Los Angeles & Southern California - Andrea Schulte-Peevers [315]
Santa Barbara is surrounded by small affluent communities: Hope Ranch to the west, and Montecito and Summerland to the east. UCSB is just west of Hope Ranch in Isla Vista.
Interstate 101 and the railroad tracks – which run parallel – cut east to west across State St, just north of the coast. Be prepared to wait for the train about once every hour or so if you’re traveling on State St. Access to and from Interstate 101 can be found at Garden St.
The Santa Barbara Visitor Center has free maps.
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INFORMATION
Bookstores
Book Den (Map; 805-962-3321; 15 E Anapamu St) The oldest used bookstore in California specializes in history, art, architecture and academic-press titles. It has an excellent tracking system for locating used books. Bibliophiles and perpetual students, beware: you may never get out of here.
Chaucer’s Books (Map; 805-682-6787; 3321 State St, Loreto Plaza) Best selection in town – 150,000 plus – for any new book you could ever want.
Pacific Travelers Supply (Map; 805-963-4438, 800-546-8060; 12 W Anapamu St) The best spot in town to buy guidebooks and maps, as well as miscellaneous travelers’ accessories including hats, Crocs, tents, GPS systems and surfing guides.
Internet Access
FedEx Kinko’s (Map; 805-966-1114; 1030 State St; per min 25¢; 7am-10pm Mon-Thu, 7am-9pm Fri, 9am-7pm Sat, 10am-8pm Sun)
Grayphics (Map; 805-899-2387; 1114 State St, #a7 La Arcada, La Arcada; per 15min/hr $2/8; 8:30am-5pm Mon-Fri) Five stations available.
Muddy Waters (Map; 805-966-9328; 508 E Haley St; per 30min/hr $3/5; 6am-6pm, later if there’s a show, closed Sun)
Santa Barbara Public Library (Map; 805-962-7653; www.sbplibrary.org; 40 E Anapamu St; 10am-9pm Mon-Thu, to 5:30pm Fri & Sat, 1-5pm Sun)
Libraries
Santa Barbara Public Library (Map; 805-962-7653; www.sbplibrary.org; 40 E Anapamu St; 10am-9pm Mon-Thu, to 5:30pm Fri & Sat, 1-5pm Sun) The main branch of the public library also has computers with free internet for public use.
Media
Independent (www.independent.com) Published on Thursday, it has thorough events listings and reviews.
Santa Barbara News-Press (www.newspress.com) Santa Barbara’s daily newspaper also has an events calendar and a special Friday supplement called ‘Scene’, helpful for learning what’s going on.
Medical Services
Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital (Map; 805-682-7111; cnr Pueblo & Bath Sts; 24hr) Emergency room operating 24/7.
Money
Bank of America (Map; 805-564-2064; 834 State St)
Paul A Brombal Coin & Jewelry (Map; 805-687-3641; 3601a State St; 10am-5pm Mon-Fri, 10am-2pm Sat) Exchanges currency; call ahead. It’s on the corner of Ontare.
Post
Post office (Map; 805-564-2226; 836 Anacapa St; 8:30am-6pm Mon-Fri, 9am-2pm Sat) Full-service post office. Automated Postal Center and stamp machine in lobby.
Tourist Information
Santa Barbara Outdoor Visitor Center (Map; 805-884-1475; www.outdoorsb.noaa.gov; 113 Harbor Way, 4th fl, Waterfront Center Bldg) Lots of info on Channel Islands National Park and Los Padres National Forest. Great harbor view from deck. Volunteer-based, so hours depend on availability. Generally open for around four hours a day – call for precise times.
Santa Barbara Visitor Center (Map; 805-965-3021; www.santabarbaraca.com; 1 Garden St; 9am-5pm Mon-Sat, 10am-5pm Sun) Pick up maps and brochures, and consult with the helpful, but busy, staff.
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SIGHTS
Grab a free map from the visitors center for the self-guided 12-block Red Tile walking tour. This tour is a convenient and easy introduction to downtown’s historical highlights, including the Santa Barbara County Courthouse and El Presidio de Santa Barbara State Park. The tour’s name comes from the half-moon-shaped red clay tiles covering the roofs of the city’s historic buildings.
Santa Barbara County Courthouse
Panoramic views from the 85ft clock tower of the courthouse (Map; 805-962-6464; 1100 Anacapa St; admission free; 8:30am-5pm Mon-Fri, 10am-5pm Sat & Sun) are