The woman working at the desk was extremely rude and unhelpful. I was in shock that anyone would…read moreturn away someone who is truly interested in history. She would not let me enter because I had forgotten my sticker and program from the Presidio in my car (I had just finished touring the Presidio and the unhelpful male worker there told me that the other museum was free, which is why I left it in the car. ) The rude woman said I could walk all the way back to my car in the oppressive heat to fetch the brochure. She chose not to believe a 50 year old teacher....a prime example of someone who can't see the forest for the trees.

Came to a wedding here recently and it was beautiful. Such a lovely outdoor setting. Very Santa…read moreBarbara. Easily accommodated the ceremony, cocktail hour, dinner, and reception/dancing. Feels private enough with fencing lining the nearby sidewalk. Definitely made for some awesome photo opportunities for the happy couple. There are parking structures nearby and restrooms available on-site.

This Adobe is quite well maintained, at least it appears that way. There is a plaque noting the…read morestatus as a California Registered Historic Landmark No. 721. The address 11 East Carrillo St. Is prominently displayed. The doors are locked. There are no posted hours. Looking inside I see a big bankers meeting room table and chairs. So I don't know what is up with the historical status, but it looks like the bank owns it and it is part of their offices. Sorry.

Amazing that this 185 year building is still standing. Stop #4 on the Red Tile Walking Tour.read more

Bellosguardo has an amazing history to share with the world. It's a must see! The estate has been…read morepreserved for over 60 years and is truly a Santa Barbara landmark

Touring Bellosguardo was a wonderful experience. It was full of delights and surprises. The art,…read morefurnishings, and instruments are remarkable. I look forward to returning in the future when additional areas of the house are opened to the public.

Was a fun roadtrip got there a bit late and it was cloudy unfortunately but it was still a…read morebeautiful sight and relaxing to sit and view with your significant other

Given it being Valentine's Day Eve, it seems quite appropriate to review a Santa Barbara gem. The…read morelocals--particularly UCSB students--know it as "Kissing Point." You don't need to use your imagination why: Simply venture here at sunrise/sunset and you'll be macking with whomever is closest to you due to the natural romance in the Californian air. It also helps that the temperature is sometimes +10* warmer since it is in the mountains. ;) History: Kissing Point is about a third of the way up (or three-quarters of the way down depending on your route) Old San Marcos Road. This was the original stagecoach route to cross over the mountains prior to the current San Marcos Pass/Route 154 between 1861 and 1901. There are a few weathered historical markers along the way but anyone will easily be impressed by the hard work put into carving out the road. How to get here?: The easiest route to reach Kissing Point is by exiting off the 101 Freeway at Patterson Rd and going toward the mountains, turn right on Cathedral Oaks, then turn left when you've reached San Marcos Rd. Kissing Point consists of only two unmarked dirt pull-offs (one now with bollards due to erosion). There is also a third and fourth pull-off much further up hill but with very limited space. What do I see?: The views are from the Santa Ynez Foothills down into Santa Barbara and Goleta Valley with easy landmarks being the Santa Barbara Airport, University of California Santa Barbara (UCSB), Old Town Goleta, the Pacific Ocean's Santa Barbara Channel, and almost all of the Channel Islands in the distance on a clear day (from north to south: San Miguel, Santa Rosa, Santa Cruz--the most obviously, and Anacapa Islands). I am spoiled to have this scenic drive only minutes from my house since it offers not only some of the best aerial views (ie particularly from Kissing Point) but also a backroad option to access Route 154 that goes over the Santa Ynez Mountains toward popular destinations including Lake Cachuma, Santa Ynez Valley Wine Country, and Solvang. A few tips: - I have included the precise location on the Yelp map, in addition to GPS coordinates, in the Quick Tips. - Check out my video of the drive down this twisty road with views for days: https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select_video=OgU4LsTKlJ7Eqyh60KKdcA&userid=4DyMRBKrokax6d8LCI3GAw. - People love to drive extremely fast up and down (including myself). Be cautious of mountain bikers and motorcycles, particularly around the two hairpin U-turns toward the top. - As the signs heed, put on your headlights during the night AND day. - Please clean up after yourself. Unfortunately there is plenty of trash and glass bottles left behind. Don't be this person.

You can cross this sanctuary on the way to the islands of the Channel Islands National Park. The…read moreNOAA is in charge, apparently, of the sanctuary. Good chance to view wildlife.

50 Acres of prime, beachfront property has been allocated to protecting natural vegetation and sea…read moreanimals. The unique ecology of an estuary provides a wetland habitat for fragile species to breed before becoming extinct. Student docents monitor the habitat, take notes and stop humans from trampling on the bird nests. The data that they collect is combined so that scientists can review the characteristics over time and identify shifts in temperature, water salinity, dissolved oxygen and water clarity with the goal of protecting this special habitat. At least 290 species of birds reside in the Devereux slough and it is considered one of the top 10 birding grounds in the western US. UCSB maintains this estuary with the support of grants. The beach at Devereux Sloughs is a surfing beach and when the slough closes up the beach is a great walking beach. I love protected wildlife areas and write this review not to encourage more traffic in the area, but to encourage people to proactively preserve areas like this that help maintain a diverse, healthy population of exotic plant and animal life.

Pretty place, and good for bird watching of aquatic birds. Don't leave your car alone, literally…read more You can only bird while you are standing next to your car.

Spectacular view of the Space-X Falcon 9 Launch on 16 June 2025, from Vandenburg Space Force Base…read morein California. On of the wonders of our world!!

Founded in 1941 as an Army training center, it became Vandenberg Air Force Base in 1949,…read moretransitioning to its current name in 2021. Space launches and missile testing is its current assignment. The Pacific Coast Highway passes right through the land belonging the base, passing right by its entrance. We had seen parts of it while taking Amtrak up to Seattle from Los Angeles, and this time wanted to see what the drive would be like. It's mostly 4 lane divided highway north of the base, with it changing to a 2 lane hilly road south of Lompoc. There is hardly any traffic on the road and couldn't imagine there would be cops catching speeders. But later read that the highway's safety is indeed the responsibility of the CHP.

The City of Santa Barbara is beautiful and has lots to do…read more It's a beautiful ride up if you take scenic route. From shopping to the gorgeous scenery you won't be disappointed.. They have beautiful beaches Like East Beach and butterfly beach. It's definitely a must see if you haven't been.

City of Santa Barbara brings back one special vivid memory. I went looking for my college roommate…read more I had the address and I was living in Berkeley at the time. I didn't know she may have been keeping her life secretive. The early 70's were strange times. I was innocent. I thought the overall atmosphere of the city was quiet and quaint. After that one day I never returned. I was told she didn't live there. I'd like to go back just to enjoy the city. I'm recommending. It's a clean city too.