language study abroad
Santa Barbara
The sea, stunning beaches, yachts and culinary delights have left their marks on Santa Barbara. Since Santa Barbara is a former missionary town, there is also lots of historic splendour.
PLAYGROUND OF THE RICH AND BEAUTIFUL
Santa Barbara represents for many people the glorious beach life of California. The city, with almost 100 000 inhabitants, has a Mediterranean charm, with its intact Spanish colonial style layout. Students at the University of California at Santa Barbara and young tourists make for the kind of lively beach life familiar from Hollywood films. Don’t forget, a weekend in Santa Barbara is fashionable amongst the chic Hollywood set. Ronald Reagan frequently relaxed at his ranch in the hills above the city and John F. Kennedy spent a romantic honeymoon here with his wife Jaqueline.
LIVING SPANISH HERITAGE
The city, founded by the Spanish in 1786, has a number of worthwhile sights. People in Santa Barbara are especially proud of the Mission, the finest example in California, enthroned majestically on a hill above the city. The beach scene is centred on Stearn’s Wharf. The County Courthouse in the Spanish Moorish style in the old town is surrounded by magnificent gardens and the view over the city from the tower goes on forever. The Museum of Art and the Sea Centre, which display underwater life, attract many visitors.
