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E-bikes are a popular way to get around Santa Barbara and experience the nearly-always perfect climate, dramatic backdrop of the Santa Ynez Mountains, and in autumn, the near-empty beaches. Many of the popular spots and attractions are located near the beach and Stearns Wharf — easy to explore for seasoned walkers. Photo by E’Louise Ondash
E-bikes are a popular way to get around Santa Barbara and experience the nearly always perfect climate, dramatic backdrop of the Santa Ynez Mountains, and in autumn, the near-empty beaches. Many of the popular spots and attractions are near the beach and Stearns Wharf — easy to explore for seasoned walkers. Photo by E’Louise Ondash
Hit the Road

Santa Barbara: From rubble to ‘Riviera’

by E'Louise Ondash1

It was a 6.3 earthquake in 1925 that made Santa Barbara the idyllic tourism magnet that it is today.

Before that, historians describe the then-city of about 25,000 as a “typical Midwestern town” — that is, plenty of unreinforced brick and wood-framed structures that were mostly piles of rubble following the temblor.

The few surviving buildings were the Spanish-style, wood-framed structures.

City officials took note and Santa Barbara became the first city in the United States to adopt policies that mandated new buildings be built in a certain architectural style — in this case, Spanish Colonial Revival.

While some are vociferous about the convoluted processes it currently takes to get building and renovation projects approved, adherence to the style has created what has become known as the American Riviera and draws more than 7 million visitors a year.

We were among those visitors in early September when Santa Barbara was an overnight stop on our way to Paso Robles. Fortunately, it was not our first visit to this adult fantasyland, but we wanted to make the best of our time. It wasn’t difficult.

When we left North County, the thermometer read 104 degrees. Stepping out of our car at the Eagle Inn, just two blocks from the pristine beach, a mid-70-degree tropical breeze washed over us. I knew things would be OK for at least the next 18 hours.

If you are a first-time visitor to Santa Barbara, the mission is a must-see. Known as the Queen of the Missions because of its architecture and setting, it was the 10th of California’s 21 missions to be built. This church is the fourth built on this spot, after an 1812 earthquake destroyed the third adobe church. Mission Santa Barbara is the only California mission to remain under the care of the Franciscan Friars, who began their quest to establish Spain’s foothold in Alta California in the mid-18th century. The mission is an active parish and a museum that contains sacred Spanish artwork, colonial-era documents and artifacts, and archeological history. Photo by Jerry Ondash
If you are a first-time visitor to Santa Barbara, the mission is a must-see. Known as the Queen of the Missions because of its architecture and setting, it was the 10th of California’s 21 missions to be built. This church is the fourth built on this spot, after an 1812 earthquake destroyed the third adobe church. Mission Santa Barbara is the only California mission to remain under the care of the Franciscan Friars, who began their quest to establish Spain’s foothold in Alta California in the mid-18th century. The mission is an active parish and a museum that contains sacred Spanish artwork, colonial-era documents and artifacts, and archeological history. Photo by Jerry Ondash
Murals abound in the Funk Zone, roughly the 10-block area between State and Garden streets. Once an industrial base with boat repair businesses, grain mills, manufacturing plants and more, the area became attractive to artists in the 1980s for its reasonable rents. The eclectic, walkable neighborhood offers unique shops, restaurants, art galleries, sculpture gardens, museums and creative spaces. Photo by Blake Bronstad/Courtesy of Visit Santa Barbara
Murals abound in the Funk Zone, roughly the 10-block area between State and Garden streets. Once an industrial base with boat repair businesses, grain mills, manufacturing plants and more, the area became attractive to artists in the 1980s for its reasonable rents. The eclectic, walkable neighborhood offers unique shops, restaurants, art galleries, sculpture gardens, museums and creative spaces. Photo by Blake Bronstad/Courtesy of Visit Santa Barbara
The Eagle Inn, a boutique bed-and-breakfast hotel, is just two blocks from the spotless beach and picture-postcard harbor, and less than 10 minutes from Stearns Wharf, State Street and the Funk Zone. Gourmet breakfasts (included) are served in the bright dining room or in your casita. No-fee e-bikes are available, as are freshly baked cookies in the afternoon. Photo by E’Louise Ondash
The Eagle Inn, a boutique bed-and-breakfast hotel, is just two blocks from the spotless beach and picture-postcard harbor, and less than 10 minutes from Stearns Wharf, State Street and the Funk Zone. Gourmet breakfasts (included) are served in the bright dining room or in your casita. No-fee e-bikes are available, as are freshly baked cookies in the afternoon.
Photo by E’Louise Ondash
Autumn is the perfect time to visit Santa Barbara, known as the American Riviera because of its Mediterranean climate, proximity to the Santa Ynez Mountains and nearly universal Spanish Colonial Revival architecture (think red tile roofs, white stucco walls and arched walkways). Because of its setting, the area is a favorite of television and film producers. You’ll see Santa Barbara in “The Graduate” (1967); “Of Mice and Men” (1992); “Sideways” (2004); and lots of reality TV. Photo by E’Louise Ondash
Autumn is the perfect time to visit Santa Barbara, known as the American Riviera because of its Mediterranean climate, proximity to the Santa Ynez Mountains and nearly universal Spanish Colonial Revival architecture (think red tile roofs, white stucco walls and arched walkways). Because of its setting, the area is a favorite of television and film producers. You’ll see Santa Barbara in “The Graduate” (1967); “Of Mice and Men” (1992); “Sideways” (2004); and lots of reality TV. Photo by E’Louise Ondash
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E’Louise Ondash is a veteran, award-winning journalist who was an investigative reporter, feature writer and columnist for the Times Advocate and the North County Times. She has written travel features for The Coast  News since 2003.

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