At the next major intersection turn right onto CA-154 and ascend the mountain.
After about 7 miles near the top of the mountain you will see a left turn onto W. Camino Cielo. Go left here.
The road soon forks. Stay left on W Camino Cielo for about 3.8 miles.’ Go left here.
The road soon forks. Stay left on W Camino Cielo for about 3.8 miles.’
You will see several turn outs with parked cars. Some of these are way too far from lizard’s mouth. To make sure you don’t park too far (the fool proof way to find the trail
head), drive all the way to Winchester Gun Club. Then turn around and park bout 100 yards from here. The trail starts on the right side (ocean side) of the road.
The Hike:
The hike itself is relatively short and easy... only about .35 miles roundtrip. But you can make this outing longer if you want to spend time exploring the boulders and trails in this area. It’s a great place to watch the sunset, meteor showers, or picnic since it has spectacular views and is fairly accessible if you don’t mind driving.
1. The hike begins near a ribbed metal drainage pipe at the side of the road. About 10-20 feet from here you will see a sign that says “Lizards Mouth Rock”. Start following the trail here.
2. Youwillsoonnoticethatthisisnotjustonetrail,butanetworkoftrailsthatformaweb around the manzanita chaparral and sandstone rocks. There isn’t a right or wrong trail just keep going straight and toward the right.
3. Youwilleventuallyreachapointwheretoyourright,isalargeexpanseofsandstone rock. This is the beginning of the rock formation known as Lizard’s Mouth.
4. Keep climbing up the rock and to your right. You will see boulders with caves and rock formations. T
5. Whenyou’vereachedthehighestpoint,andtheedgeofthisrockexpanse,youare sitting on top of the Lizards Mouth. You will know you are here because you will see bolts in the rock that rock climbers have placed to top-rope down.
6. Togetaviewoftheactual“lizardsmouth”,atthetopoftherock,turnawayfromthe ocean and walk to the top of the rock. To the left you will find a trail that leads you between boulders to a spot that sits below the rock you were sitting upon (picture where rock climbers would land if they were to repel down from the bolts atop the rock). Here you can see the mouth and interesting rock formation that are great if you
enjoy bouldering, rock climbing, or just rock watching☺ .
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Lizards Mouth Rock
i
Lizard’s Mouth
Getting there from the house (about a 30 minute drive) :
1.
2. 3.
4. 5. 6. 7.
Take the 101 freeway north and exit State St., Hwy 154. Stay in the middle lane to go straight through the light after the off ramp to continue to Calle real.
At the next major intersection turn right onto CA-154 and ascend the mountain.
After about 7 miles near the top of the mountain you will see a left turn onto W. Camino Cielo. Go left here.
The road soon forks. Stay left on W Camino Cielo for about 3.8 miles.’ Go left here.
The road soon forks. Stay left on W Camino Cielo for about 3.8 miles.’
You will see several turn outs with parked cars. Some of these are way too far from lizard’s mouth. To make sure you don’t park too far (the fool proof way to find the trail
head), drive all the way to Winchester Gun Club. Then turn around and park bout 100 yards from here. The trail starts on the right side (ocean side) of the road.
The Hike:
The hike itself is relatively short and easy... only about .35 miles roundtrip. But you can make this outing longer if you want to spend time exploring the boulders and trails in this area. It’s a great place to watch the sunset, meteor showers, or picnic since it has spectacular views and is fairly accessible if you don’t mind driving.
1. The hike begins near a ribbed metal drainage pipe at the side of the road. About 10-20 feet from here you will see a sign that says “Lizards Mouth Rock”. Start following the trail here.
2. Youwillsoonnoticethatthisisnotjustonetrail,butanetworkoftrailsthatformaweb around the manzanita chaparral and sandstone rocks. There isn’t a right or wrong trail just keep going straight and toward the right.
3. Youwilleventuallyreachapointwheretoyourright,isalargeexpanseofsandstone rock. This is the beginning of the rock formation known as Lizard’s Mouth.
