SANTA BARBARA, CALIFORNIA, USA

DAY 19/138   January 7, 2024  Sunrise:  7:07 AM   Sunset: 5:04 PM

With its splendid setting between the Pacific Ocean and the steep Santa Ynez Mountains, Santa Barbara has been called "the American Riviera."  This quaint seaside town exudes a charming small-town atmosphere.  When it comes to its historic architecture, Spanish Colonial Revival and Mission Revival dominate, sharing the cityscape with Victorian gems from the late 1800s and California bungalows from the early 20th century.  The hilltop Old Mission Santa Barbara, founded in 1786 by Franciscan friars, offers a glimpse of California's early days, while more than 100 nearby vineyards-soaked in sun and a temperate Mediterranean climate-provide ample opportunities for sampling the region's famed wines.  

Greeted by a beautiful sunrise today.  

Our tour today  featured Santa Barbara Highlights.  It was delayed by 45 minutes because of  mild choppy seas.  

Neither John nor I had been to Santa Barbara; not sure why.    Beautiful city with a beautiful Pacific Ocean coastline,  abundant vegetation, and beautiful high priced real estate.   Our tour today was an included one involving a bus ride into the city.  Our first stop was to the Santa Barbara Mission.  


Unfortunately the outside doors were locked and we couldn't go inside.  Hopped back on the bus and drove down to the Old Courthouse.  









The building interior has been restored and is stunning. 



After seeing the Courthouse, we walked down through town towards the harbor passing a lot of restaurants, shops and outdoor statues.  









And lastly this very handsome Goldendoodle 

An hour or so after we were back on board we left port on our way to Hawaii.  It was a long day with so much to see.  Had we stayed longer, no doubt I would have come back with even more photos.  

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