Old Mission Santa Barbara is “Queen of the Missions.”
Reagan Ranch Center tells the story of Ronal Reagan’s Western White House.
After viewing Santa Barbara from the top of the courthouse clock tower, have a picnic in the grassy sunken gardens below.
Santa Barbara County Courthouse is one of America’s most beautiful buildings.
16 city blocks, watch for the mission grounds on your right. The walk to the mission winds through residential neighborhoods with charming Spanish-style homes and well-tended gardens. During our May visit, all the plants on our path were blooming, welcoming us to town. The botanic delights we enjoyed en route to the mission were nearly as engaging as the grand church and vibrant flowers we saw when we reached our destination. It’s clear why the Old Mission Santa Barbara is called Queen of the Missions. Established in 1786 by Spanish Franciscans, the adobe church (another National Historic Landmark) boasts double bell towers and colonial-era interior with pastel accented archways, gilded window trims, and exquisitely detailed altars and statuary. Outdoors, the mission is surrounded by leafy floral gardens and an awesome view of the Santa Inez Mountains. It’s hard to imagine a more scenic conclusion to a Santa Barbara walkabout than the grounds of the Queen of the Missions. The next time you plan to visit Southern California, be sure to set aside a few days to encounter the walkable wonders of downtown Santa Barbara. You will never forget or regret visiting the American Riviera.
Impressionist works by Monet and Renoir to vivid Latin American murals to sculptures, ceramics, and textiles by Asian, European, American, and Native American artists, Santa Barbara’s museum showcases creative efforts from the last three centuries. After swinging through the art museum, it’s certainly worthwhile walking a short distance beyond State Street to access two must see sights—the County Courthouse and Old Mission. To walk from State Street to the Santa Barbara County Courthouse (1110 Anacapa Street), turn right onto East Figueroa and go one block to the corner of Figueroa and Anacapa Streets. Considered one of America’s most handsome buildings, the circa 1929 Spanish Colonial Courthouse is a National Historic Landmark. Palatial details include white plastered walls, red tile roof, clock tower, black iron gates, curved archways, and superbly rendered murals. Complimented by a lush landscape with tall palms, tropical shrubs, and grassy sunken garden, the overall courthouse scene is simply gorgeous. Don’t miss taking the stairs or elevator to the top of the clock tower to gain an open-air view of the area. Follow up with a lazy picnic on the grassy lawn below. To reach the Old Mission Santa Barbara (2201 Laguna Street) from the courthouse, continue two more blocks on East Figueroa, then turn left on Garden Street. After
FOR MORE INFORMATION santabarbaraca.com/plan-your-trip/know-before-you-go/visitors-center/
SUNNY SANTA BARBARA
COAST TO COAST FALL MAGAZINE 2018
30
Made with FlippingBook Online newsletter