20 THINGS TO LOVE ABOUT SANTA BARBARA

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It seems like a bit of a disservice to list only 20 things to love about Santa Barbara. Enumerating all the great things residents enjoy here, however, would take up a great deal more space than this blog post allows. So here, in no particular order, are what many area residents consider the top 20 things to love about Santa Barbara:

A beautiful sunny day on Montecito's Butterfly Beach framed by palm trees with blue sky and wispy clouds. — Niranjan Arminius, Creative Commons

1. The Beaches

Earning its moniker as the "American Riviera," Santa Barbara exudes coastal charm and boasts an array of pristine, sun-drenched beaches that rival those found along the Mediterranean. With a coastline adorned with creamy sands and kissed by the sun's golden rays, it's no wonder why this picturesque enclave captures the hearts of all who visit.

2. The Weather

Santa Barbara provides an enviable temperate climate that few locales can rival. Nestled snugly in a protected central location, this coastal haven basks in the glow of approximately 300 days of sunshine annually, offering residents and visitors alike an abundance of Vitamin D and endless opportunities for outdoor enjoyment.

The rar grounds of a multi-level Mediterranean luxury home with a red tiled roof and a pool and lush landscaping in the foreground.

3. The Architecture

Santa Barbara's architectural allure reverberates with echoes of Spain, from its signature red-tile clay roofs to the names gracing its streets. A stroll through this coastal gem reveals a tapestry of influences where the essence of Madrid seems to have been seamlessly transplanted. Take, for instance, the World-Class Don Nulty Mediterranean Estate pictured above, a paragon of elegance that epitomizes the city's Spanish charm.

Birds eye view of Santa Barbara's Stearns Wharf jutting out into the ocean, with Santa Barbara in the background. — Stearns Wharf by Don Ramey Logan.jpg from Wikimedia Commons CC BY-SA 3.0

4. Stearns Wharf and The Santa Barbara Harbor

Stearns Wharf proudly holds the title of the oldest operating wharf in California, with roots tracing back to 1872. This historic landmark has evolved into a bustling hub of activity with shops, eateries, and attractions. Gastronomes can indulge in the freshest catches of the day, sourced directly from the bountiful waters of Santa Barbara Harbor.

A street and charming buildings near Downtown Santa Barbara, with lush grass and palm trees, and mountains in the background — Thomas Camargo, Wikimedia Commons

5. Downtown Santa Barbara

At the core of the city lies its cultural and commercial nucleus, a bustling district that beckons exploration on foot, inviting residents and visitors alike to immerse themselves in its dynamic sights, sounds, and flavors. From charming boutiques showcasing locally crafted wares to artisanal emporiums brimming with handmade delights, there's no shortage of hidden gems waiting to be unearthed.

6. The Culture Scene

Whether you're an avid art enthusiast, a theater aficionado, or a music lover, this coastal enclave offers an eclectic array of experiences that promise to ignite the imagination and stir the soul. Prepare to be dazzled by the spellbinding performances staged at iconic venues like the Arlington and Granada Theatre and the historic Lobero Theatre. And let's not forget the iconic outdoor music venue, the Santa Barbara Bowl.

Close up of 4 Monarch butterflies on a branch. — Creative Commons

7. The Coronado Butterfly Preserve

I’ve already established that Santa Barbara is beautiful, and having its very own butterfly preserve only further proves our point. As part of The Land Trust for Santa Barbara County, this attraction is a must for nature lovers. Visit between November and February and you’ll find yourself surrounded by countless migrated monarchs hanging around until winter passes.

A wine glass with red wine and the words Urban Wine Trail sitting on the corner of a wood table — Urban Wine Trail

8. The Wines

The vineyards of the nearby Santa Ynez Valley offer a convenient escape for wine enthusiasts. But there are numerous wineries and tasting rooms in town. Check out the Urban Wine Trail — a self-guided trail of 20+ tasting rooms representing Santa Barbara County wines. Or head to The Funk Zone, known not only for its variety of tasting rooms but also for its microbreweries.

