Santa Barbara Mission
Often referred to as the "Queen of the Missions," the Santa Barbara Mission is a graceful building founded in 1786 as the 10th of 21 Franciscan missions in California. From the steps of the mission, visitors have a panoramic view of the city. The building continues to be a focal point of cultural and religious activity with a full schedule of events throughout the year.
Chase Palm Park
A wonderful park east of the Wharf, Chase Palm Park features bike and rollerblading trails, a skateboard park, recreation house and convenient beach access. The park's long stretch of grass is great for playing soccer or catch while on the city side there is an outdoor music pavilion, carousel, children's playground, plenty of well-tended walks and a lovely pond. Local artisans gather here every Sunday to share their latest wares.
The Waterfront
Along this stretch of incredible coastline there are beautiful sandy beaches, restaurants, shops, artists at work and a bike trail. The center of Waterfront activity is the 130-year-old Stearn's Wharf , where Santa Barbara's early immigrants and supplies came to shore. The Harbor offers fishing, pleasure boating and the fabulous Maritime Museum with its interactive exhibits, including a periscope with 365-degree views. Each Sunday the Waterfront Arts and Crafts Show features artists, craftspeople and street performers.
Every Saturday, the Museum offers a docent-guided tour of the Museum's collection. Docent tours provide a unique opportunity to further explore the rich maritime heritage of the California Coast. Tours are free with Museum admission and begin at the admission desk at 2 pm.
Botanic Garden
One of Santa Barbara's hidden treasures, the Botanic Garden is an educational and scientific institution fostering stewardship of the natural world. With an emphasis on plants native to California, the garden features 65 acres of trees, shrubs, wildflowers, cacti and miles of nature trails.
El Presidio de Santa Barbara
One of the most interesting and significant landmarks in Santa Barbara, the Presidio was founded in 1782 as the last of four military fortresses built by the Spanish along the wilderness frontier. The chapel was the first in Santa Barbara for the locals (the Mission was used primarily by the converted Indian population). Founded April 21, 1782, the Santa Barbara Royal Presidio was the last in a chain of four military fortresses built by the Spanish along the coast of Alta California, then a wilderness frontier. Others had been established at San Diego, San Francisco and Monterey. Padre Junípero Serra, well known for his leadership in founding the California missions, blessed the site of the Santa Barbara Presidio four years prior to the establishment of the Mission of Santa Barbara in 1786. El Presidio de Santa Bárbara State Historic Park encompasses much of the original Presidio site and is located in modern downtown Santa Barbara at the intersection of Santa Barbara and East Canon Perdido Streets.
The Presidios played a vital role in the occupation of New Spain. They protected the missions and settlers against attack by Indians, provided a seat of government, and guarded the country against foreign invasion. The Santa Barbara Presidio was both military headquarters and governmental center of the entire region extending from the southern limits of present day San Luis Obispo County to and including the Pueblo of Los Angeles.
Santa Barbara Bowl
The Santa Barbara Bowl has become a home for the performing arts in Santa Barbara. As the largest outdoor amphitheater in Santa Barbara County, with a capacity to seat 4,562, the Bowl retains its intimate ambiance while offering the freedom of a beautiful and natural outdoor venue. The venue showcases some top acts as they travel between Los Angeles and San Francisco.
Santa Barbara Winery
This fantastic winery is located just steps away from the Pacific Ocean and has been established for 40 years. Their location includes a tasting room with a small courtyard and is a classic Santa Barbara winery.
Horseback Riding
Some of Santa Barbara County's most spectacular scenery can only be seen on horseback. Expert trail guides navigate the native chaparral hilltops with their ancient oak trees, creeks, waterfalls and stunning sunset views of the Pacific Ocean and the Channel Islands.
Whale Watching from the Santa Barbara Channel Islands
Set on a southern-facing coast sheltered by the Channel Islands, Santa Barbara is an excellent whale watching location-many consider it one of the best in the world. Visitors can witness the awe-inspiring migration of the gray whales and 27 other whale and dolphin species that inhabit the Santa Barbara Channel at various times of the year. The two best whale watching opportunities are during February, March and early April when the California Grey Whales make their appearance, and from May to September when Blue Whales, Minke Whales and Humpback Whales come around. Other large mammals, including dolphins, porpoises, seals and sea lions, can be viewed year-round.
Welcome Aboard Condor Cruises and the CONDOR EXPRESS, the premier Whale Watching and Party/Dinner Cruise venue in California. Located in the beautiful city of Santa Barbara we offer the most comfortable, advanced vessel on the west coast. Each of our crew members are trained and experienced naturalist with 30+ years of service . You will be impressed with just how well our captains know these waters and love the incredible animals we spend so much time with. When you ride on the CONDOR EXPRESS, you are riding with the experts!
Please visit Our Events Calendar for the day to day schedule of trips aboard the CONDOR EXPRESS! Gray whales migrate southward through our channel beginning in December, and move northward mid February through April.
Voted the " Best Charter and Whale Watching Vessel in Santa Barbara " year after year since 1978, we offer a variety of spectacular excursions year round into the Santa Barbara Channel aboard our all new high - speed catamaran the 75 foot CONDOR EXPRESS .
Whale Watching and Island Excursions : The Santa Barbara Channel is home to over 30 different species of whales, dolphins, and seals and sealions that visit throughout the year, making these waters some of the most consistent locations found anywhere to view a variety of marine mammals. The recently aired "Wonders of our National Parks" on the Discovery Channel highlighted the outstanding abundance of marine life in the Santa Barbara Channel and named it "One of the 10 Best Places in the WORLD to View Wildlife."
From May through November ( summer season ) our cruising grounds include the nutrient rich waters around Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa and San Miguel Islands. It's this area that is generally considered to contain one of the world's highest concentration of feeding blue whales and humpback whales in the world! Click here to view a clip from a recent episod of KADY-TV's show " In the Spotlight " which features Santa Barbara's whales of summer and the CONDOR EXPRESS.
In the winter and spring months we visit with the California gray whale herd as it passes by on both their Southern and Northern migration. For more information about whale whatching aboard the CONDOR EXPRESS, visit our whale watching page.
Condor Express Wave Walker Sunset Kidd Captain Don Island Packers Santa Barbara Sail Surfing at Santa Barbara Beaches
With plenty of beaches to choose from, surfers new to the area won't have a hard time finding great surf. Head out to Rincon Point to surf one of the worlds top surfing spots. This top attraction in Santa Barbara brings professional surfers from all over and makes for a great spectator event. If you didn't bring a surfboard then visit one of the many surf shops that pepper the beaches. They are also great for finding swim wear and swim gear.
http://www.santabarbarasurfing.com |
