Category: California

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Indian Canyons, Palm Springs

Indian Canyons, Palm Springs

A trip to the Palm Springs area might be your pleasure if you are looking for world-class golf courses. Then again, with countless up-scale restaurants and bars steeped in old Hollywood legends maybe your goal is to find places Marilyn Monroe or Dean Martin ate and drank. Speaking of Marilyn, take a walking tour or a driving tour of famous homes. Of course, fantastic shopping is just around the corner.

Did you know you can also spend some time with more than 150 species of plants…all within a half-mile radius? Did you know you could be walking through an actual oasis?

Indian Canyons are the ancestral home of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians. The canyons are especially sacred to the Agua Caliente people. They are also historically important to scientists and nature lovers.

The Agua Caliente people have lived here for thousands of years. They grew crops of melons, squash, beans, and corn. They also gathered plants and seeds for food, medicines, and basket weaving. Some of their house pits, irrigation ditches, dams, and reservoirs still exist in the canyons.

The Indian Canyons and Tahquitz Canyon are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Palm Canyon is the world’s largest California Fan Palm Oasis.

We spent a couple of hours walking along the Andreas Canyon. The scenic trail was considered easy and most of it was. It is narrow in spots so be prepared to wait if there are other people ahead of you or are coming towards you. There are also large rocks to step up on or down off, so wear good walking shoes.

Huge rocks, which seem to fill the sky, line the trail on one side. Stately palms of all sizes line the clear-water creek on the other side. Singing, chirping, and happy birds accompanied us on our walk.

Keep in mind, this is a desert hike. It may look like the beautiful, lush oasis it is but it is still the dessert. During part of this walk we were shaded and cool as we made our way along the creek. Another part found us walking along the top of the ridge, in the bright sun. We were glad for our water bottles.

After our walk, we drove up to the Palm Canyon area part of the canyons. This 15 mile-long is abundant with more California Fan Palms and stark, rocky gorges overlooking the desert landscape.

Palm Springs has so much to offer. Take time to explore the Indian Canyons area next time you are in the area. It’s a welcome contrast.

If You Go: Indian Canyons is located at 38520 South Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA. There is a charge to enter. Find out more at https://www.indian-canyons.com/

Looking for more places to explore in Palm Springs? Check out https://travelsandescapes.net/?s=palm+springs

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San Diego Zoo

We spent the better part of a day at the San Diego Zoo recently.

Starting with the bus trip, which was included in our ticket price, this was a great to get oriented. With an overall view of the entire zoo, this helped us decide the areas where we definitely wanted to spend more time.

Our driver explained the individual areas and the animals that would normally live in either that continent or country. She stopped often along the way to show us an animal if they were visible. If they were not, she gave us some hints on the best time to see them.

She also told us about a “kangaroo bus” which is a hop on, hop off bus. This bus stops at four different spots throughout the entire zoo. We used this bus at the end of the day when we wanted to get to one more place.

Well laid out, the San Diego Zoo let us go from Africa to Asia and everywhere in between. We saw animals of that specific area. Signage by each animal helped us  learn as it would explain the animal, their habitat, and pertinent facts about their life in the wild.

Volunteers are readily available to answer questions, give directions, and help with navigating the map. We stopped and asked questions several times.

Since we had reservation at Albert’s Restaurant, a sit-down restaurant at the San Diego Zoo, we headed there to eat lunch. Albert’s, located in the Lost Forest Zone, is a full-service restaurant. Both inside and  outside offer a terrific view of the private waterfall. With a tasty lunch we enjoyed a glass of wine. Not a bad way to enjoy the zoo.

Albert’s was named for the most famous resident ever at the San Diego Zoo. He was a handsome silverback western lowland gorilla. Born in Africa, Albert arrived at the zoo in 1949 when  he was four months old. He and two baby female lowland gorillas were hand raised at the nursery at the zoo. When he reached maturity, he lived in an open-air grotto, located where the restaurant is now located.

In 1965 Albert fathered the first western lowland gorilla at the San Diego  Zoo. This was only  the seventh gorilla born in any zoo. He died peacefully in 1978. His grandchildren  and great-grandchildren are still living at the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego  Zoo  Safari Park.

The rest of the day we wandered past lions, tigers, and bears. Oh my…what a great way to spend a day.

