Santa Barbara is the gateway to Southern California with towering mountains, offshore islands, and pleasant Mediterranean climate. To the south you have large estates and busy downtown Santa Barbara. To the north is a land of large vineyards featured in the movie “Sideways” and home to Vandenberg Air Force Base. This is an internationally recognized destination for vacationers, beach goers, and celebrities.

Santa Barbara’s Mediterranean climate makes it a great place to visit or live. From May to September there is virtually no rain, but coastal fog and low clouds are ever present during May and June. This usually gives way to sunshine as the day warms up and the clouds burn off. Fall tends to be the clearest, warmest time of year with several days of hot, dry Santa Ana winds blowing from the east.

Downtown Santa Barbara has a lot to offer in the way of restaurants, bars and other nightlife. The college party scene tends to be centered over in Isla Vista. Along State Street there are several bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and stores to check out, not to mention some of the best people watching anywhere. This area offers just about every sport or activity you can imagine. Surfing, kayaking, mountain biking, canoeing, hiking and wine tasting top the list. There is also fishing, whale watching and scuba trips to the islands.