Santa Barbara Photos

Photograph by Catherine Karnow

State Street leads to the beachfront where a couple and their furry friend ride a three-wheeler along the well-maintained beachwalk. For the most picturesque approach into Santa Barbara, take the Pacific Coast Highway. Extraordinary in all seasons, this drive is at its finest in September and October, when the summer crowds are gone but it's still sunny and warm enough to cruise with the convertible top down. Watch for dolphins, seals, and surfers bobbing in the waves.

For a view of Santa Barbara from a walker's vantage point, read "On Foot" in the July/August 2008 issue of National Geographic Traveler.

Photograph by Catherine Karnow

An outdoor staircase at shopping center Paseo Nuevo is decorated with Mexican tiles. Inspired by Santa Barbara's Spanish-Moorish theme, this 17-year-old, open-air mall is "one of the nation's prettiest boxes for big-name retail," writes author Andrew Nelson. That means you'll find Nordstrom and Macy's and Gap here, but look out for local coffee shop Santa Barbara Roasting Company and locally owned women's boutique Angl.

For a view of Santa Barbara from a walker's vantage point, read "On Foot" in the July/August 2008 issue of National Geographic Traveler.

Photograph by Catherine Karnow

The Elizabeth Gordon Gallery, just off State Street, displays bold paintings by Californian artist America Martin. The gallery's co-owner, Gail Ferguson, is "full of enthusiasm and knowledge about the artists she represents, and she has the easy-going sophistication so characteristic of Santa Barbara," says photographer Catherine Karnow. "The gallery is the same way: lively, casual, unpretentious, yet sophisticated and in good taste."

For a view of Santa Barbara from a walker's vantage point, read "On Foot" in the July/August 2008 issue of National Geographic Traveler.

Photograph by Catherine Karnow

People gather at D'Angelo Bread on Gutierrez Street, a popular Santa Barbara spot known for its housemade breads, pastries, and breakfasts. "There's often a line," writes Andrew Nelson, "but the three-berry scones are worth the wait."

For a view of Santa Barbara from a walker's vantage point, read "On Foot" in the July/August 2008 issue of National Geographic Traveler.

Photograph by Catherine Karnow

With Stearns Wharf as the backdrop, two sisters take pictures of each other on Santa Barbara's East Beach. The entrance to Stearns Wharf is marked by the Dolphin Fountain, a favorite local landmark. The wharf juts a half mile (.8 kilometers) into the Pacific; its restaurants, views, and array of fishing and whale-watching charters draw a lively mix of families, fishermen, and strolling couples.

For a view of Santa Barbara from a walker's vantage point, read "On Foot" in the July/August 2008 issue of National Geographic Traveler.

Photograph by Catherine Karnow

Chocolate Maya, on Gutierrez Street, is a jewel box of a chocolate shop where owner Maya Schoop-Rutten (behind counter) likes to chat with customers and hand out samples. The shop carries both American and imported fine chocolates (including some fair-trade chocolate bars), truffles, chocolate drink mixes, and baking chocolate.

For a view of Santa Barbara from a walker's vantage point, read "On Foot" in the July/August 2008 issue of National Geographic Traveler.