For more San Diego fun, check out https://travelsandescapes.net/?s=san+diego

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Safari Park News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance

Public Relations
619-685-3291
WEBSITE: sdzwa.org
PRESS ROOM:
sdzwa.org/pr/orangutanbirth2022

NEWS RELEASE

San Diego Zoo Celebrates the Birth of a
Critically Endangered Sumatran Orangutan Infant
SAN DIEGO (Jan. 18, 2022) – A new year brings new beginnings—and that is
especially true for Indah, a 35-year-old female Sumatran orangutan at the San Diego
Zoo, who gave birth to her third infant earlier this month. The healthy 2-week-old male
was born on January 4, and has been named Kaja, after an island in Kalimantan, the
Indonesian part of Borneo, that houses rehabilitated orangutans prior to release in the
wild. He is the first orangutan born at the Zoo in more than seven years, when Indah
gave birth to her daughter Aisha back in 2014.
“To witness the birth of such a majestic critically endangered animal is a remarkable
experience and brings us hope for the future,” said Erika Kohler, interim executive
director of the San Diego Zoo. “His birth increases the population by one and that is a
necessary step in our ongoing efforts to gain a deeper understanding of orangutans so
we can conserve the species where they live.”
Although the infant orangutan was deemed healthy, Indah experienced some
complications following the birth. Zoo team members reached out to community-based
experts for help, including neonatal anesthesiologists and OB-GYN specialists. Indah is
recovering, and will be on habitat intermittently. Both her and the infant are being
monitored closely by wildlife health and wildlife care specialists.
“It was extremely rewarding to see the understanding and collaboration put forth
by our talented team and community consultants to provide the necessary care for

Indah and her infant,” said Meg Sutherland-Smith, director of veterinary services at San
Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. “We will continue to stay vigilant; and at the same time,
remain hopeful.”
Sumatran and Bornean orangutans are listed as Critically Endangered on the
International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species.
The decline in their population is due to illegal wildlife trafficking and habitat loss from
rampant deforestation, which forces them into closer contact with people.
San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance works to save the species by collaborating with
innovative partners. Along with organizations such as SINTAS Indonesia and the U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service, conservationists work to prevent wildlife trafficking and
encourage the public to help reduce the demand for wildlife products, while advocating
for laws and other measures that protect wildlife.
About San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance
San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is a nonprofit international conservation leader,
committed to inspiring a passion for nature and creating a world where all life thrives.
The Alliance empowers people from around the globe to support their mission to
conserve wildlife through innovation and partnerships. San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance
supports cutting-edge conservation and brings the stories of their work back to the San
Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park—giving millions of guests, in person and
virtually, the opportunity to experience conservation in action. The work of San Diego
Zoo Wildlife Alliance extends from San Diego to strategic and regional conservation
“hubs” across the globe, where their strengths—via their “Conservation Toolbox,”
including the renowned Wildlife Biodiversity Bank—are able to effectively align with
hundreds of regional partners to improve outcomes for wildlife in more coordinated
efforts. By leveraging these tools in wildlife care and conservation science, and through
collaboration with hundreds of partners, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance has
reintroduced more than 44 endangered species to native habitats. Each year, San
Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance’s work reaches over 1 billion people in 150 countries via
news media, social media, their websites, educational

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Oakland, California

PRESS:            For Immediate Release January 18, 2022 

CONTACT:      Renée Roberts 415-407-7424 | renee@visitoakland.com 

WHAT’S NEW IN OAKLAND 2022: THE FIRST EDITION 

The first few months of the new year are filled with exciting new things to celebrate and experience in Oakland.  With hotel openings, an iconic destination’s 100 year anniversary,  restaurants popping up and cooking up tasty bites, flamenco dancing, powerful exhibits and family friendly fun – 2022 is off to a great start in Oakland.  Check out the new reasons to come to Oakland and plan your visit now! 

HOTEL OPENINGS 

Kissel Uptown Oakland 

In February 2022, Kissel Uptown Oakland will open in the core of the city’s vibrant Uptown district, at the center of an eclectic arts and entertainment scene. As part of the Unbound Collection By Hyatt, the newly renovated hotel embraces the neighborhood’s history and spirit with grand Beaux Arts architecture – towering columns, locally commissioned artworks, bold décor, and plentiful natural light. Dining options include Otto’s – an expansive lobby bar and cafe which offers craveable food and drinks all day long, and High 5ive – a lively rooftop bar and lounge with panoramic terrace, drinks and snacks. Guests are steps away from the diverse restaurants, bars, galleries and venues such as the Fox Theater and The Hive that make Uptown Oakland such a cultural hub. kisseloakland.com | hyatt.com  | 2455 Broadway 

