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Stunning, Quirky Santa Barbara

Side Street in Santa Barbara

Dear Polite Travelers,

After more than a year of hiding out from a mega virus and feeling travel deprived, we decided to drive eight hours from our hamlet in Davis, Ca to America’s Riviera: Santa Barbara.

Typically, we would scout out all must-sees in the city and perhaps take a tour to learn more.  Not this time.  We had a scant two full days and felt we needed less educational input and more pure bliss.  Santa Barbara certainly delivered on that.

Soak in the Fresh Ocean Air

Arriving late in the afternoon, we decided to spend our first few hours in our hotel: Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort.  Our lovely room included a balcony with a peek-through ocean view and heady scents from the gardens down below sedating our over-busy minds.  

Freshening up, we headed to our hotel’s beachfront restaurant, The Set.  While observing the mesmerizing ocean scene, we leisurely enjoyed a light dinner with wine until our stress utterly melted away. 

Quirky Lives on State Street

For the next two days, we spent most of our time strolling on or around the eight-block State Street promenade.  On visual overload, I studied the intricacies and attention to detail in most everything I spotted, from the ornate chairs staged in front of an average restaurant, to the shiny red chandelier staged at the opening of another.  This is a seriously quirky place. 

Not So Hidden Bits of History

Look closely at each building.  What do you see?  Just the quirky or is there something more...historical.  I’m not talking Europe-type historical.  After all, California as we know it is relatively young.  Still, a few hundred years is historical to me. 

Many of the buildings are either Spanish Colonial or Mexican Adobe, although most of it feels and appears Mediterranean.  True to the architectural styles, I find hidden courtyards filled with gardens featuring climbing fragrant flowering vines.  Lovely colorful tiles line semi-hidden staircases.  Adding to the charm of this historical city, carved faces, objects and cornices adorn and enhance many buildings of this area.

Beauty. Just Because.

Attention to detail is everywhere, and it isn’t all quirky.  Besides looking up, or even around.  Look down when walking the sidewalks of this street.  Some are imprinted with a giant octagon.  Why?  I assume it’s just because they’re pretty and unique.  I mean really.  How many cities have giant octagons on their sidewalks?   

One of the many fountains sported a dolphin spilling water while a turtle enjoys a bath.  In fact, dolphin and turtle statues appear in quite a few areas.  A bronze statue of Benjamin Franklin sits on a bench reading a newspaper while a bronze bird observes. 

Will We Return?

With so many beautiful places to see and people to meet, it’s difficult at this golden age to repeat a trip even if it was wonderful.  That said, I love Santa Barbara.  The people are nice, the weather is pleasant, and the beauty of the place is ingrained in my mind.  The fusion of the sea, mountains, and architectural beauty is a healthy tonic for a weary soul.  So, yes, we will return.

Please Read

City Review: Morro Bay, CA

Mobility Issues: Paso Robles, CA

California Travels: Solvang, CA

 

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