The Los Padres National Forest with rock formations in the foreground and the Santa Ynez Mountains in the background with the sun streaming white streaks across the blue sky. — Wikimedia Commons

9. The Backcountry

The Santa Ynez Mountains offer an ideal playground for hiking, biking, or horseback riding amidst Mother Nature's breathtaking beauty. For an immersive outdoor experience, explore the scenic San Rafael Wilderness nestled within the Los Padres National Forest. This expansive wilderness offers a network of trails winding through stunning landscapes and diverse ecosystems that are bound to leave you spellbound.

The campus of UC Santa Barbara, showing Storke Tower and other campus buildings, with a lagoon in the foreground. — Creative Commons

10. The Schools

The schools in Santa Barbara are exceptional, offering a range of educational opportunities from top-tier private institutions to highly regarded public schools. The city is also home to advanced education establishments like The University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB), a key factor behind Santa Barbara's youthful and energetic atmosphere, even in its most tranquil moments. UCSB is consistently ranked among the best universities, both nationally and globally, attracting students and scholars from around the world.

A serene setting in Santa Barbara's Alice keck Park, with a pond and lush vegetation. — By Summerrrz - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0

11. The Parks

Santa Barbara is home to an impressive array of parks. Favorites include the expansive Shoreline Park, which provides breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and the Channel Islands, and the tranquil Alice Keck Park Memorial Gardens, where visitors can enjoy beautifully landscaped gardens, koi ponds, and a sensory garden. Chase Palm Park offers a fun-filled playground and a picturesque carousel, while the historic Elings Park provides ample space for hiking, mountain biking, and even paragliding.

From left: James Rickard, Dwight Murphy, Francis Price, and T. Wilson Dibblee, founding fathers of the first Fiesta parade in 1924, at El Paseo courtyard, Courtesy of Santa Barbara Historical Museum

12. The History

Santa Barbara boasts a rich and diverse history that began approximately 13,000 years ago with the arrival of the first Native Americans. These early inhabitants laid the foundations of a vibrant and enduring cultural heritage. In the 18th century, Spanish explorers and missionaries arrived, marking the beginning of European influence in the region. The city’s commitment to preserving its architectural heritage ensures that its rich historical narrative continues to be celebrated and appreciated for generations to come.

The inside of the Santa Barbara Mission, with stained glass windows, wooden pews and religious art. — Creative Commons

13. Santa Barbara Mission

The renowned Santa Barbara Mission, often referred to as the “Queen of the Missions,” was established in 1786 and is the tenth in a series of over 21 missions built across California. It is particularly famous for its unique architectural feature: the only California mission with two bell towers.

Young women in the annual Santa Barbara Old Spanish Days Fiesta parade dancing down the street in authentic Spanish costumes. — Photo credit Fritz Olenberger, courtesy of Old Spanish Days

14. The Festivals and Celebrations

Residents of Santa Barbara know how to celebrate in style, with a vibrant array of cultural festivals that reflect the city's rich heritage and lively spirit. Not-to-miss events include the Old Spanish Days Fiesta, The Santa Barbara International Film Festival, the Santa Barbara Earth Day Festival, and the Santa Barbara Summer Solstice Celebration, to name just a few.

15. The Cozy, Small-Town Feel

Despite its world-renowned attractions, Santa Barbara has successfully preserved the charm and intimacy of a small, cozy town. Its manageable size makes navigating the city a breeze, fostering a strong sense of community and connection among residents. This welcoming atmosphere is enhanced by the city's delightful array of charming boutiques, quaint cafes, and bustling local farmers’ markets.

16. The Cosmopolitan Ambiance

Santa Barbara boasts a cosmopolitan atmosphere, thriving on the rich variety of cultures, languages, and legacies its residents bring. Home to a population known for its education and prosperity, the area magnetizes a diverse demographic, drawing in families seeking a high quality of life, retirees embracing its leisurely pace, and college students pursuing education amidst its scenic surroundings.

Three polo players on running horses during a polo match, with green turf underfoot and the Santa Ynez Mountains in the background

17. Polo

Founded in 1911, the renowned Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club is steeped in a legacy brimming with history, fervor, and extraordinary competition. The club has hosted many distinguished personalities throughout the years, including American icons like Douglas Fairbanks, Will Rogers, and Charlie Chaplin. More recently, Prince Harry has been reported to be a frequent player at the club.