AC Marriott Oakland Residence Inn 

The 189-foot AC Marriott Oakland Residence Inn will be one of the taller buildings in the city of Oakland. With 283 hotel rooms total, the hotel offers two experiences in one hotel. 165 rooms within levels three and eleven will be managed by the Marriott Residence Inn, ranging from studios to one bedroom suites. AC Hotel will manage the remaining 111 guest rooms across the upper floors. Opening Spring 2022. marriott.com | 1431 Jefferson Street 

ARTS & CULTURE 

OMCA (Oakland Museum of California) 

Edith Heath: A Life in Clay, comes to OMCA and will be on view January 29, 2022 – October 30, 2022. Discover the story of Edith Heath, founder and designer of Heath Ceramics who transformed the ceramics industry, creating dinnerware from California clay for “Sunday best” and everyday use. Driven by the power of good design, and a commitment to her craft, Heath’s vision continues to live on through her stoneware and tile over 70 years later.  museumca.org | 1000 Oak Street 

ICONIC ATTRACTIONS 

Children’s Fairyland 

Children’s Fairyland launches their Magic Tree Flora and Fauna program in the park on April 1, 2022. Fairyland’s Magic Tree program is designed for young naturalists with Flora and Fauna – an in-park activity for school field trips.  fairyland.org | 699 Bellevue Avenue 

Oakland Zoo Centennial  

It’s the 100 Year Anniversary of the beloved Oakland Zoo! Officially founded on June 6, 1922, the Oakland Zoo will celebrate this momentous occasion all year long with Community Clean Up Days, Cocktails & Conservation Programs, Earth Day Events, Brunch for the Wild Bunch and one great party at Lake Merritt on June 5, 2022. oaklandzoo.com | 977 Golf Links Road 

EVENT SPACE 

The Bridge Yard 

Once a maintenance facility for the Bay Area’s ubiquitous street cars, the Bridge Yard is Oakland’s newest event space. The award-winning restoration of this historic building features panoramic waterfront views of Oakland and San Francisco, an iconic light-filled indoor space, and an outdoor courtyard with a stage, seating and elevated viewing deck. The Bridge Yard is a central feature of the Judge John Sutter Regional Shoreline Park, the gateway to Oakland, and sits along the path of The Bay Bridge Trail. thebridgeyard.com | 210 Burma Road 

RESTAURANT OPENINGS 

Calabash 

A project by Nigel Jones that brings together his Jamaican cuisine with food from Malaysia and northern Iran that he refers to as “a gourmet Whole Foods with a full bar, outdoor dining and lots of grab-and-go items”.  Opening April 2022, date TBD.  2302 Valdez Street. 

Joodooboo 

A modern Korean deli from co-chef Steve Joo of pop-up Nokni.  The restaurant will focus on house made specialties like tofu, seasonal banchan made with farm fresh ingredients, and simple daily meals to accompany the banchan.  Open for business.  Joodooboo.com | 4201 Market Street. 

Kowbird 

Matt Horn of Horn Barbecue is opening this soul infused chicken joint with a killer buttermilk fried chicken sandwich – both traditional and sweet and spicy. Kowbird will be known for inventive sauces, Southern inspired sides and desserts.  Open for business. 1733 Peralta Street. 

Noka Ramen 

Farmhouse Kitchen Thai and sister restaurant Son & Garden have become known in the Bay Area for their over-the-top dishes. The owner’s latest project, a ramen shop in Oakland, will be no different. They will serve bowls of rainbow colored noodles that get their bright colors from natural ingredients like butterfly pea flower and dragonfruit. The rainforest themed dining room will feature artificial plants and flowers to complete the tropical décor. Opening in winter 2022, date TBD. Farmhouseramen.com | 90 Franklin Street in Jack London Square.

Occitania 

Highly acclaimed chef Paul Canales, the chef/owner of Duende (Oakland, CA) and the former long time executive chef of Oliveto (Oakland, CA), is behind the new French inspired Occitania, opening in the heart of Oakland’s Uptown Arts District. Inspired by the region of the Occitan linguistic region of Southern France which spans from the alpine region of Italy’s Piemonte, all the way to Spanish Catalonia – the menu blends traditional technique with a modern approach, adapting ancient recipes to showcase local, sustainable ingredients. Rafe Gabel, Italian Wine Specialist and California Appellation Wine Specialist, will oversee operations and the beverage program. Opening spring 2022, date TBD. 2401 Broadway. 

