So now that you have landed on Santa Barbara as your vacation destination of a lifetime, you could buy one of many of the Santa Barbara Guides written about our fair city, go to all the places listed between its pages, and end up having the exact same vacation that thousands of other vacationers have experienced. Alternatively, you could color outside the lines and experience our town in a way that is both daring and unique. It's your vacation, and there really aren't any rules, but if you choose to the latter option, we at Paradise Retreats can help you with our own guide to this list of hidden gems you just won't find in any run of the mill Santa Barbara Guides.
The Cold Spring Tavern, located at 5995 Stagecoach Road, was built as a stagecoach stop in 1886 and has been an integral part of the San Marcos Pass experience ever since. Today, the history of this determined structure that has survived bankruptcy, forest fires, and many other tragedies throughout its existence is apparent in the buildings that surround it. You can order a cold beverage, a tasty steak, and soak in the atmosphere during your visit to the past!
The Santa Barbara Guidebooks are good, but do they know that some of the best ice cream in the state can be found at McConnell's Fine Ice Cream? Offering rotating seasonal flavors and a giant selection of ones that never change, our happy place can be found at one of the tables. Just don't ask us to choose a favorite taste; every visit we find something new to fall in love with!
But some of the interesting stories behind the venerable structure probably haven't made the cut! Located at 2201 Laguna Street, it is the only mission constructed with two identical towers. Our favorite story, however, is knowing that Juana Maria, the woman who inspired the beloved book, The Island of the Blue Dolphins, is buried in the cemetery on its grounds.
The sunset is guaranteed to take your breath away, no matter how many times you see it, and although there are plenty of places to see it throughout town, none will compare to your own patio! Our homes are designed for your comfort while retaining that unique California style that wows, and when you stay with us, you really are staying in paradise! Give us a call today to book one of our Santa Barbara or Santa Ynez Valley vacation rentals!