18. The Locals

Those of us who live in Santa Barbara cherish our active, friendly, trendy, and relaxed community. Our neighbors are diverse, united by a shared passion for outdoor activities. Many locals engage in surfing, hiking, cycling, kayaking, and various other pursuits that take advantage of our year-round temperate climate. This collective enthusiasm for fitness and the outdoors contributes to Santa Barbara's reputation as one of the most athletic cities in the country.

Entrance court of the Santa Barbara Museum of Art featuring marble Roman and Greek statues. — Creative Commons

19. The Museums

The arts are very much alive in Santa Barbara. The city's museums are renowned showcases of creativity and history. Notable among them are the Santa Barbara Museum of Art where you can immerse yourself in centuries of artistic brilliance, the Historical Society Museum, offering glimpses into the city's fascinating past, and the Museum of Natural History, a treasure trove of scientific wonders.

A beautiful Australian Shepherd standing atop a boulder with blue sky and vegetation in the background — Pam Marks, www.pawprincestudios.com

20. The Botanic Garden

The Santa Barbara Botanic Garden is a shining example of a world-class botanical oasis renowned for seamlessly blending landscape design with its stunning natural surroundings. Recognized as a historic landmark, this garden is not only a place of beauty but also a hub of conservation and research efforts. Plus, it’s dog-friendly!

I could share so much more about why I adore living here than these 20 things to love about Santa Barbara. Feel free to reach out if you have anything to add to this list or any questions! You can call me at (805) 886-9378 or email me at Cristal@Montecito-Estate.com. And if you're interested in Santa Barbara real estate, I'm here to help. Dive into my comprehensive website to start exploring your options, and don't hesitate to schedule a complimentary consultation at your convenience. I look forward to connecting with you!

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“It was an emotional experience selling our mother’s home in Montecito that we all loved so much but Cristal made the process easier on our whole family by guiding us through the transaction every step of the way. She knows the market so well and everything she recommended was on point including the asking price, painting, and staging the home, which looked beautiful and helped the buyer envision her new home. We sold it the first day it hit the market with an offer above asking! Cristal did an incredible job communicating with us and the buyer to ensure that the transaction would run smoothly. We highly recommend using Cristal, she was a pleasure to work with! ”

- J & A

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- M.F.

“Cristal Clarke is #1 in her field - and you don't become #1 by luck. Cristal works harder, and longer, and with more charm and patience than any real estate agent I have ever worked with in the past; her calendar has no weekend, her days have no clocks, her only concern is selling your property as soon as possible and for the best price on the market. Am I a fan? You bet!”

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“We have used Cristal now several times and cannot express how grateful we are for her expertise, dedication, and unwavering support throughout the entire home-buying process. Cristal is knowledgeable, patient and attentive. Her attention to detail is remarkable, and she consistently went above and beyond to provide us with all the information and resources we needed to make informed decisions. Cristal is a skillful negotiator and advocate. She can navigate complex negotiations with professionalism and grace and felt like a true partner to us in the home-buying process. Cristal has a genuine passion for real estate and a deep commitment to her clients' satisfaction. I cannot speak highly enough of Cristal and her exceptional service. She is a true expert in her field and her dedication to excellence, combined with unwavering support is the reason we choose to work with her for all our real estate buying needs.”

- T.C.

“Cristal is a top-notch realtor who sold my home before it ever went on the market. I had two competing offers that enabled me to get top dollar for my home. Not only is Cristal superb but her team is extraordinary. I cannot say enough about Cristal and her team. They are simply phenomenal, the consummate professionals, who took care of every possible detail, making the sale and transition period, smooth from our end. They are also lovely, caring people, who knew all the right professionals, to get the job done. Thank you, everyone!”

- D.R.

“I could list lots of cool adjectives to describe Cristal. All good by the way. But, that is not why I or anyone should hire Cristal. My reason for hiring her, which proved to be correct, is very simple. She got the job done. And, she does it time and time again and with zero issues. And, that is why she is one of the top agents in the country. End of subject. ”

- M.A.

