Nestled between the majestic Santa Ynez mountains
and the deep blue Pacific Ocean is the paradise that
is known as Santa Barbara. Located only 90 miles north
of Los Angeles, Santa Barbara is just the right distance
from one of the world's largest cities to offer both
sophistication and cultural diversity yet retain its
engimatic romance. Santa Barbara offers visitors a
year-round vacationland with uncrowded beaches, world
class theaters, gourmet dining, museums, historic
attractions, outdoor sporting activities such as golf,
tennis, surfing, whale watching, mountain trails with
pools and waterfalls and spectacular parks. All of
this and more make Santa Barbara truly one of the
world's most beloved cities.
Attractions:
Santa Barbara Mission
The Santa Barbara Mission is known as the "Queen
of the Missions" because of its exceptionally
beautiful design and its garden settings. It is the
only California Mission with two twin bell towers,
which makes it one of the better backdrops in the
city for photographs. Every Memorial Day Weekend,
the I Madonnari festival is held right at the Mission's
front door. The I Madonnari festival is a street painting
festival with its origins dating back to 16th century
Italy. Artists from all over come to the Mission to
turn its front grounds into a color-splashed asphalt
gallery of chalk paintings. This is truly one of Santa
Barbara's finest festivals and is the time when the
Mission is at its best.
Beaches
The Pacific Ocean is due south of the city offering
breathtaking sights year-round. Miles of clean uncrowded
beaches are dotted with tall palm trees, picnic tables
and barbecues. Located 20 miles offshore are the beautiful
Channel Islands, which add to the already magnificent
coastline. Butterfly Beach, located just two blocks
away from the Inn is a wonderful place to get away
from the crowds or take in one of Santa Barbara's
famous sunsets. For the sporty type, East Beach, located
only one mile from the Inn offers plenty of beach
volleyball nets. If you're lucky, you might find yourself
playing alongside one fo the many Olympic and AVP
Tour professionals who call these courts home. After
a hard fought match, enjoy a delicious lunch at the
grill just steps away.
