Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
309
Santa Barbara Mission
Established in 1786 b y Father Junípero Serra and built
by the Chumash Indians, this is a rare example in physical form of the blending of Indian
and Hispanic spirituality. This hilltop str ucture is called the Q ueen of the M issions for
its twin bell to wers and beauty. It overlooks the town and the Channel I slands beyond.
Self-guided tour booklets are available in six languages.
2201 Laguna St. (at L os Oliv os St.).
&
805/682-4149.
w ww.santabarbaramission.org. A dmission $5
adults, $4 seniors, $1 children 6-15, free for children 5 and under. Daily 9am-5pm.
Santa Barbara Zoo
Kids
When y ou're driving ar ound the bend on Cabrillo
Boulevard, look up—y ou might spot the head of a giraffe poking thr ough the palms.
This zoo is an appealing, pint-siz e place, where all 700 animals can be seen in about 30
minutes. Most live in natural, open settings. There are also a childr en's Discovery Area,
a miniature train ride, and a small car ousel. The picnic ar eas (with barbecue pits) ar e
underused and are especially recommended.
500 Niños Dr. (off C abrillo Blvd.).
&
805/962-5339
or 805/962-6310 f or recorded information. www.
santabarbarazoo.org. Admission $11 adults , $9 seniors and childr en 2-12, fr ee for children 1 and under .
Daily 10am-5pm. (Last admission is 1 hr. before closing.) Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas. Parking $4.
Stearns Wharf
California's oldest working wharf attracts visitors for strolling, shop-
ping, and dining. There's also a S ea Center with aquariums, an outdoor touch-tank, and
other exhibits. Although the whar f no longer functions for passenger and fr eight shipping
as it did when built in 1872 b y local lumberman John C. Stearns, you might still see local
fishing boats unload their daily catch. Consider taking a narrated sunset harbor cr uise
aboard the
Harbour Q ueen
at
Captain D on's
(
&
805/969-5217;
www.captdon.com).
Public parking is available on the wharf; it's free with merchant validation.
At the end of State St.
11
BEACHES
East Beach
is Santa Barbara's favorite beach, stretching from the Santa Barbara Zoologi-
cal Gardens to Chase Palm Park and the wharf. Nearer the pier you can enjoy manicured
lawns, tall palms, and abundant facilities; to the east are many volleyball courts, plus the
Cabrillo Pavilion, a r ecreational center, bathhouse, and ar chitectural landmar k dating
from 1925. P icnic areas with barbecue grills, sho wers, and clean, w ell-patrolled sands
make this beach a good choice for ev eryone.
On the other side of S anta Barbara Harbor is
Leadbetter Beach,
less shelter ed than
those to the south and popular with surfers. It's reached by following Cabrillo Boulevard
after it turns into Shoreline Drive. This beach is also a great place to watch pleasure boats
entering or leaving the harbor. Leadbetter has basic facilities, including restrooms, picnic
areas, and a metered parking lot.
Two miles w est of Leadbetter is secluded but popular
Arroyo Burro Beach County
Park,
also known as Hendry's Beach. This gem has a grassy park beneath the cliffs and a
white crescent beach with gr eat waves for sur fing and bodysur fing. There are volleyball
nets, picnic areas, restrooms, and a free parking lot.
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
BIKING & SURREY CYCLING
A r elatively flat, palm-lined 2-mile coastal pathway ,
perfect for biking, r uns along the beach. M ore adv enturous riders can pedal thr ough
town (where painted bike lanes line many major r outes, including one up to the mis-
sion). These routes and many more are outlined in the
Santa Barbara County Bike Map,
