Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara, California, US - Stearn's Wharf, Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara is a city and metropolitan area less than 100 miles from Los Angeles but vastly different in pace from its huge neighbor to the south. With a temperate climate and lush natural environs and the "Riviera of the West" is a pleasant day or weekend trip from L.A. Its wide beaches, highly rated Cafes, and a large variety of shopping and dining choices enable the town of just 90,000 residents to enjoy the sort of cultural and social amenities which are usually found only in much larger cities.

Santa Barbara Halal Travel Guide

Although the common perception of Santa Barbara is as a playground for the rich and famous and the reality is that the average income within city limits is only slightly higher than California as a whole. Notable for its California Mission-style architecture (a long-standing local ordinance ensures that all commercial construction follows the Mission theme, which results in a plethora of red-tiled roofs and faux adobe supermarkets), local residents are intensely proud of their city's roots and traditions, and a number of hugely popular festivals throughout the year celebrate the many cultures found in the city. In addition and the city's large Latino population, concentrated in the east side of the city around Milpas Street, means there are a great many tacquerias and Mexican restaurants to be found. Santa Barbara has also been influenced by Los Angeles' food-truck scene.

Orientation

Santa Barbara Airport 5173 - Santa Barbara Airport

The city of Santa Barbara is part of what's known as the South Coast, so named because the coastline between Point Conception and the city of Ventura faces more south than west. The road that serves as the city's nexus is State Street, which runs roughly north–south in and near downtown and east-west in the uptown area. It continues west as Hollister Avenue through Goleta. The area immediately to the east of lower State Street, between the waterfront and Highway 101, is known as the Funk Zone and features a more off-the-beaten-path experience that is still immediately adjacent to the downtown area. The Latino part of town is on the east side of the city and has its own main street, Milpas Street, which is almost a mile away from, but parallel to, State Street in and near downtown. Upper State Street connects to Highway 154, a state highway that connects Santa Barbara with Los Olivos and country.

Santa Barbara's downtown neighborhoods are generally working, middle- and upper-middle-class areas, while Montecito to the east of the city and Hope Ranch to the west are the city's wealthy enclaves, known as part-time hideouts for Hollywood celebrities and rich retirees.

Santa Barbara Visitors Center | 1 Garden Street, downtown 34.414259, -119.68714 ☎ +1 805-965-3021 | Opening Hours: 9AM (10AM on Sunday) - 5PM (4PM November - Jan) Has information about Santa Barbara, including maps, pricing and hours of attractions, restaurant guides, bus and waterfront shuttle schedules.

How is the Climate in Santa Barbara

Bars

In addition to Santa Barbara tasting and the region is also full of cafes. Many of them cater to crowds of students from the nearby university. Thursday nights are the official college night of downtown bars at which time the drinks are particularly cheap. Really any bar on lower State Street is Fun on Thursday nights to relive those college days.

Dargan's Irish Pub & Restaurant - 18 E Ortega Street 34.419076, -119.697467 ☎ +1 805 568-0702 | Opening Hours: 11:30AM Monday - Sportsbar with Irish music. Good lamb stew.

Elsie's 117 West De La Guerra Street 34.417936, -119.70094 ☎ +1 805 963-4503 - Neighborhood organic juice and joint with good music. Meet the local residents out back in the outdoor smoking area or over rounds of swimmingpool inside. It is a former bike shop turned into a comfy café. It can get very crowded.

Intermezzo Bar + Cafe - 819 Anacapa Street 34.421171, -119.699063 ☎ +1 805 966-9463 | Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 4PM Monday - , Saturday noon- The place has a wide selection of soft drinks per glass. It's the bar of the upscale cask restaurant. It serves simple food plates too.

The James Joyce - 513 State Street 34.41706, -119.696131 ☎ +1 805 962-2688 | Opening Hours: 10AM Monday - 2AM daily Yes, it's an Irish pub, or "A Traditional Irish Bar." Free peanuts, karaoke, a fireplace and dixieland jazz bands on the weekend. Guinness flows freely.

Joe's Cafe - State Street 536 34.417766, -119.696434 ☎ +1 805 966-4638 | Opening Hours: 7:30AM Monday - 11PM This upbeat and steakhouse severs the stiffest drinks on State St. Have a couple at the beginning of the night.

Cruisery 501 State Street 34.416819, -119.695778 ☎ +1 805 730-1040 | Opening Hours: M–Thursday 11:30AM–11PM, F–Su 11:30AM–midnight The revamped location of the old Santa Barbara Company; still features good quality organic juice but has a significantly more interesting and better, though still reasonably priced, food menu. The name refers to its bicycle themed decor.

