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Interesting Facts
- On the California shore, beaches typically look towards the west, out to sea. But Santa Barbara's geographic location means its beaches face the south. Beach-goers aren't forced to face the sun all afternoon, but sunset walks are somewhat trickier, given that the sun doesn't sink into the horizon directly out to sea. For the best views, try Butterfly Beach, or a special sunset cruise.
- When Tom Bodett of Motel 6 fame assures folks that "We'll leave the light on for you," he probably has a special place in his heart for the Santa Barbara property. It was, in fact, the first location for the budget lodging chain, back in 1962. At this particular motel, reservations are often booked a year in advance, and although you'll pay more than $6 a night these days, you'll get a great beach location, still in view of the light.
- Yet a Catholic worship center of the Franciscan order, Santa Barbara's Old Mission has been in constant use by congregations since the late 18th century. Now home to the St. Barbara Parish Community, the Old Mission is also notable for its twin bell towers and for having created a water system that's still in use by the city.
- When film first came to California, Santa Barbara was a primary location for shoots. The American Film Company, Inc. (whose logo was a winged letter "A") produced many films for the silent era, and prominent stars who came to town included Mary Pickford, Charlie Chaplin, Douglas Fairbanks, and Victor Fleming, who directed the "Wizard of Oz" and "Gone with the Wind." Although LA eventually claimed cinema domination, Santa Barbara provided a strong, initial jump-start to the fledgling industry.
- San Ysidro Ranch, one of the area's most prestigious resorts, has been a romantic destination for scores of celebrities and well-heeled travelers. Among its pastoral environs, Vivien Leigh and Sir Laurence Olivier were married, and Camelot's own JFK and Jacqueline Bouvier celebrated a portion of their honeymoon. In fact, a suite at the ranch is named for the latter couple.
- Just east of Santa Barbara lies the quiet, charming beach town of Summerland. Although it's known for antique shops and galleries today, in its infancy, the community was comprised largely of Spiritualists. These believers held seances to communicate with departed spirits and experience other psychic phenomena. The discovery of oil quickly gave the town another reputation, and spiritualism faded away to some extent. Still, however, folks in the area claim to have encountered spirits, especially at The Big Yellow House restaurant which is now closed.
- A vision of Mediterranean-styled buildings and plazas, Santa Barbara wasn't always the architectural beauty it is today. Prior to the early 20th century, a hodgepodge of structures characterized the town. Not until the 1925 earthquake decimated much of the city did civic leaders establish a unified vision. At that point, the Old Mission and historic adobes provided a model for the rebuilt community, one based on red-tile roofs, pale stucco, courtyards, fountains, and the like.
- In Santa Barbara, as in many American cities, European settlers overshadowed Native American populations residing in prime territories. The Central California coast's original residents were the Chumash, a tribe who lived between the Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific Ocean. Great fishers, weavers, and basketmakers, the Chumash also provided labor to construct the Old Mission. Many of them were forced to adopt Catholicism, and many fell victim to European diseases. Today, the much-diminished population resides outside Santa Ynez.
- Given its upscale status, natural beauty, and lovely Old World architecture, Santa Barbara is, unsurprisingly, a magnet to the rich and famous. Among its residents are many actors and celebrities who enjoy anonymity among the other locals. During his administration, former president, Ronald Reagan often visited his ranch in the mountains above the city and the images of the mountains and ocean were seen worldwide on television and in newspapers. Somewhat typical of real estate in the area, talk-show host Oprah Winfrey's $50 million estate is set on 42 acres and includes a lake, a mansion, an orchard, and a host of dependencies .
- Scandinavian culture runs deep in Solvang, a quaint town 45 miles north of Santa Barbara. Founded by Danish-American settlers in 1911, the community has the feel of a Northern European village, from architecture to restaurants. Aside from its physical allure, the town boasts a wealth of great specialty and antique shops, along with a mission dating to 1804.
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