Roux40 

Christina “Lala” Harrison of JusLaEats will serve Black American dishes with a farm-to-table twist at this all-Black, all-female-run restaurant in the Temescal District.  Opening spring 2022, date TBD. 375 40th Street. 

RESTAURANT HAPPENINGS 

Duende: Flamenco and a Spanish Feast  

Flameno returns to Duende! A true celebration of Spain, with a prix fixe meal featuring classic Duende dishes and world class, live dance and music from Theatre Flamenco of SF twice monthly. The evenings begin with dinner featuring Spanish classics including ensalada de col (a cabbage salad, and a Duende favorite), patatas bravas, paella, turron and a pitcher of sangria to share. As dessert is served, an hour long performance of Flamenco begins, transporting guests to southern Spain. A premium menu upgrade is available featuring the addition of cava, a selection of pintxo and a choice of daily desserts from their in-house pastry chef.  For show dates and pricing visit duendeoakland.com/flamenco. 468 19th Street. 

Tribune 

Tribune starts the new year with a new lineup of events including “Wine ‘Not’ Wednesday” with half price bottles of wine.  Happy hour returns Wednesday through Friday from 5:00pm to 6:30pm and Live Jazz happens on Sundays from 7:00pm to 9:30pm. A new American Brasserie from partners Omri Aflalo and Darrin Ballon, Tribune is located in the iconic Tribune building on 13th and Franklin Streets. It’s a place to gather with friends, enjoy brasserie favorites, exceptional cocktails, and warm hospitality. 401 13th Street. 

About Visit Oakland 

Visit Oakland is a non-profit organization marketing Oakland, California as a travel destination. Visit Oakland offers a wide variety of complimentary services and materials for travelers interested in visiting Oakland. For more information, check out www.visitoakland.com. Want to share the Oakland love with the world? Follow @visitoakland on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.  #visitoakland #oaklandloveit   

# # # 

Renée Roberts  | Public Relations & Communications

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A Day in Solvang

On a recent trip to Santa Barbara, we made a day trip to the village of Solvang. Not our first time in this Danish village, we enjoyed wandering the streets and sampling delicious, authentic Danish treats.

Solvang was founded in 1911 by Danish-American educators. They purchased 9,000 acres of land surrounding Old Mission Santa Ines for $75,000. The Mission is the 19th of the 21 Missions in California, founded in 1804.

The city is known officially as California’s Denmark.

A half bronze replica of the famous Little Mermaid statue in Copenhagen Harbor is the only one authorized by the heirs of sculptor Edvard Eriksen. He sculpted the original in 1913.

With four wooden windmills within four blocks of each other, Solvang also has five authentic bakeries within five blocks of each other.

These treats include aebleskivers, fluffy, donut-hole like goodies. There are plenty of other authentic flaky, flavorful pastries are treats to savor as well.

Since Solvang is close to several AVAs for wine tasting, there are tasting rooms throughout downtown. If you stay in the area, you can take short trips to the different areas of the Santa Ynez Valley AVA, Ballard Canyon AVA, Santa Rita Hills AVA, Happy Canyon AVA, and Santa Maria Valley AVA. These make up the Santa Barbara north county wine country. Delicious Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Syrah can be found here in over 120 vineyards.

Eating, drinking, photographing windmills, and wandering seemed to fill the day we spent in Solvang. Since we also wanted to do more wine tasting we made day trips to some of the vineyards near Solvang and Santa Barbara.

For more day trip ideas, check out https://travelsandescapes.net/

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Getty Center

Getty Center

The Getty Center in Los Angeles is a campus of the Getty Museum and other properties included in the Getty Trust. Opened in December 1997, this $1.3 billion museum and grounds encompass a permanent art collection, sculpture gardens, and collections on loan.

This Los Angeles landmark, the Getty Center’s architecture highlights both nature and culture. Modern designs coexist with stunning gardens and dramatic views of LA. Sitting on a hilltop in the Santa Monica Mountains you get views all the way to the Pacific Ocean, the San Gabriel Mountains, and streets in downtown LA.

The permanent art collection in the Getty Center includes pre-20th century European paintings, drawings, illuminated manuscripts, sculpture, and decorative arts. There are also 19th and 20th century American, Asian, and European contemporary art. Throughout are impressive displays of modern sculpture.