SOhO Restaurant and Music Club - 1221 State Street 34.42343, -119.705729 ☎ +1 805 962-7776 - Jazz/live music club above Victoria Court.

Wildcat Lounge - 15 West Ortega Street 34.41814, -119.698473 ☎ +1 805 962-7970 - Danceclub.

The Press Room 15 E Ortega Street 34.4192, -119.6976 ☎ +1 805 963-8121 - Small, friendly bar with a very English vibe. Popular spot for watching European soccer. Sometimes keeps fairly oddball hours to accommodate important matches in distant time zones.

Telegraph Brewing - 418 North Salsipuedes Street ☎ +1 (805) 963-5018 - No-frills (well, besides a dartboard) tasting room for Santa Barbara's premier sheesha lounge. Located in a neighborhood that has stubbornly resisted gentrification, it's nonetheless popular with local residents due to its excellent organic juice and friendly bartenders. No food other than the usual basic packaged bar Snacks.

Cafés

There are several good places to relax in Santa Barbara:

The Andersen's - 1106 State Street 34.422669, -119.70332 ☎ +1 805 962-5085 - Very perfect café and pasteries and the place is ideal for breakfast. On the happy hour they serve for special prices. It established itself in 1976 and expanded since. One can dine here too. Many people stop by for pastries on the go.

D'Angelo Bakery 25 West Gutierrez Street 34.415155, -119.694774 ☎ +1 805 962-5466 - Great Muslim Friendly place to start the day with a breakfast. It offers poached eggs, delicious omelets all accompagned with their bread or home made pastries.

The French Press 1101 State Street 34.422492, -119.703481 ☎ +1 805 963-2721 | Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 6AM Monday - 7PM, Saturday 7AM Monday - 7PM, Sunday 8AM Monday - 7PM The café serves fine espressos, Chocolates chais, various leaf teas and also fine pastries. One can buy great coffee beans.

Handlebar Coffee Roasters - 128 E. Canon Perdido St. 34.42231, -119.698543 Opening from Monday to Saturday 7AM–5PM, Sunday 8AM–1PM The Handlebar is owned by two former pro-cyclist. They bring that same focus and dedication to detail to in-house roasting, espressos, brewed coffees, teas and their selection of baked goods from local bakers. You'll find baristas and extremely friendly stuff doing excellent coffee together with fine croissants.

Savoy Cafe & Deli - 24 West Figueroa Street 34.421824, -119.703969 ☎ +1 805-962-6611 - Opening from Monday to Saturday 7:30AM Monday - 8PM, Sunday 7:30AM Monday - 5PM Good breakfast with large selection of leaf teas. Serves great sandwiches to go.

Other

The local ice creams or blenders are great for the go or to relax on one of the state street benches.

Blenders In the Grass - 720 State Street 34.419211, -119.698577 ☎ +1 805 962-5715 | Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 7AM–8PM, Saturday Sunday 8AM–8PM The juice shop sells pressed fruity juices with several feasible supplements for the go. The local chain has 12 shops in and around Santa Barbara.

McConnell's Fine Ice Creams - 728 State Street 34.419443, -119.69891 ☎ +1 805 324-4402 - Selling handcrafted local ice creams from Santa Barbara since 1949.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Santa Barbara, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Santa Barbara. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Santa Barbara and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Santa Barbara. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Santa Barbara. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inSanta Barbara: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Santa Barbara.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Santa Barbara: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Santa Barbara, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Santa Barbara.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Santa Barbara, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Santa Barbara, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Santa Barbara and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Santa Barbara, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Santa Barbara, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Santa Barbara without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Santa Barbara is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Santa Barbara.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Santa Barbara is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Santa Barbara, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Santa Barbara Media: info@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly Hotels

Aerial-SantaBarbaraCA10-28-08 - Aerial photo of Santa Barbara, showing its position between the ocean and the mountains

Santa Barbara has a huge number of hotels and motels, ranging from Motel 6 to Fess Parker's astonishing Doubletree Resort. One thing you won't find here is dives. Prices are before tax; allow another 8% for tax.

Motel 6 Santa Barbara - Beach - 443 Corona Del Mar 34.418084, -119.671025 ☎ +1 805 564-1392 - $92-264 Basic simple hotel room with bed, private bath, small pool, and TV. Has air conditioning, but noisy in window units. Friendly staff. About 75 yards to the beach. This was the world's first Motel 6.

Presidio Motel - 1620 State Street 34.427814, -119.709986 ☎ +1 805 963-1355 - $109+ for king-size bed This sweet motel is run by a charming young couple, with a foible for mid-century design. Free wireless internet and some books on design or art are likely to be part of the rooms set up, as much as TV and a coffee and muffin in the morning.

