Incorporated on April 9, 1850, the city of Santa Barbara is a popular destination for Ventura County residents as it can be reached in an hour or less via the 101.  Santa Barbara is referred to as the American Riviera, with the longest south-facing section of coastline on the west coast.

The city was inhabited by the Chumash over 13,000 years ago. But it received its name from Spanish explorer Sebastian Vizcaino in 1602 when he entered the channel on the 4th of December, the day of the feast of Santa Barbara.

If I had to move from the Conejo Valley to some other place in the world, Santa Barbara would be on my short list for its temperate weather, laid back feel and so many things to do, which we highlight below.

Outdoors

• Over a dozen public beaches in and around Santa Barbara

• Beaches in the Carpinteria area

• Arroyo Burro Beach Park

• Stearns Wharf in Santa Barbara

• Red Tile Walking Tour

• Rincon Beach Park

• Santa Barbara Botanic Garden

• Alice Keck Park Memorial Gardens

• Santa Barbara area campgrounds

Museums and Historic Sites

• Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center

• Santa Barbara Maritime Museum

• Mission Historical Park and A.C. Postel Garden

• Old Mission Santa Barbara

• Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History

• Reagan Ranch Center Exhibit Galleries

• Santa Barbara Historical Museum

• Casa de la Guerra Museum

• Santa Barbara Museum of Art

• MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation

• Carpinteria Valley Museum of History

Other Fun Stuff

• Santa Barbara Arts & Crafts Show

• Santa Barbara Zoo

• Santa Barbara Audubon Aviary

• Santa Barbara Bowl

• Opera Santa Barbara

• Condor Express Whale Watching Tours

• Chase Palm Park

• Alameda Park Kids Play Structure

• Santa Barbara Bird Sanctuary