World class exhibits change, featuring art from museums around the world and from Getty’s own collections.

Recently, we spent a day at the Getty Center. With four pavilions to explore, outdoor gardens to wander through, and lunch at The Restaurant it was a full day.

We boarded a computer-operated tram to ride from the street level parking to the top of the hill. Exiting the tram, the 1.2 million square feet of travertine tiles reflected the sun light in a soft glow. All 16,000 tons of this tile came from Bagni di Tivoli, Italy, just east of Rome. Impressive, tastefully accomplished, and a feeling of pure art…it was all of that.

This was the beginning of an amazing day filled with art, gardens, and beauty.

Natural light is utilized throughout the Getty Center as many exterior walls are made of glass. Not to let in too much light, a computer adjusts louvers and shades as the sun moves around. Special filters in the Pavilions prevent damage to the art.

As we made our way through all the Pavilions, there were favorite displays where we spent more time. Every gallery and every Pavilion included a feast for our eyes. When it was time for a short break, we stopped for a cup of coffee at one of the outdoor coffee stands. As we sat in the outdoor courtyard, all around us was architecture to appreciate and sculptures to enjoy. Coffee never tasted so good.

After a delicious lunch at The Restaurant, we wandered through the Central Garden, a treat in itself. It is more like an actual living work of art. Plants change with the seasons, an impressive lawn begs to be sat on, and flowers bloom in their brilliance. When we were there, late summer plants and flowers lined the walking paths and offered yet another feast for our eyes.

The Getty Center Garden is truly a place to relax and recharge. A walkway crosses a stream, the stream heads to a waterfall, and the pool at the bottom is surrounded by brilliant and fragrant plants.

More than 500 varieties of plant material are used in the landscaping at the Getty Center. We spent time wandering through it all and then made our way to the garden between the East and West Pavilions. This desert terrain garden, full of succulents, offers yet another panoramic view of LA.

Our day was complete as we headed back down the tram to the parking area. Sculptures and trees lined the railway system. Deer relaxed under the bushes. They even enjoyed the Getty Center and its beauty.

If You Go: The Getty Center is located at 1200 Getty Center Drive, Los Angeles, CA. Admission is free to this amazing art center.

For more travel ideas check out https://travelsandescapes.net/

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Stearns Wharf, Santa Barbara

Stearns Wharf, the oldest working wood wharf in California, was built in 1872 by John Peck Stearns to facilitate the transfer of cargo and people from ships to shore.

Up until the 1870s, Santa Barbara was virtually cut off from the outside world by its natural barriers of the ocean and the mountains. In 1867, John Peck Stearns moved to Santa Barbara and opened a lumberyard at the foot of State Street. Mr. Stearns noted that the town needed a long wharf so ocean ships could tie up at low tide.

In 1872, with the financial backing of Colonel William Welles Hollister, Stearns completed the Wharf and Santa Barbara’s isolation from the outside world was over.

The Wharf has endured since 1872, making it the oldest working wooden wharf in California. It is 2,300 feet long and has an area of 3.8 acres supported by 2,307 pilings.

Now there are three restaurants and a shellfish market on the wharf. Tourist shops, a marine museum, and a Channel Islands exhibit are also here.

Some history facts include:

In 1878, A Chinese junk crashed into the Wharf during a severe storm, destroying 1,000 feet of decking. Before this damage could be repaired, the first tornado in the City’s history struck on New Year’s Eve, causing even more damage to the Wharf. In 1887, due to the heavy and regular tread of two hundred Civil War Veterans, the Wharf almost collapsed which would have thrown 3,000 people into the ocean. That same year marked the arrival of the railroad into Santa Barbara, signaling the decline of ship traffic.

In response to the arrival of the railroad, J.P. Stearns built a 1,450 foot wye onto the Wharf to carry a railroad spur so that lumber could be quickly transferred from ships onto flat cars. The wye proved too expensive to maintain and was abandoned, after being battered by more than a decade of storms. A small portion of the wye remains today, housing the Sea Center marine museum and the Nature Conservancy exhibit hall.


In 1921, the Wharf Narrowly escaped destruction by fire. The 600 room Potter Hotel burned down and a 50-mile-an hour gale sent sparks which ignited the pilings on the Wharf and palm trees along West Beach.

In 1973, the famed Harbor Restaurant was destroyed by a spectacular pre-dawn fire, closing the Wharf. The Wharf was reopened eight years later.