Sandpiper Lodge - 3525 State Street 34.439329, -119.739397 U.S. Highway 101, exit Las Positas Road, 0.8 miles north, left onto State Street, in 0.3 miles is 3525 State Street ☎ +1 805 687-5326 +1-800-405-6343 $100-150 In addition to conventional guest rooms and there are two-bedroom units (good for families), as well as one- and two-bedroom apartments include a full kitchen. Free wireless internet in guest rooms and in lobby.

Santa Barbara Tourist Hostel - 134 Chapala Street 34.413121, -119.692418 This has been an amazingly affordable but pleasant backpacker two blocks from the beach. It has been "temporarily closed for renovations" since December 2013.

Mid-range

Avania Inn of Santa Barbara - 128 Castillo Street - Pillow-top beds, 32" LCD HD TVs, free breakfast, free parking, free Internet. Located 1 block from the beaches.

Brisas Del Mar, Inn at the Beach - 223 Castillo Street A Mediterranean-style villa two blocks from the beaches and yacht harbor.

Best Western Encina Lodge & Suites - 2220 Bath Street Offers lodging accommodations including suites and apartments with small luxury hotel amenities and bed and breakfast charm near local tourist attractions.

Colonial Beach Inn - 206 Castillo Street Mocated near the beach, Amtrak Station, golf and Cafes. Offers lodging accommodations reminiscent of the romantic American South and a variety of hotel packages.

Country Inn by the Sea - 128 Castillo Street ☎ +1 805-963-4471 - Mocated 1 block to the waterfront and beach. King beds, jacuzzi rooms, queen beds and 2 double beds. Free breakfast and cookies and milk every evening. Heated swimmingpool & spa, his and hers sauna.

Inn by the Harbor - 433 W. Montecito Street The Inn by the Harbor is an enchanting Spanish colonial hotel and resort offering vacation packages from country to whale watching. Extended stay lodging is also available.

The Eagle Inn - 232 Natoma Ave 34.4106, -119.6943 ☎ +1 805-965-3586 - Santa Barbara bed and breakfast. King- or queen-size bed, private bath, whirlpool tub, fireplace, balcony/patio, high speed Internet, etc. Free on-site parking, complimentary continental breakfast.

Hotel Santa Barbara - 533 State Street +1-800-549-9869 "European-style" hotel smack in the middle of Santa Barbara's busy downtown shopping area. $129–219, ask about midweek specials.

Ramada Santa Barbara - ☎ +1 805 964-3511 +1 805 964-0075 4770 Calle Real. Beautiful gardens and freshwater lagoon. Complimentary deluxe continental breakfast, Wifi, parking, free offsite fitness center & airport shuttle. AAA 3 diamond. $99–119.

The Wayfarer - 12 E Montecito Street 34.415028, -119.692361 ☎ +1 805 845-1000 - $150-274 - Guest rooms for two or three. Also lists all-female or all-male dorm rooms for up to five, and a shared kitchen. Free wireless internet. Close to the beach and the "funk zone". Whimsical animal-themed decor. Very close to the Amtrak train station.

Old Yacht Club Inn | 431 Corona Del Mar Dr ☎ +1 805 962-1277 - $169 – 459 14-suite Bed and Breakfast on East Beach in Santa Barbara. Charming inn with fireplaces, whirlpool tubs & bicycles.

Luxury

Canary Hotel - 31 West Carrillo Street 34.4204, -119.7025 ☎ +1 805-884-0300 +1 805-884-8153A boutique hotel near State Street in downtown Santa Barbara. Amenities include function space for meetings and wedding receptions, spa service, and dog friendly accommodations. Also has a great rooftop bar with wonderful views, exclusively for hotel guests.

Cheshire Cat Inn - 36 West Valerio Street 34.4277, -119.7113 ☎ +1 805-569-1610 Checkin - 3PM / Check-out: noon $179-400 The Cheshire Cat Inn features three stately Queen Anne Victorians, an elegant Coach House, three cottages, all surrounded by flower-filled gardens and patios. The Inn is located in a residential area, one block from Santa Barbara's main shopping street. Each of the sunny guest rooms and cottages is uniquely furnished and ranges from the elegant to the whimsical. Some are larger split-level junior suites with private balconies; others have in-room Jacuzzi tubs and fireplaces. Amenities may include TV/DVD, ironing boards and refrigerators. All the rooms have private baths and telephones. Breakfast is served daily and is included in the rate.

