Sunny Santa Barbara in California is where Mediterranean flair, a wonderful climate and lively beach life meet. The city's architecture in the old Spanish style is a result of the earthquake of 1925, following which the city fathers decided to rebuild Santa Barbara in the old Spanish missionary style. The city has many sights, such as the Santa Barbara Mission founded in 1786 with its pretty facade and two bell towers. In the city centre there are many historic adobe houses dating from the Spanish and Mexican colonial era. Santa Barbara County Courthouse, built in the Spanish/Moorish style and the Santa Barbara Museum of Art are also well worth seeing. There are 18 beaches where visitors can take a dip and soak up the sun while the city centre and State Street have many shops, restaurants and pavement cafés.
