Santa Barbara

— primary source) Santa Barbara

North America > United States > California > Central Coast (California) > Santa Barbara County > Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara is a city and metropolitan area less than 100 miles (160 km) from Los Angeles but vastly different in pace from its huge neighbor to the south. With a temperate climate and lush natural environs, the "Riviera of the West" is a pleasant day or weekend trip from L.A. Its wide beaches, highly rated wineries, and a large variety of shopping and dining choices enable the town of just 90,000 residents to enjoy the sort of cultural and social amenities which are usually found only in much larger cities.

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Santa Barbara Municipal Airport

( SBA

IATA )

( near the neighboring town of Goleta ).

The local airport for the area, 7

mi (11

km) west of downtown. There is service from Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Oakland, Phoenix, Portland, Sacramento, Salt Lake City, San Francisco, San Luis Obispo, Seattle. Santa Barbara Metropolitan Transit District's Route 11 bus links the airport with downtown Santa Barbara.

( updated Apr 2020 )

The airport can be pricey, and flight schedules limited; flying to Los Angeles (LAX) or Burbank (BUR) and driving or taking public transportation to Santa Barbara may come out ahead on price, time, or both. Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner (see below) stops at Burbank airport 5 times a day on its way to Santa Barbara. From LAX, take the Santa Barbar

Santa Barbara is compact enough to explore on foot, with most points of interest within walking distance of the town centre. Tuk-tuks are available for trips to outlying areas or neighbouring villages. Local transport options are affordable and widely used by residents.

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Santa Barbara County Courthouse ,

1100 Anacapa St .

M-F 8AM-5PM, Sa Su 10AM-4:30PM, Guided tours, M-Sa 2PM and M, Tu, F 10:30AM .

Built in 1929 and the grandest building in the town. A working courthouse, this Spanish-Moorish castle has frescoes, murals and Tunisian tilework. The El Mirador Bell Tower provides great views of the city and the bay. The grounds co

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Activities in Santa Barbara revolve around experiencing local life: shopping at the weekly market, sampling street food, visiting local cafes, and taking walks through the town and surrounding countryside. Engaging with locals and learning about regional traditions are among the most rewarding activities.

Guatemalan staples such as tamales, pepián, and chiles rellenos are available at local comedores and restaurants in Santa Barbara. Street food options include garnachas, tostadas, and elotes locos. Fresh tropical fruit juices and horchata are widely available. Dining options are modest but offer authentic local flavours at affordable prices.

Local cafes and comedores in Santa Barbara serve coffee, soft drinks, and fruit juices throughout the day. Guatemala is renowned for its highland-grown coffee, and a cup of locally sourced brew is a must-try. Gallo is the most popular local beer. Fresh fruit licuados (blended drinks) are also widely available. Bottled water is recommended for visitors.

Accommodation options in Santa Barbara are limited but adequate for travellers passing through. Small hotels and hospedajes (guesthouses) may be available in or near the town centre. For a wider selection of lodging, the departmental capital or larger neighbouring towns offer more choices. Advance planning is recommended during local festivals and holiday periods.

Local shops and markets in Santa Barbara sell everyday goods, fresh produce, and handicrafts. The weekly market day is the best time to shop for fresh fruits, vegetables, and household items. Basic supplies and locally produced goods are available from small family-run stores throughout the town.

Neighbouring towns and the Suchitepéquez departmental capital are reachable by bus or microbus. The region offers opportunities for further exploration of Guatemala's diverse landscape. Check local transport schedules for onward connections to other departments and major cities.