El Encanto Hotel and Garden Villas - 1900 Lasuen Road 34.4385, -119.7035 +1-800-393-5117 +1 805 687-3903 Good views and a favorite with the glitterati, like Diane Lane, Barbra Streisand, and Sharon Stone.

Fess Parker's Doubletree Resort - 633 East Cabrillo Blvd 34.416530, -119.676883 ☎ +1 805 564-4333 +1-800-879-2929 $255-735 24-acre oceanside resort. Starting around $255 for a two queen bedded room, up to $735 for a Presidential Suite with whirlpool bath. Add $25 for breakfast for two adults. Enter off Calle Puerto Vallarta.

Harbor View Inn - 28 W. Cabrillo Blvd 34.4120, -119.6894 Boutique 4-diamond family friendly beachfront hotel. All rooms and suites have a patio or balcony.

Pacifica Suites - 5490 Hollister Ave +1-800-338-6722 +1 805 683-4121 $169–$209All-suite hotel adjacent to the beautifully restored Sexton House, an 1880s architectural landmark. Meeting space and conference facilities.

San Ysidro Ranch - 900 San Ysidro Ln ☎ +1 805 565-1700 - "Hotel ranch," with room, suite and villa accommodations, dining, day trips to local beaches and Cafes, guided hiking.

Simpson House Inn - 121 East Arrellaga Street 34.4281, -119.7086 +1-800-676-1280 A historic Italianate Victorian manor considered one of the best preserved and restored homes of its perioid in California. Guestrooms inside the estate house, private English style cottages and four rooms in the Carriage House. Landscaped gardens, wood-burning fireplaces and personalized service. All rates include daily gourmet breakfast, evening tasting and hors d'oeuvres and complimentary parking. Rates from $235 to $615.

News & References Santa Barbara

Travel Next

Although Santa Barbara is somewhat geographically isolated, with only one major route in or out of the city and the surrounding area is rife with fascinating side-trips.

Wine Tasting 133 - Santa Barbara Wine Country

Cachuma Lake Recreation Area - This rural county park in the hills, about 18 miles up Route 154, makes for a pleasant day trip for kayaking or hiking, or you can arrange to camp there.
Channel Islands National Park - Channel Islands National Park is a series of islands that are home to incredible marine life, beautiful and remote scenery, and the wily Channel Islands fox. While most trips to the Channel Islands depart from Ventura, Truth Aquatics runs trips from Santa Barbara.
Goleta - Neighboring Santa Barbara to the west, Goleta offers similar beaches and resorts to its more famous neighbor. It is also home to a grove of trees that is an overwintering area for monarch butterflies, with the insects gathering in huge numbers each year from mid-November until mid-February.
Los Olivos - About 50 miles north of Santa Barbara on Highway 154. This is a cute little one-horse town with about 20 local fruit cocktailry tasting rooms lined up on Grand St. A great place to go tasting without having to drive a zillion miles from fruit cocktailry to fruit cocktailry.
Montecito - This affluent town is located just south of Santa Barbara and is home to the rich and famous, including Oprah Winfrey. Montecito Village is home to some interesting shops and markets, while upscale resorts can be found on the coast.
Solvang - Located roughly 40 miles north of Santa Barbara in the Santa Ynez Valley, Solvang is a gingerbread town. What must have started several decade back as a small "Little Denmark" tourist trap has grown into an entire town and surrounding community obsessed with its own overwhelming Danishness. Every sign, roof, light post and pothole is Danish-themed here, and reports of wandering bands of drunken men in plastic Viking helmets are firmly founded in reality. Take Highway 101 north/west to Buellton (the home of the original Pea Soup Anderson's), exit at the Highway 246 offramp and follow the destination signs to Solvang. If you're up for a twisty drive, take Highway 154 (commonly called the San Marcos Pass) back to Santa Barbara at sunset and enjoy an unforgettable view.
Santa Ynez - 31 miles northwest of Santa Barbara, Santa Ynez sits at the heart of the rural Santa Ynez valley, an area that attracts travelers to its many Cafes. The valley was the setting for the 2004 film Sideways, and fans of the film are known to make pilgrimages to the inns and restaurants from the movie.
Wine Country. North on US 101 in the Solvang region.
Los Angeles is about 90 miles down the coast, but whether you take the 101 or the Pacific Coast Highway (Route 1), be prepared for a major tie-up somewhere along your route in the best of times. Without traffic and the trip could take an hour and a half, but actual driving time is often easily twice that and can be more. Both routes have their appeal, though, as after they diverge in Ventura, Route 1 goes past beautiful coastline and the Malibu Cliffs, whereas the 101 ultimately climbs high into the hills.