Santa Barbara: The American Riviera

• HelloHola
  [oh-la]
• GoodbyeAdiós
  [ah-dee-ohs]
• YesSí
  [see]
• NoNo
  [no]
• Please/You're welcomePor favor/De nada
  [por fah-vor/de nah-dah]
• Thank youGracias
  [grah-see-ahs]
• Excuse me/SorryDisculpe/Lo siento
  [dee-skool-pe/loh see-en-toh]
• How are you?¿Cómo estás?
  [koh-moh es-tahs]
• Fine. And you?Bien. ¿Y tú?
  [byen. ee too]
• Do you speak English?¿Hablas inglés?
  [ah-blahs een-glays]
• I don't understandNo entiendo
  [noh en-tee-en-doh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMe gustaría ver el menú, por favor
  [may goo-stah-ree-ah ver el meh-noo, por fah-vor]
• I don't eat meatNo como carne
  [noh koh-moh kahr-neh]
• Cheers!¡Salud!
  [sah-lood]
• I would like to pay, pleaseMe gustaría pagar, por favor
  [may goo-stah-ree-ah pah-gar, por fah-vor]

• Help!¡Ayuda!
  [ah-yoo-dah]
• Go away!¡Vete!
  [veh-teh]
• Call the Police!¡Llama a la Policía!
  [yah-mah ah lah poh-lee-see-ah]
• Call a doctor!¡Llama a un médico!
  [yah-mah ah oon meh-dee-koh]
• I'm lostEstoy perdido
  [es-toy pehr-dee-doh]
• I'm illEstoy enfermo
  [es-toy en-fehr-moh]

• I'd like to buy...Quisiera comprar...
  [kee-see-air-ah kohm-prar]
• I'm just lookingSolo estoy mirando
  [soh-loh es-toy mee-rahn-doh]
• How much is it?¿Cuánto cuesta?
  [kwan-to kwehs-tah]
• That's too expensiveEso es demasiado caro
  [eh-so es deh-mah-syah-doh kah-roh]
• Can you lower the price?¿Puedes bajar el precio?
  [pweh-des bah-har el pree-syoh]

• What time is it?¿Qué hora es?
  [keh or-ah es]
• It's one o'clockEs la una
  [es lah oo-nah]
• Half past (10)Las diez y media
  [lahs dee-ehs ee meh-dee-ah]
• MorningMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• AfternoonTarde
  [tahr-deh]
• EveningNoche
  [noh-cheh]
• YesterdayAyer
  [ah-yehr]
• TodayHoy
  [oy]
• TomorrowMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• 1Uno
  [oo-noh]
• 2Dos
  [dohs]
• 3Tres
  [trehs]
• 4Cuatro
  [kwah-troh]
• 5Cinco
  [seen-koh]
• 6Seis
  [says]
• 7Siete
  [syeh-teh]
• 8Ocho
  [oh-choh]
• 9Nueve
  [nweh-veh]
• 10Diez
  [dee-ehs]

• Where's a/the...?¿Dónde está...?
  [dohn-deh es-tah]
• What's the address?¿Cuál es la dirección?
  [kwal es lah dee-rehk-syon]
• Can you show me (on the map)?¿Puedes mostrarme (en el mapa)?
  [pweh-des mohs-trar-meh (en el mah-pah)]
• When's the next (bus)?¿Cuándo es el próximo (autobús)?
  [kwan-doh es el proh-ksee-moh (ow-toh-boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un boleto (a ...)
  [oon boh-leh-toh (ah)]

Long before European settlers arrived, the Santa Barbara area was inhabited by the Chumash Native American tribe. The Chumash people thrived along the coast, utilizing resources from the ocean and the land. They were skilled artisans known for their beadwork, basket weaving, and plank-built canoes called 'tomols,' which were used for fishing and trading.

In 1782, Spanish explorers arrived in the area and founded the Mission Santa Barbara, part of a chain of 21 missions established along California's coast. The mission aimed to convert the Chumash to Christianity and integrate them into Spanish colonial society. The architecture of the mission, with its iconic twin bell towers, stands as a testament to this era.

