Things to do in Santa Barbara, California

Barbara is but a short freeway drive from both the San Francisco and Los Angeles metropolitan areas. Known for its wide beaches, kick-back lifestyle and perfect climate, Santa Barbara is a popular weekend getaway destination, offering many outdoor and cultural activities - many of them - including skating, bicycling, sailboat, surf board rentals and Stearns Wharf - within walking distance of the Best Western Beachside Inn.

Originally settled by the Spanish in 1782, Santa Barbara's heritage is evident in its many whitewashed, red tile-roofed buildings and Spanish street names.

EL PRESIDIO DE SANTA BARBARA STATE HISTORIC PARK is the site of the 1782 Spanish outpost used by first settlers to the area. Historic buildings within the park include the 1788 El Cuartel, the second-oldest surviving structure in California.

MISSION SANTA BARBARA, Called "Queen of the Missions," was founded on Dec. 4, 1786, which is also known as the Feast of St. Barbara. Completed in 1820, it is one of the best preserved of the missions. The city's Old Spanish Days Fiesta takes place in early August, while the Santa Barbara Arts and Crafts Show, in Chase Palm Park, features the works of more than 300 artists and craftspeople and is held Sundays and holidays year around. It's worth the trip to the Santa Barbara Courthouse for the 360 degree view you can see of the city from its historic clock tower.

• Botanic Garden:
  Free guided tours take place at 2 p.m. daily and 11 a.m. Saturdays and Sundays.
• Santa Barbara Zoo:
  The 30-acre zoo has a collection of more than 600 animals. The zoo is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
• Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History
  Enjoy Free Family Fun Day on the last Sunday of the Month at the museum. The museum is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
• Fairview Gardens:
  Self-guided tours are available on a drop-in basis from 10 a.m. to sunset daily.
• Santa Barbara Maritime Museum:
  The permanent multi media exhibit is Troubled Waters: The Impact of Civilization on California's Central Coast. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.
• Santa Barbara Museum of Art:
  Collections include ancient art, French and English 19th and early 20th century art, 19th and early 20th Century American art. Museum hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• South Coast Railroad Museum:
  The museum is open 1 to 4 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays. Features ride-on hand car and miniature train, travel films and model railroad exhibit.

SANTA BARBARA ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS, a 40-Acre park, has 80 exhibits displaying more than 600 animals in naturalistic habitats, as well as picnic areas, a playground and a miniature train. The landscaped grounds also include a fine botanical collection.

STEARNS WHARF is a landmark in Santa Barbara. It was built in 1872 to serve cargo and passenger ships. In the 1930s, it was the departure point for people trying to get aboard floating casinos. While during World War II the wharf served as a naval installation.

Santa Barbara's cultural landscape is vast - it boasts its own Symphony Orchestra, Art Museum, Natural History museum, several live theatre venues and hundreds of restaurants to satisfy even the most discerning of palates. Several world-class wineries are a short drive away, while many outdoor activities and events draw young and old alike.