Santa Barbara Spotlight: From Great Views To Unforgettable Tunes
By Zion Light
As a student of UC Santa Barbara, it’s too easy to spend all four years of your college experience
without seeing enough of the fantastic locations and attractions that Santa Barbara itself has to
offer. While some students remain confined to Isla Vista and Goleta during their time here, many
others do enjoy activities like going hiking up into the local mountains or taking a drive down to
State St. for some shopping. In that spirit, some of these lesser known adventures ought to be
compiled and highlighted for the benefit of all current and future students! Such pastimes
include live music at the Santa Barbara Bowl, food and drink at the Cold Springs Tavern after an
exceptional day of hiking, as well as some close local history worth checking out!
Music In The Mountains!
On a clear day, a phenomenal landscape view of Santa Barbara becomes visible from the Bowl.
The Santa Barbara Bowl holds a whole host of artists spanning many music genres and
generations. The venue sits atop the Santa Barbara hills which allows for breathtaking views of
the area during the day; but beware the dreaded climb up the hill! If concert-goers are less
inclined to walk up the hill, there are trolleys that drive up all the way to the stage. While a bit of
a walk to the top viewpoint should still be expected, vendors selling beer and wine as well as
food will greet those brave enough to make the journey.
Various other local food and drink options are available throughout the venue including Rudy’s
and the High Seas Mead brand. For
the mead, you’ll need to make your way to
the Jerry Garcia Glen located about halfway
up the hill. While ticket prices can be
expensive, the Santa Barbara Bowl is well
known for its ability to deliver exceptional
concert experiences. Due to such a
reputation, the venue’s seasonal lineup is
chock-full of hit artists; usually with a little
something for everybody. Thanks to the
exceptional staff working at the Bowl, a safe
and efficient environment is also maintained. So the next time your favorite artist is in
town, why not treat yourself to an evening
you won't forget!
Jerry Garcia Glen. Sculpture created by Tom White, unveiled in 2009.
If UCSB students have class obligations the next morning, each show is always over by 10pm
due to city ordinances! However, if you catch a show on the weekend, the audience will often
keep the good times rolling by heading over to downtown Santa Barbara.
Steep Trails And Tavern Tales
Cold Springs Tavern, 5995 Stagecoach Rd, Santa Barbara, CA 93105.
In Santa Barbara, the mountains are practically as iconic as the beaches. Popular destinations
such as Lizard’s Mouth are most well known among students who seek adventure. However,
while exploring the mountains of Santa Barbara, many might miss the opportunity to check out
an essential hidden gem: The Cold Springs Tavern.
The Cold Springs Tavern is located on Stagecoach Road up in the Santa Barbara Mountains. The
place includes a few buildings with an inside and restaurant as well as an outside BBQ. Locals
come here on Sundays, when live music also often takes place. To see a community sharing in
such humble pleasures is truly a treat to witness. Kindness is extended to visitors who marvel in
the seemingly untouched architecture and atmosphere of the location. Visiting Cold Springs is
like stepping back in time about 100-200 years ago. The food itself is exceptional and their
Tri-Tip is considered legendary. Certainly it’s worth a trip the next time you find yourself up in
the mountains with a large appetite!
Free, Easy, and Fascinating
Goleta Historical Marker 3.
If you find yourself without a motor vehicle and these options don’t seem viable, not to fear!
Here in Goleta, we have a major historical site right on our doorstep which is only a bike ride
away! Located between The Ritz-Carlton and Haskell’s Beach, these historical markers tell the
story of not too distant history. Indeed, Goleta suffered the first U.S. mainland attack by a
foreign power since the War of 1812!
Aside from its historical significance, the shoreline views are extremely gorgeous to take in.
Furthermore, the area is exceptional for morning and afternoon strolls. If one is curious, there is
plenty to learn regarding the now 81 year old history of the area. Online and library resources
are available for such research; going there in person however, is a privilege held by UCSB
students not to be taken lightly!