California has lifted the stay-at-home order and leisure travel is allowed once again. Santa Barbara restaurants are open for outdoor dining and State Street is now a promenade where restaurants and businesses can expand onto the sidewalk giving Downtown a whole new energy. Not long ago, amidst the pandemic, Santa Barbara transformed its Downtown State Street into a promenade – a pedestrian outdoor mall – closed off to driving traffic,...
While the public health restrictions caused by the pandemic have led to canceled events, celebrations and an overall damper on our usual way of life, it’s more important than ever to seek out fun activities that you, your partner or family can enjoy to help provide some relief from the extra stress many of us have been feeling this past year. When you’re outside, fresh air is constantly moving, dispersing...
The holidays are some of the best times of the year in Santa Barbara. The California coastal days are generally still warm and sunny but give way to cool and crisp evenings or comfortable “sweater weather.” Santa Barbara is one of the rare places in the country where outdoor dining is possible nearly year-round. Take advantage of the weather on the American Riviera and visit some of our favorite Santa...
We all know the phrase “Wanna get away?” And we all know the feeling, too. The good news is, you can get away for longer. An extended stay in Santa Barbara is easy in a vacation rental home. Booking a vacation rental home for an extended stay is a lot more comfortable than staying in a hotel room long-term. When you stay longer in a vacation rental home, you begin...
Bicycling in Santa Barbara is one of the best ways to explore and take in the scene about town. Those who’ve been to SB know it as a “bike-friendly” town, and now with State Street closed to cars, Santa Barbara is even more welcoming to cyclists and casual bike riders than ever. From winding mountain roads to beachside paths and plenty of bike lanes on city streets, Santa Barbara welcomes...
Tucked between the Pacific Ocean and Santa Ynez mountains of Los Padres National Forest, Santa Barbara is the gem of the California Coast. It’s no wonder it’s deemed the American Riviera. With a vibrant and rich cultural history, proximity to sweeping vineyards, epic surf breaks and a year-round temperate climate, there’s no wrong time to visit Santa Barbara. However, here are a few suggestions as to why we think fall is...
The latest trend in vacation rentals is long-term stays. With the year’s restrictions, many people are working from home, and though there’s a learning curve to working remotely, people are also figuring out they can work from just about anywhere these days! Snowbird rentals are typically longer stays allowing families or couples to experience a resort town like Santa Barbara as more of a local and less as a tourist....
We know your travel plans may have changed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and like it or not, remote education and virtual learning are likely to continue for millions of children this fall. Many school districts will be implementing some version of distance learning in their reopening plans. Fortunately, there are still safe ways to travel and safe places to visit if you do your homework and think out of the...
