Santa Barbara is a beautiful city that has a lot to offer. Located about an hours drive (or so) north of Los Angeles, it is situated between the mountains and the sea. The climate is just about perfect and much of the town has the old Spanish flavor. There are also fabulous restaurants, resorts and shopping as well as every type of outdoor sport you can imagine. We often watch folk's hang gliding off the mountains, riding the thermals as we drive through the center of town on the 101. You never know what the traffic is going to be like when driving through Santa Barbara so be prepared to just exit and enjoy yourself if it is not moving. The mission here is beautiful and the harbor offers so much to see and do. We love the skate part located just about mid bay and the 'people watching' is just about as good as it gets!!!