Family Fun
Day Note:
The whole family can snug in at the cozy Upham. Don't forget to grab your milk and cookies from the lobby at bedtime. Take a stroll along Stearns Wharf and poke into candy shops, boutiques, and restaurants, and watch fisherman casting lines at the end of the pier. Finish the day with wine on tap and overflowing plates of pasta served family style at Palazzio.
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The Upham Victorian Hotel and Garden Cottages
Contact:
- 800/727-0876
- visit website
Location:
- 1404 De La Vina St
- At Sola St
- Santa Barbara,CA93101
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Map
Description:
This conveniently located inn combines the intimacy of a B&B with the service of a small hotel. Built in 1871, the Upham is the oldest continuously operating hostelry in Southern California. Somewhere the management made time for upgrades, though, because guest accommodations are complete with all the modern comforts. The hotel is constructed of redwood, with sweeping verandas and a Victorian cupola on top. It also has a warm lobby and a cozy restaurant.
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Stearns Wharf
Contact:
- (805) 564-5518
- visit website
Location:
- State Street & W Cabrillo Boulevard
- Santa Barbara,CA93101
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Map
Description:
Named after the person who built the wharf, the Stearns Wharf has served as a transport hub of waterways in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It has stood the test of time and faced vagaries of the nature since its construction in 1872. Since the later 20th century, the wharf is more of a tourist destination and is one of the most popular landmarks in Santa Barbara today. Call for more details.wharf
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Palazzio
Contact:
- 805/564-1985
- visit website
Location:
- 1026 State St
- Santa Barbara,CA93101
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Map
Description:
I should tell you up front: This family-style restaurant is not a good place for a first date. The fresh garlic bread, which is this State Street staple's raison d'être -- and the reason so many UCSB students have no problem putting on the legendary Freshman Fifteen -- is potent. Offered in half-order, "normal," or family-style sizes, the main courses aren't half bad either, though normal dishes, such as their capellini with chicken meatballs and penne alla puttanesca, could easily feed two (I didn't manage to plow my way through even half of my Papa Ruby's rigatoni).
Day Note:
A walk in the shady Botanical Garden and the nearby Natural History Museum will work up an appetite. Feed the need at the legendary yet surprisingly simple La Super-Rica Taqueria, an authentic Mexican food haunt once frequented by Julia Child. Leave the kids with a sitter or bring them along to enjoy a night of music under the stars at the quaint Santa Barbara Bowl amphitheater.
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Santa Barbara Botanic Garden
Contact:
- 805/682-4726
- visit website
Location:
- 1212 Mission Canyon Rd
- A short drive uphill from the mission
- Santa Barbara,CA93103
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Map
Description:
The Botanic Garden is devoted to indigenous California plants. More than 5.5 miles of meandering trails on 65 acres offer glimpses of cacti, redwoods, wildflowers, and much more, many arranged in representational habitats or landscapes. The gardens were established in 1926. You'll catch the very best color and aroma just after spring showers.
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La Super-Rica Taqueria
Contact:
- 805/963-4940
Location:
- 622 N. Milpas St
- Between Cota and Ortega Sts
- Santa Barbara,CA93103
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Map
Description:
Looking at this humble street-corner shack, you'd never guess it was blessed with an endorsement by the late Julia Child. The tacos here are authentic and no nonsense, with generous portions of filling piled onto fresh, grainy corn tortillas. My favorites are the adobado (marinated pork), gorditas (thick corn masa pockets filled with spicy beans), and the flank steak. A dollop of house-made salsa and green or red hot sauce is the only adornment required. Sunday's special is pozole, a stew of pork and hominy in red-chile sauce. On Friday and Saturday, the specialty is freshly made tamales (if the Dover sole tamales are one of the specials, order them -- they're incredible). Tip: Always check the daily specials first, and be sure to ask for extra tortillas, no matter what you order.
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Santa Barbara Bowl
Contact:
- +1 805 962 7411
- visit website
Location:
- 1122 North Milpas Street
- Santa Barbara,CA93103
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Map
Description:
The Santa Barbara Bowl is a popular venue for the world's most gifted, talented and dynamic musicians. Bryan Adams, INXS and Alicia Keys often grace the stage. From jazz, hip-hop, classical to contemporary - enjoy every mood of music here. With a vast arena that can seat 4,562 people, you are sure to enjoy the ample space provided.
Day Note:
You can't get more "Santa Barbara" by whiling away a morning at the city's ocean-side zoo followed by barbecue tri-tip sandwiches and local brew on San Marco Pass.
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Santa Barbara Zoo
Contact:
- 805/962-5339
- visit website
Location:
- 500 Niños Dr
- Off Cabrillo Blvd
- Santa Barbara,CA93103
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Map
Description:
When you're driving around the bend on Cabrillo Boulevard, look up -- you might spot the head of a giraffe poking through the palms. This zoo is an appealing, pint-size place, where all 700 animals can be seen in about 30 minutes. Most live in natural, open settings. For more stimulation, try the Discovery Area, miniature train ride, and small carousel. The picnic areas (with barbecue pits) are underused and especially recommended.
