Santa Barbara has many stories of adventurers and movie stars visiting the city and making their mark, but few tales are as exciting as the ones that reference SB’s presidential past. The American Riviera has always been a favorite spot for many presidents and some of them put down roots here after falling in love with the city.
A well known local spot when it comes to presidential past events is the San Ysidro Ranch in the Montecito hills. In 1953, while on their honeymoon, John and Jackie Kennedy spent a night or two in one of the cottages overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The 1,621 square foot Kennedy Cottage was refurbished in 2007, but the original layout and structure remain and the beautiful views of the ocean are the same ones that the JFK and his bride saw over 50 years ago. While the couple probably paid $27.00 a night, the going rate at the time, renting the charming cottage today will set you back $2,990 a night. The Kennedy’s extended honeymoon started in Acapulco, Mexico and wound up all the way up the coast of California.
Ronald and Nancy Reagan discovered Rancho del Cielo, with its stunning views overlooking the Santa Ynez Valley and the Pacific Ocean, when Ronald Reagan was in his second term as governor. The Reagans purchased the 688-acre ranch in 1974, and the Ranch soon became a haven and retreat from public life. They invited family and friends over and the Ranch was a much loved spot all through Reagan’s time as president. Nancy Reagan has been quoted as saying, “If you want to understand Ronald Reagan then go to the Ranch.” Now the Reagan Ranch Center, the Ranch is run by the Young America’s Foundation and includes classrooms, a theater, meeting rooms, a library of conservative resources, and Young America’s Foundation’s Reagan Ranch offices.
Bill Clinton has spent a great deal of time in Santa Barbara, before, during, and after his presidency. A regular speaker at UCSB as well as SBCC, Clinton has been seen everywhere from local restaurants to golf courses. No other president has been more a part of the local scene in the city, and Clinton is unfailingly friendly when interacting with the many people that recognize him. Several other presidents have spent time in the city, drawn here by the beautiful views and relaxing scenery. Nixon vacationed here as well as Gerald Ford and Jimmy Carter stopped by while president.
Many people visit Santa Barbara and most do so because of the beautiful scenery and the charm of the city. Like others, our nation’s leaders love to spend time here and some even decide to live in Santa Barbara, adding yet another chapter to our presidential past.