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Whether you need to know local public holidays or highlights through the seasons, we hope you will find the facts gathered below useful tools for your travel planning. Please feel free to contact us if we can assist you further.

General information

Known as the American Riviera, Santa Barbara has been a popular travel destination for more than half a century. This picturesque community is nestled between the Santa Ynez mountains and the Pacific Ocean. The town's distinctive architecture illustrates its Spanish Colonial heritage: thick adobe walls with deeply recessed doors and windows, graceful balconies and loggias, red-tiled chimneys and towers, wrought-iron gateways and broad oak-shaded avenues.

Time zone

GMT -8 hours
Pacific Standard Time

Language(s) spoken

English, Spanish

Electrical system

Local voltage is 110 to 120 volts AC. Adapters available; please request through the Concierge.

Shopping hours

Monday to Saturday 10:00 am to 7:00 pm
Sunday 11:00 am to 7:00 pm

Working hours

Working hours are generally 10:00 am to 7:00 pm.
The Hotel office staff are available from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm. The Hotel restaurant opens at 7:00 am.

Time and distance to city centre

5 minutes/5 miles/8 kilometres

Time and distance to shopping

• Paseo Nuevo: 5 minutes/5 miles/8 kilometres
• Coast Village Road: 1 minute/1 mile/1.6 kilometres
• La Cumbre Plaza: 10 minutes/10 miles/16 kilometres

View in–depth travel advice from Frommers.com

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Seasonal highlights

February-April

Whale watching seasons, migration of 20,000 Gray and Humpback Whales.

March-October

Throughout the summer, local artists display their work along the beach every Sunday.

April

Every third weekend in April, nearby Santa Ynez hosts the Santa Barbara County Vintners' Festival.

May

I Madonnari, the Italian Street Painting Festival, takes place at the Santa Barbara Mission on Memorial Day weekend.

June

The Summer Solstice Celebration Parade lines the streets on the Saturday nearest to June 21.

August

Old Spanish Days is celebrated with a parade, rodeo and various events throughout the city.

October

Celebration of the Harvest, weekend event in the Santa Ynez Valley celebrating the harvest of the grapes.

December

Parade of lights, local boats light up the Santa Barbara Harbor.