Santa Barbara (September 3, 2019):
Baker
Los Angeles
Monterey
San Diego
San Francisco
Saint Joseph
Saint Louis the Bishop
Santa Barbara
Solvang
They're not from California, but I'm adding them because we also did them on this trip:
Grand Canyon (Arizona)
Las Vegas (Nevada)
Tijuana (Baja California, Mexico)
History of Santa Barbara in a few lines:
Origins:
The area where Santa Barbara is located today was inhabited for thousands of years by the Chumah, an indigenous people who developed complex maritime trade networks and settlements along the California coast. European arrival began in the 16th century with Spanish explorers who traveled through the region.
Middle Ages:
There is no equivalent Middle Ages in this territory; during that European period, the region remained occupied exclusively by indigenous communities such as the Chumaš, with their own cultural structures and social systems.
19th Century:
Following Spanish colonization, Mission Santa Barbara was established in 1786. At the beginning of the 19th century, the area passed from Spanish to Mexican rule and, after the Mexican-American War, was officially incorporated into California in 1848. The 19th century brought agricultural growth, new populations, and the urban transformation of the original settlement.
Present:
Today, Santa Barbara is a coastal city renowned for its Spanish-style architecture, Mediterranean climate, and tourist appeal. It combines historical heritage, universities, nearby wine regions, and a strong cultural identity tied to the landscape and the Californian lifestyle.
We don't provide a guide because there aren't many points:
Stearn's Wharf (Pier): California's oldest wooden pier, dating back to 1872. It's truly beautiful and well worth a visit. Parking is available, but there's a fee we don't recall.
State Street: shopping street.
Mission Santa Barbara, Franciscan mission church.
Palace of Justice (1100 of Anacapa Street). Seeing it makes you want to commit a crime just to be tried there; it's impressive. You can go up to the Lookout, which is what the clock tower is called, after climbing its 82 steps
Santa Barbara goes very well with Los Angeles because of its proximity, coastal climate and the ease of linking both via Highway 101, and with San Luis Obispo because it is a natural part of the central stretch of the California Coast, ideal for relaxed routes among beaches, vineyards and historic towns.
If you don't know where to eat, go to the information point and they will help you very kindly, tailoring their advice to what you are looking for.
Information obtained from the web https://www.exteriores.gob.es
Passport: It must be electronic and have a minimum validity of 6 months from the date of entry into the U.S. and at least two blank pages. The passport must have been issued after 2006.
ESTA form: Spanish citizens must complete the ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) form at least 72 hours before their flight. This allows stays of up to 90 days without a visa. 40,27$/Person. LINK.
Return ticket: You must present a return ticket dated within 90 days to prove that you will leave the country within that time.
Travel insurance: It is recommended to have adequate travel insurance due to the high cost of medical care in the USA. In our case, we always used Iati, but lately we've been using Globalfine, which is much cheaper.
Vaccines: There are no mandatory vaccinations for entry.
Special conditions: If you have traveled to certain countries, such as Cuba, Iran, or Syria, after specific dates, you may need a visa instead of an ESTA.
International driving permit: It is requested through the website of the DGT.
It costs €10.51. The good thing is you can order it online and pick it up without an appointment. It took a couple of days for ours, then you go to pick it up and it's a cardboard card like the ones they had 20 years ago.
Travel insurance: It is recommended to have road insuranceHeh. The best known and most complete ones are Iati y Heymondo, if we don't need insuranceWe'll grab him with... oh fat Globalfine which is much cheaper, in this case we use Iati.
Payment card/currency exchange: we always go with Revolut definitely.
Roaming: NO There is, so if you have data enabled you can take a nice little gift back.
GPS: Maps.me Download the maps for Spain and they work great offline, whether you're on foot, by car, or on public transport.