In February 1983, the Santa Barbara area was hit by a “100 year storm” which heavily damaged the Wharf and Harbor. Damage to the Wharf was estimated at over half a million dollars. In December 1987, another fierce storm struck and a derelict barge and fishing boat broke free from their moorings east of the Wharf and were hurled into the Wharf, along with their mooring balls. About 30 pilings were knocked out, causing the Wharf to sag near the beach and closing it for one week.  https://stearnswharf.org/history/

For more places to explore in Santa Barbara, check out https://travelsandescapes.net/

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Ronald Reagan Presidential Library

We spent about three hours in the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum. Very well done, this museum is designed for self-guided activities. There are plenty of knowledgeable volunteers and docents on hand to answer questions.

Nancy and Ronald Reagan

Here are a few highlights:

Throughout the 18 galleries are highlights of President Reagan’s life as America’s 40th president. Some of his life prior to politics we knew about. Other things and events we did not. We watched short films depicting his life as a radio personality in Iowa and ones explaining his connection to General Electric Theater.

His Oval Office is recreated as a full-sized reproduction of the Oval Office as it appeared during his presidency. Even though the basic shape and architecture have changed little since the 1930s, each president makes his own changes in interior design, new carpet, and artwork.

President Reagan’s Oval Office replica

In the Air Force One Pavilion, we walked through Air Force One, the “Flying White House” for President Reagan and six other US presidents from 1973 to 2001. We also walked through Marine One, the presidential helicopter. Included in the museum is an actual presidential Secret Service motorcade featuring President Reagan’s 1984 parade limousine.

It was interesting to see the history of Air Force One depicted in a wall mural. The mural featured aircraft from FDR’s Dixie Clipper to the current Boeing 747.

On the upper floor of the three floors is the Mezzanine Gallery, where we learned more about his face-to-face diplomacy with other world leaders. We also learned about the Secret Service and their role in protecting the president while he travels.

The section detailing the Iron Curtain and the fall of it are included in one gallery. The Iron Curtain took shape following WWII, as a profound division between communism and democracy, oppression and freedom. Pieces of the Berlin Wall can be seen here as well as events happening and leading up to the fall of the wall.

Berlin Wall
Berlin Wall sign

Nancy Reagan played an important part in President Reagan’s life and presidency. An entire section and galleries are devoted to her and what she did as First Lady. She was a stickler for details as she became very involved in planning all White House events, right down to the details. She was also the president’s closest confidante, staunchest defender, and took on special causes of her own. She started the campaign of “Just Say No” to combat drug use.

This is a place to visit to learn more about President Reagan and our country at the time of his presidency.

If You Go: The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library is located at 40 Presidential Drive, Simi Valley, California. Advance tickets are required as of this post, with timed entries. Masks are required throughout.

Check out more places to visit at https://travelsandescapes.net/

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Visit Old Mission Santa Barbara

During a recent trip to the Santa Barbara area, we stopped to visit one of California’s 21 missions, Old Mission Santa Barbara. Stretching from San Diego to Sonoma, these missions are reminders of California’s and the nation’s past. Over a period of 54 years these were built, along with forts or presidios. Some of these evolved into major cities in California.

According to this mission, it is a community of many parts, but one spirit. The Mission has served as a gathering place and spiritual home for many since its establishment in 1786.

Santa Barbara Mission

Today the Mission operations include a museum, gift shop, cemetery and mausoleum, and several historic gardens, as well as being the home to a community of Franciscan Friars on about 15 acres. This is also home base for Saint Barbara Parish, which operates under the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, the Santa Bárbara Mission Archive-Library, a separate Franciscan-sponsored non-profit, and a Novitiate which provides the first year of education for Friars in training from across the United States.

Santa Barbara Mission inside

We spent about two hours wandering through the multiple gardens and touring around the mission. Our self-guided tour allowed us access to the museum where historical artwork, artifacts, and information on living here many years ago gave us insight into the history of this area.

Santa Barbara Mission

The Mission church, mausoleum, and cemetery offered a calming effect as we reflected on life centered around a Mission. The grounds encompass 15 acres overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Peaceful is the best way to describe the visit.

Santa Barbara Mission cemetery

Definitely worth time to visit when you are in the Santa Barbara area.

If You Go: The Old Santa Barbara Mission is located at 2201 Laguna Street Santa Barbara, CA 93105.

There is a small charge for admission.

Check out other things to do in Santa Barbara at https://travelsandescapes.net/