4. Keep climbing up the rock and to your right. You will see boulders with caves and rock formations. T
5. Whenyou’vereachedthehighestpoint,andtheedgeofthisrockexpanse,youare sitting on top of the Lizards Mouth. You will know you are here because you will see bolts in the rock that rock climbers have placed to top-rope down.
6. Togetaviewoftheactual“lizardsmouth”,atthetopoftherock,turnawayfromthe ocean and walk to the top of the rock. To the left you will find a trail that leads you between boulders to a spot that sits below the rock you were sitting upon (picture where rock climbers would land if they were to repel down from the bolts atop the rock). Here you can see the mouth and interesting rock formation that are great if you
enjoy bouldering, rock climbing, or just rock watching☺ .
Inspiration Point
This another one of the most popular Santa Barbara hikes. It is popular with trail runners and people who prefer views over swimming. To take this hike everything is the same, except instead of following the creek up to Seven Falls you cross the creek and continue on Jesusita Trail. It is about 3.5 miles roundtrip, and when you reach the summit at the fire road, you will have spectacular city and channel island (depending on the weather) views. It’s a nice place to watch the sunset, and the return hike is primarily downhill.
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Inspiration Point Trailhead
Spyglass Ridge RoadInspiration Point
This another one of the most popular Santa Barbara hikes. It is popular with trail runners and people who prefer views over swimming. To take this hike everything is the same, except instead of following the creek up to Seven Falls you cross the creek and continue on Jesusita Trail. It is about 3.5 miles roundtrip, and when you reach the summit at the fire road, you will have spectacular city and channel island (depending on the weather) views. It’s a nice place to watch the sunset, and the return hike is primarily downhill.
Coffee Shops
These coffee shops serve good coffee and are good places to work or just relax.
Located in the “funk zone” (an unfortunate name for a popular neighborhood), dart shares a space with the restaurant “Tiger Tiger”.
You’ll recognize the building, by its giant Tiger head painted on its corner.
There’s ample seating to work or just enjoy your coffee, or you can cross the street to a charming public garden, or head to the waterfront for a stroll.
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Dart Coffee Co
121 E Yanonali StLocated in the “funk zone” (an unfortunate name for a popular neighborhood), dart shares a space with the restaurant “Tiger Tiger”.
You’ll recognize the building, by its giant Tiger head painted on its corner.
There’s ample seating to work or just enjoy your coffee, or you can cross the street to a charming public garden, or head to the waterfront for a stroll.
One of the closer/better coffee shops near the house, Cajé is across from the iconic Arlington Theater. It’s an indoor outdoor vibe that’s a great place to get work done in a unique and tranquil ambiance.
Picture resort type lounges around a fountain and lovely potted plants.
If you’re a fan of more exotic offerings they have much to offer aside from the standard drip coffee.
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CAJÉ
1316 State StOne of the closer/better coffee shops near the house, Cajé is across from the iconic Arlington Theater. It’s an indoor outdoor vibe that’s a great place to get work done in a unique and tranquil ambiance.
Picture resort type lounges around a fountain and lovely potted plants.
If you’re a fan of more exotic offerings they have much to offer aside from the standard drip coffee.
Handlebar has great coffee and is also relatively close to the house (the De La Vina St location).
You’ll find some tasty pastries and locally made goods like honey, soap, and candles.
Handlebar Coffee Roasters
Handlebar has great coffee and is also relatively close to the house (the De La Vina St location).
You’ll find some tasty pastries and locally made goods like honey, soap, and candles.
In the heart of downtown, this coffee shop shares a space with Buena Onda Empanadas.
If you walk straight through to the back there is a nice outdoor courtyard.
Old Town Coffee Santa Barbara
In the heart of downtown, this coffee shop shares a space with Buena Onda Empanadas.
If you walk straight through to the back there is a nice outdoor courtyard.