Having seen most of the state of California, I must admit I feel sorry for anyone who’s never been here. Most people are partial to the southern part of the state where the weather is generally warmer and beaches, long and sandy and crowded with Bay Watch beauties of both sexes, but I prefer the cooler weather. Those tanned and muscled surfers and volley ball players no longer ring my ring-a-ding-ding (I can’t remember if they ever did … that’s how bad it’s getting, folks!)
To many Southern Californians, Santa Barbara is the beginning of the transition from SoCal lifestyle to NorCal lifestyle. I like to tell my daughter that’s because some people in Santa Barbara have actually visited a library.
Boo on Santa Barbara’s pier. She doesn’t think I’m funny.
SB is famous for its Spanish style architecture. There are tons of mosaics.
One of the entrances to the Tide Pool. I believe these are former condos that are now short term rentals but there was no lobby so who knows. I was chasing an eight year old and my phone was dying.
Below are tile mosaics on the wall surrounding the “whirlpool” at our motel. I guess a whirlpool is a partially enclosed hot tub. Who knows? It was an old motel.
The eight year old had found some lizards to chase so I didn’t get any photos of the whirlpool itself.
Tomorrow … more about the Queen of the Missions and the town they call “Slow.” Any guesses on Slow’s actual name?
Saying nothing in particular 
I have been fortunate enough to visit California several times, including once to Santa Barbara. We were attending a wedding nearby, so we didn’t have much time to explore, but the time we spent there made an impression. I remember the colorful Spanish architecture and the famous pier, of course. The murals are incredible. Enjoy your visit.
Now they’ve closed the main drag (State Street) to cars and you take electric golf carts to get around – very cool!
I love those mosaics, especially the “Queen of the Missions.”
I have a feeling I’d be a NoCal girl too.
👍
Probably! They have the beaches but we have the redwood forests and beautiful rivers!
I like the feel of this post very holiday!
Would the Queen of missions be in Stanta Barbara?
Yes – California was once part of Mexico.
I have never been … I have been to New York, Boston, Florida and Mexico but not California. 💜💜💜
SoCal is like Florida and NorCal is like Boston!
I definitely prefer Boston 💜💜💜
I’ve never been to any of these places in California. Your photos are a wonderful glimpse into the area, your explanation of the vibe makes me smile. Thanks for taking us along.
I don’t know anyone who’s been to Santa Barbara and not liked it but it is very $$$. LA has gorgeous beaches and gardens but traffic is a nightmare!!!
Raising my hand…
It looks amazing.
SB does get lovely weather for most of the year but, like most of SoCal – mud slides in the rainy season and wildfires almost any time.
Sounds perfect, if there weren’t for wildfires.