After gaining independence from Spain in 1821, Mexico took control of California. During this period, the land around Santa Barbara was divided into large ranchos and granted to influential families. These ranchos were primarily used for cattle ranching, which became a cornerstone of the local economy.

California became part of the United States in 1848 following the Mexican-American War. Santa Barbara saw an influx of American settlers and entrepreneurs. The Gold Rush era brought increased attention to California, and Santa Barbara began to develop as a town with new businesses, schools, and civic structures.

On June 29, 1925, Santa Barbara was struck by a devastating earthquake that caused significant damage to the city's infrastructure. This event led to a major rebuilding effort, during which the city's architectural style was transformed to reflect the Spanish Colonial Revival aesthetic, an influence that persists in Santa Barbara's distinctive look today.

During World War II, Santa Barbara played a strategic role with the establishment of military bases and training facilities. Following the war, the city experienced rapid growth and development, becoming a popular destination for tourists and new residents alike. The economy diversified, with an increased emphasis on education, technology, and the arts.

Today, Santa Barbara is known for its blend of historical charm and modern amenities. The city boasts a vibrant cultural scene, with numerous museums, theaters, and festivals. Its Mediterranean climate, beautiful beaches, and scenic landscapes attract visitors from around the world, while the preservation of its historical architecture maintains its unique character.

Santa Barbara is accessible by several means of transportation. The Santa Barbara Airport (SBA) offers direct flights from major cities across the United States. For international travelers, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is the nearest major international airport, approximately 90 miles away. From LAX, you can rent a car, take a shuttle service, or use the Amtrak train service to reach Santa Barbara. The Amtrak Coast Starlight and Pacific Surfliner trains offer scenic routes along the coast. Driving to Santa Barbara is also an option, with U.S. Highway 101 providing a direct route through the city.

Santa Barbara has a variety of transportation options. The Metropolitan Transit District (MTD) operates local buses that cover most areas of the city, making it easy to get around. Taxis and rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are also readily available. For a more leisurely experience, you can rent bicycles or electric scooters from various rental shops. The city is quite walkable, especially downtown and along the waterfront. Additionally, the Santa Barbara Trolley offers a convenient and fun way to see the city's main attractions.

The official currency in Santa Barbara, as in the rest of the United States, is the U.S. Dollar (USD). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are plentiful throughout the city. It's advisable to carry some cash for small vendors and tips. Mobile payment options like Apple Pay, Google Wallet, and others are also commonly accepted.

Santa Barbara is generally a safe city for tourists. However, it's wise to exercise standard precautions. The downtown area and the waterfront are typically safe, but it's advisable to avoid walking alone late at night in less populated areas. The Eastside and Lower Westside neighborhoods have higher crime rates compared to other parts of the city, so be particularly cautious in these areas. Keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places and be aware of your surroundings.

In case of emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance from police, fire services, or medical personnel. Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital is the main medical facility in the city and is well-equipped to handle emergencies. Pharmacies are available throughout the city for minor health issues. It's advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Keep emergency contact numbers and your insurance information handy.

Fashion: Do dress comfortably and in layers, as the weather can vary. Santa Barbara has a casual, beach-town vibe, so casual attire is appropriate. Avoid overly formal clothing unless attending a specific event. Religion: Do respect the local churches and religious sites. Casual attire is generally acceptable, but avoid beachwear when visiting these places. Public Transport: Do respect others on public transport and offer your seat to elderly passengers if needed. Don't eat or drink on buses. Greetings: Do greet people with a smile and a friendly 'hello.' Handshakes are common in more formal settings. Eating & Drinking: Do try the local cuisine and wines. Don't forget to tip your servers, typically 15-20% of the bill.

To experience Santa Barbara like a local, visit the weekly Farmers Market to buy fresh produce and local goods. Rent a bike and ride along the Cabrillo Bike Path for stunning coastal views. Explore the Funk Zone, an artsy neighborhood filled with galleries, shops, and wine tasting rooms. For a unique dining experience, try some of the seafood restaurants on Stearns Wharf. Don't miss the opportunity to hike in the nearby Santa Ynez Mountains for breathtaking views of the city and coastline.