Attempting to encompass the entirety of the Santa Barbara community into a single short article is a daunting task. The variety of cultures, people and aspects of the Santa Barbara lifestyle, as well as a history that stretches back hundreds of years all contribute to making Santa Barbara the unique place that it is.
Santa Barbara possesses an abundance of natural beauty in addition to a rich cultural and academic climate and history. People from all walks of life have praised Santa Barbara for its pristine natural setting. Our local waterfront and public beaches draw hundreds of thousands of tourists each year. Additionally, the rolling foothills of our back country as well as the Santa Ynez Mountains provide a host of hiking and camping opportunities for nature-lovers, whether it is a short day hike or a rugged back-packing excursion. The nickname given to Santa Barbara of “The American Riviera” is one that is accurate and well deserved.
Culturally, the Santa Barbara community draws heavily from its Spanish colonial roots. Our distinct local architecture, festivals such as “fiesta,” and historical landmarks like the Mission and Old Presidio all provide examples of ways that Santa Barbara keeps in touch and is defined by its past. However, the Santa Barbara community is not solely shaped by its Spanish influences. Annual events such as the Solstice parade, Lemon festival, and the Big Dog parade all add their own special flair to the Santa Barbara experience.
Santa Barbara is also fortunate to have several institutions of higher learning in close proximity which only adds to the appeal of our area. The University of California at Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara City College, Antioch University, Brooks Institute of Photography, and Westmont College attract students and professors of all disciplines and subjects from all over the world. Santa Barbara City College has long been regarded as one of the finest community colleges in the nation and several of UCSB’s professors have been honored with the Nobel Peace Prize.
All of the places, events and institutions mentioned above do not even begin to encompass the entirety of the Santa Barbara community. The links listed below are a good start, but as anyone who has ever spent any time here knows, they are only a small part of what is available in our area. Whether one is seeking out art, Spanish culture, academia, or the great outdoors, Santa Barbara has it.