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Cold Spring Tavern
Contact:
- (805) 967-0066
- visit website
Location:
- 5995 Stagecoach Road
- Santa Barbara,CA93105
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Map
Description:
Built in the 1860s, Cold Spring Tavern was once a way station for stagecoach passengers traveling over the San Marcos Pass—at the time, known for dangerous highwayman and rough roads. Since 1941, the tavern has been a local favorite for food and libations. Hidden along a creek in the shade oaks and sycamores, the restaurant is frozen in time. Historic buildings—including a road gang house and a jail house built in 1873—sit near the tavern, begging to be investigated (peek through the boarded windows if you dare). Once you explore the dusty surroundings, step into the stone restaurant for a cozy meal by the always crackling fire. Breakfast and lunch offer moderately priced omelettes, flapjacks, salads, and burgers. Dinner can be pricey, but you get what you pay for—think filet mignon, breast of duck, and rack of lamb. The bar is in a separate building a few steps from the restaurant, and serves up less costly eats (from the same kitchen), stiff drinks, and live music. The Old West atmosphere is romantic for just about anyone—it's the perfect spot to grab beers with buddies or nestle into a corner table on a first date.
Santa Barbara
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Santa Barbara Urban Wine Trail
Contact:
- visit website
Location:
- Downtown Santa Barbara
- Santa Barbara,California93101
Description:
If a drive out to wine country in the Santa Ynez Valley is not going to fit into your itinerary, sniff, swirl, and sip along the Santa Barbara urban wine trail. With 11 wineries located in and around downtown Santa Barbara (save for one a hop down Highway 101 in Summerland), it's easy to walk, bike, or hail a cab to tasting rooms which pour varietals from Santa Barbara County vineyards.
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Canary Hotel Santa Barbara
Contact:
- +1 805 884 0300 / +1 877 468 3515 (Toll Free)
- visit website
Location:
- 31 West Carrillo
- Santa Barbara,CA93101
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Map
Description:
Canary Hotel (formerly Hotel Andalucia) located in Downtown Santa Barbara is an ideal destination for a romantic hideout or a business vacation. The hotel designers have given a unique appeal to the place with their hand painted ceilings, paintings by local artists, arched doorways, lovely furniture, custom designed headboards and windows, photographs of the city, et al. Apart from the decor, the hotel offers the best of services—laundry, parking, internet access, business facility, non-smoking rooms etc. The place is also perfect for your dream wedding or some other social affair.
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Brophy Bros. Restaurant & Clam Bar
Contact:
- 1 805 966 4418
- visit website
Location:
- 119 Harbor Way
- Off Cabrillo Blvd. in the Waterfront Center
- Santa Barbara,CA93109
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Map
Description:
Brophy Bros. is known for its delicious seafood preparations. The daily changing "Fresh Fish" menu is available in the restaurant area and a special menu is offered in the Clam Bar. All entrees are served with green salad or a cup of New England Clam Chowder. Prices are reasonable and the service is efficient. Check the website for a detailed menu.
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Wine Cask
Contact:
- 800/436-9463
- visit website
Location:
- 813 Anacapa St
- In El Paseo Center
- Santa Barbara,CA93101
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Map
Description:
Take a 20-year-old wine shop, a large 1920s landmark dining room with a big stone fireplace, an outdoor dining patio, and outstanding Italian fare, mix them with an attractive staff and clientele, and you've got the Wine Cask -- the most popular upscale dining spot in Santa Barbara. You'll be treated to comforting creations by Chef John Pettitt, such as pan-roasted arctic char in a Dijon-artichoke emulsion. Other options include Australian lamb chops, or pasta with chanterelle mushrooms, baby artichokes, and gold beets. The wine list reads like a novel, with more than 2,000 wines ($14-$1,400), and has deservedly received the Wine Spectator award for excellence. A happy hour takes place at the beautiful maple bar from 4 to 6pm daily.
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SOhO Restaurant & Music Club
Contact:
- +1 805 962 7776
- visit website
Location:
- 1221 State Street
- Suite 205
- Santa Barbara,CA93101
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Map
Description:
In a town full of music lovers, SOhO fills an essential niche, live music seven nights a week. The only venue of its kind in the area, this is the perfect combination of great food, a fun bar scene, and great music. Dine on California fare like gourmet pizzas and pastas, fresh seafood and steaks, complemented by a carefully selected (primarily local) wine list. A favorite stopping point for touring musicians en route from Los Angeles to San Francisco, this intimate venue has attracted artists such as (then rising star) Jack Johnson, Kenny Loggins, and Reggae Legends Alpha Blondie. So come hungry, bring your dancing shoes, and let the good times roll!
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Cafe Buenos Aires
Contact:
- +1 805 963 0242
- visit website
Location:
- 1316 State Street
- Santa Barbara,CA93101
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Map
Description:
Come to Cafe Buenos Aires if you plan to spend a quiet evening with your partner. The place is elegantly done up with ceiling lights, wall paintings, wooden furniture and indoor plants. Seat yourself comfortably at the table and order from the vast choice of Argentine cuisine available, langostinos, canelones, empanadas and sandwiches. The cafe also hosts local music shows and dance performances every now and then. The Happy Hour timings are Monday to Friday from 4.00 pm to 6.00 pm. Check the website for more details.