“Working with Cristal was a complete pleasure. Cristal was extremely patient with us as we evaluated nearly 2 dozen homes over a span of 2 years. Her knowledge of the market is unmatched. Cristal provided us with exceptional counsel as we evaluated opportunities and negotiated pricing. The closing process was handled thoroughly and efficiently. We could not be happier with our purchase and even more happy to now call Cristal our friend.”

- D.K.

“Cristal Clarke has conducted numerous real estate transactions for me beginning 13 years ago with the purchase of a Lemon Ranch. She has handled both large and small purchases and sales with equal dedication. As a negotiator, you can’t find anyone better. Her transactions are always conducted in the most appropriate and professional manner. Cristal has considerable knowledge of the Santa Barbara market.”

- S.N. Decker Ph.D.

“Living in Europe, we were to say the least, unaccustomed to the nuances of Real Estate acquisition in California and Cristal steered us through the process with absolute professionalism and personal attention to detail at every turn. Her in-depth knowledge of the market place combined with enthusiasm and drive was the only reason we secured the property of our dreams and will be forever grateful. If you are looking for personal discrete and private representation of the highest quality we suggest you look no further than Cristal Clarke.”

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“Cristal is very straightforward, cheerful, helpful, professional and trustworthy….we felt very lucky to work with her.”

- John and Lacey Williams

“After considering our many choices, we are grateful it was Cristal Clarke of Sotheby’s International who represented the sale of our Montecito cottage. We are familiar with Cristal’s reputation of hard work and dedication to clients, but it was her attention to detail that made our experience so positive. She offered suggestions for staging the property, worked in harmony with potential buyers and was even able to secure back up offers. The sale of our cottage was completed much sooner than we expected, due in great part to Cristal’s professional skills and support. We highly recommend Cristal as a first choice for anyone needing representation with real estate.”

- Michael & Nancy Lee

“Our experience in working with Cristal Clarke resulted in the successful and discrete acquisition of a property which was not yet on the open market. Her knowledge of the Montecito/Santa Barbara area and vast expertise blended with her passion for real estate and architecture, provided us with the very highest level of professionalism and personalized services. Cristal exhibited a rare combination of excellent communications, attention to detail, creativity and patience.”

- Richard and Catherine Frinier

“Cristal really breaks the mold. She knows every nook and cranny of this real estate market, understands value, and follows up on everything, all the time. She was incredibly patient with our two year quest to find the perfect house. Every house hunting trip from across the country was well planned, and our time was never wasted. On top of her professionalism and expertise, she is delightful to spend time with. We are thrilled with the home we purchased, and grateful to Cristal for so wisely advising us through this process, right through to the close and beyond.”

- Laurie Siegel

“We met Cristal first in the course of renting a winter home (for three years), then buying a house using her as our agent. She was amazingly good at listening to our wants and showing us homes that fit our needs. Her mastery of the paperwork was perfect. Most importantly, there was never a situation where we doubted her straightforwardness or integrity. If we do another real estate transaction in Montecito (which I doubt, we’re happy with what we purchased), without question we’d use Cristal again.”

- Ken Saffir

“Susan and I just want to thank you for your efforts in the sale of our home. You are really quite amazing. Your competence, persistence, optimism and humor made the entire process effortless. Every problem that arose, you somehow fixed; any obstacle, you overcame. We have bought and sold many homes. It has never been such a painless and enjoyable process!”

- Michael & Susan Marquart

“A little something about “our” realtor, Cristal Clarke. My wife and I came to Santa Barbara about fifteen years ago looking for a seasonal home from which to enjoy the weather and amenities of the central coast. Being in the real estate business myself I was familiar with agents and brokers so entered the market with open eyes. We “flipped” a few houses in the early years, dealing with various agents and finally ended up in Montecito. That’s when good fortune put us together with Cristal. To say we were impressed is to put it mildly. Cristal really knows the market. She is familiar with the area, its history and trends. When we have questions about a particular property she either has the answers immediately or gets back to us by phone or email. There is no waiting or wondering with Cristal. She is an agent who is “on top of it.” Her recommendations as to price points, contractors, inspectors and title agents have proven to be exceptional, showing great insight and the highest professional standards. We consider ourselves exceedingly fortunate to say that Cristal Clarke is our realtor and would recommend her services to any serious buyer or seller.”

- Rob & Judi Kelch