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Santa Barbara, CA is one of the most popular coastal cities in the United States and it is known for its Mediterranean climate, beautiful beaches, and stunning architecture. It is also a hub of activity with plenty of things to do ranging from art galleries to outdoor activities to fine dining experiences. Santa Barbara has been ranked as a top destination for tourists year after year, and reviews of the city often reflect its reputation as one of California's best destinations. People visiting Santa Barbara can expect to find a vibrant downtown area full of shopping and entertainment options, plus plenty of opportunities to take advantage of the nearby Pacific Ocean with surfing and kayaking at some of the world’s best beaches. Outdoor enthusiasts will also appreciate miles of hiking trails that provide ample opportunity for exploration around Santa Barbara’s stunning landscapes. All in all, visitors will find that there is something for everyone when they come to Santa Barbara – whether they are looking for a relaxing getaway or an action-packed vacation.
based on 51 ReviewsGet to know Santa Barbara with the latest comments and reviews from people who live in or have visited Santa Barbara
santa barbara marina - 9/26/2008
Of all marina's on the US west coast, the one in Santa Barbara ranks as one of the most pretty. Beautifull back drop of palm trees, cliffs, mountains, ocean and sometimes (depends on ocean fog) islands views. Downtown state street, beaches, musea, wharf, and great bike path's within walking distance. Harbor relatively small (1104 vessels), yet interesting mix of vessels and occasional super yachts. One meets people from literally all walks of life within a few acres and many foreigners and sailors from around the world. Excellent sailing weather with predictable winds in the afternoons. Harbor restaurants extremely popular. The funny thing is that quite a few yacht club members have no boats but enjoy the scene so much they joined anyhow. On the down side is the scarce availability of boat slips and if you have a multi hulled vessel, forget it. Micro climate better than the city itself due to the ocean breeze. A stunning place. "Wet Wednesday" during the Summer months provide
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What You See is Not What You get - 9/22/2008
Although Santa Barbara is still a very beautiful coastal gem, it went missing on the caliber of people who visit especially on State St. I been is SoCal for over 50 years and am not comparing the way it used to be kind of thinking. I am not a snob but I have never seen such a freak show as I have on the last few time visiting. There are more homeless and scrungy people who would probably be there no matter what the state of the economy is. The locals and store owners/staff never acknowledge you or even have a simple greeting. I walked downtown and the pier for hours and not one person said hello. I got to view numerous tatoos, cheesey outfits and outfits that came from a real lack of class or style. The prices for products and food is so far out of range you wonder why you went here in the first place. After many years of visiting the Santa Barbara area, I will probably not have a desire to go back, I would drive further up the coast and hopefully not find another area that has not
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Looking for the best climate?? - 7/20/2008
I am glad that my mom left Ohio early in her teaching career to live in California. I am fortunate to have lived in Santa Barbara, Ca. my entire life. Is the housing a lot more? Yes. However, we don't have bugs, humidity, and I can golf year-round with average temps. around 72. Many visitors from all over the World venture to this city each year and marvel at its beauty. There is plenty to do all year long. We have a great diversity of culture, so if you prefer a "one size fits all" type town, this might not be your place. SB is very accepting and it is one of the things that my wife and I love about our
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Beautiful Santa Barbara! - 6/5/2008
I have lived in Santa Barbara my whole life.
Yes...it is expensive, but if you can find a way to manage the cost, you are living in one of the best cities in the world.
It is a little on the small side, so if you like big cities you may think SB is too small.
Lots of things to do for a city its size there is the beach and the mountains, and nice people.
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lovely santa barbara - 5/2/2008
santa barbara california is certainly a jewel amongst cities. it's beautiful sandy beaches look out to the channel islands in the distance, with 4,000 foot coastal mountains as it's backdrop.
the city has strict ordinances about building, building design, advertising, signage. all of this is designed to keep the city looking as gorgeous as it does. downtown and residencial streets are treelined and landscaped, the streets are windy and picturesque. neighborhoods meander up into the foothills and residences of santa barbara take pride in their homes and gardens. downtown is charming and an easy stroll from beachfront hotels.
santa barbara is expensive as is most coastal united states cities, but santa barbara's temperate climate adds to its liveability, as well as it's moderate population. it takes a total of 20 minutes to drive across town. how very civilized!!
i love santa barbara, it is my home and my
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lovely santa barbara - 5/2/2008
santa barbara california is certainly a jewel amongst cities. it's beautiful sandy beaches look out to the channel islands in the distance, with 4,000 foot coastal mountains as it's backdrop.
the city has strict ordinances about building, building design, advertising, signage. all of this is designed to keep the city looking as gorgeous as it does. downtown and residencial streets are treelined and landscaped, the streets are windy and picturesque. neighborhoods meander up into the foothills and residences of santa barbara take pride in their homes and gardens. downtown is charming and an easy stroll from beachfront hotels.
santa barbara is expensive as is most coastal united states cities, but santa barbara's temperate climate adds to its liveability, as well as it's moderate population. it takes a total of 20 minutes to drive across town. how very civilized!!
i love santa barbara, it is my home and my
Read More
our beautiful home - 5/2/2008
santa barbara california is certainly a jewel amongst cities. it's beautiful sandy beaches look out to the channel islands in the distance, with 4,000 foot coastal mountains as it's backdrop.
the city has strict ordinances about building, building design, advertising, signage. all of this is designed to keep the city looking as gorgeous as it does. downtown and residencial streets are treelined and landscaped, the streets are windy and picturesque. neighborhoods meander up into the foothills and residences of santa barbara take pride in their homes and gardens. downtown is charming and an easy stroll from beachfront hotels.
santa barbara is expensive as is most coastal united states cities, but santa barbara's temperate climate adds to its liveability, as well as it's moderate population. it takes a total of 20 minutes to drive across town. how very civilized!!
i love santa barbara, it is my home and my
Read More
our beautiful home - 5/2/2008
santa barbara california is certainly a jewel amongst cities. it's beautiful sandy beaches look out to the channel islands in the distance, with 4,000 foot coastal mountains as it's backdrop.
the city has strict ordinances about building, building design, advertising, signage. all of this is designed to keep the city looking as gorgeous as it does. downtown and residencial streets are treelined and landscaped, the streets are windy and picturesque. neighborhoods meander up into the foothills and residences of santa barbara take pride in their homes and gardens. downtown is charming and an easy stroll from beachfront hotels.
santa barbara is expensive as is most coastal united states cities, but santa barbara's temperate climate adds to its liveability, as well as it's moderate population. it takes a total of 20 minutes to drive across town. how very civilized!!
i love santa barbara, it is my home and my
Read More
Outrageously expensive - 4/8/2008
Santa Barbara can't be beat in terms of climate, and as a result, housing prices here are out of the ballpark for most of us. I don't even think the recent national downturn in housing prices has happened
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Housing is Overpriced - 3/4/2008
I have been living in Santa Barbara for 3 years now. There are many good things about living here besides the obvious, very beautiful surroundings - beach, mountains, climate - it's lovely. The people are very kind and there is much to do in a small-town way. I'm fortunate that I have a great job with a great salary, but rent for my 615 sq.ft. apartment is $1,350! I've been looking for 2 years to move into a better, quieter place, and unfortunately rents have gone out of control (just check Craigslist and you'll get the idea). Studio apartments with kitchenettes are renting for $1,200-$2,350 and 99% of places do not allow pets. Before you move here, take into consideration that there is a high student population, so you will be vying for living space with students who are forced to shack up in increasing numbers in a town that is very, very limited in decent, quality rentals/homes. Also, there seems to be a high population of illegal immigrants who don't mind squeezing an entire
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