Santa Barbara rests between the Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific coast. A day in the city could be spent biking, beach-going, fishing, or hiking in a setting rich with distinctive architecture, public art, parks and playgrounds. Santa Barbara has the perfect climate for growing grapes that produce the finest wines. This secret is just being discovered, and visitors can still tour Santa Barbara's wine country without the press of crowds. You don't need a car to enjoy downtown Santa Barbara. A free electric shuttle runs to all points of interest. Many vacationers rent bikes and blades and travel up and down the beachfront path along Cabrillo Boulevard.
Walking through Santa Barbara on foot gives a close-up look at its distinctive architecture. Following a major earthquake, legislation was enacted to insure that all new construction would conform to modern safety guidelines. The new style was influenced by Spanish, Mediterranean, and Moorish/Islamic techniques. Its key features are white stucco, red tile, and decorative wrought iron. The city draws surfers, hikers, naturalists, in-line skaters, mountain bikers, rock climbers, scuba divers and hang gliders. Santa Barbara has been described as " heaven on earth".
