California Travel Guide

Santa Barbara

A stylish place with an affluent population and pleasing climate Santa Barbara proclaims itself the 'Californian Riviera'. It owes much of its appearance now to the earthquake that hit the area in 1925; the town was rebuilt with a distinctly Spanish Colonial feel too it. When this happened it was laid out with the pedestrian in mind, not the automobile unlike its neighbour a hundred miles south along the coast.

As a resort town it could hardly have been better situated; overlooking the Pacific on a palm fringed bay surrounded by olive groves. But Santa Barbara is more than just a pretty face.

The Museum of Art holds a collection that includes leading impressionists, Asian art and sculptures. Elsewhere there is the Historical Museum including artefacts from the Spanish Colonial past. Just outside the town is the Museum of Natural History worth a look for it's appearance if nothing else. The Santa Barbara County Courthouse is an impressive Spanish revival building; a climb up the 85-foot tower will repay you with great views over the town and coast.

The beach here is gorgeous, wide and sandy offering watersports of all kinds. The town plays host to five colleges, which keeps the atmosphere lively in the centre. The main focus for nightlife, bars and restaurants is State Street leading down to Stearns Wharf. This is a great place to sup a cocktail, eat seafood and watch the sun slowly set.

Santa Monica

Essentially Santa Monica is a resort town offering an escape from the pollution and heat of LA. However, it is a fiercely independent enclave with its own distinct character.

Set on the palm lined 'Palisades' overlooking the mighty Pacific; Santa Monica is a pleasant liberal community keen on maintaining itself as such. Planning restrictions have ensured there has been no befouling of the coastline.

Santa Monica Pier reflects the towns past as a giant funfair, the pier still has a Ferris wheel and a restored 1920's Carousel (this is where we first encounter Paul Newman as Henry Gondorf in 'The Sting'). For more a modern 'funfair' visit Pacific Park with the usual array of lunch churning rides.

Rather better is the Museum of Flying, which does a decent job of presenting the history of flight. Better still is the UCLA Ocean Discovery Centre. This has numerous exhibits explaining the nature of the local marine environment.

Elsewhere there is the Santa Monica Museum of Art which sits alongside Bergamont Station an 'arcade' with over 40 galleries.

For shopping and a lively street life go to the Third Street Promenade a pedestrian area with all the best bars, shops and restaurants.

At the end of the day, take a stroll through Palisades Park sitting atop the bluffs this is a great place to catch a Pacific sunset.

Bakersfield

As you head north inland from LA, you will encounter Bakersfield. At first site it may appear a little grim but on closer examination you will find a place of genuine character.

The one thing that distinguishes this town and makes it more than just another stop on the way into the central valley is country music. When dispossessed farmers began arriving from dustbowls of the mid west during the 1920's and 30's, they brought their music with them. In the 1960's it seemed for a while as if Bakersfield with its raw musical style would challenge Nashville as the heart of country music but alas it was not to be.

Although such dreams may have faded, the music scene in Bakersfield is still very much alive and kicking and there is always a live gig on somewhere. Weekends are especially lively with bars and restaurants jumping to the sound of music. A great place for a short stay. If you like country music that is!

Thu 4th Dec 2008