Hey there, fellow Tigers!
I’m Victoria Houser Ph.D. ’21. I moved to Santa Barbara, California, in 2023 after accepting a faculty position at the University of California, Santa Barbara. I love the sunny Southern California life and am especially fond of everything this city offers: mountain trails, public beaches, and the best flowers and produce in the country. Here are my top recommendations if you ever find yourself in the area.
Stern’s Wharf
A local icon, Stern’s Wharf is the perfect place to watch the sunset over the ocean. Personally, I love to wake up before sunrise and run down to the wharf to watch the ocean change from dark blue to aqua as the sun crests the mountains. On the way back, I always have the best view of a quiet downtown. If you go later in the day, you can visit local shops, enjoy seafood or tour the Sea Center. Of course, you will want to plan enough time to walk down State Street to get the full downtown experience.
Inspiration Point
There are dozens of trails to hike in the Santa Ynez Mountains, but if you’re looking for a shorter outing with stunning views of the city and ocean, then you’ll want to make the 3-mile trek around Inspiration Point. Once at the top, you will be able to see the harbor and all of downtown nestled against the mountain range. You will also have excellent views of Arlington and La Cumbre peaks.
Pro Tip: If you’re looking for a longer, more challenging hike, you could take on Arlington from Inspiration Point. Just make sure to bring enough water and food for the excursion.
Rose Garden at Mission Park
The Rose Garden at Mission Park offers a stunning setting for an afternoon picnic, late-night stargazing or a morning walk. There are thousands of plants blooming in the garden from late spring until late fall. The Rose Garden is also an incredibly popular spot for special events, so the chances of witnessing a wedding or other life celebration are high, especially if you time your visit around sunset.
Beaches on Beaches
One of the many wonderful bonuses about Santa Barbara is the pristine, local beaches. If you want a more social experience, you’ll want to be at East Beach on a Saturday morning, where you could jump into a game of volleyball. If you want to be out on the water, you can also rent kayaks or paddleboards for hourly rates. Another one of my favorite places to run is up from the harbor to Shoreline Park. Of course, you don’t have to run there to access the park, but either way, you’ll have a lovely view of the oceanfront and Stern’s Wharf on your way back.
