Summerland Town

Santa Barbara, California Print   Leave a comment

Description

Summerland town has a million times more charm than Coast Village Rd in Montecito. Here you have your choice of cafes and shops, situated in Victorian houses. These houses are so delightful, especially since they overlook a thin strip of blue sea. The sound of the freeway is the only downer. Summerland Beach Cafe is a bit of a tourist trap- you know you're in a tourist trap when you get one of those buzzers to tell you when your table is ready and you stand outside with all the other suckers waiting for a chance at mediocre food! Cafe Luna is a better choice, with its delicious food made by French baker Renaud Gonthier. Try the rotisserie chicken sandwich- yum! They have a nice, uncrowded indoor area, or you can sit out on their patio either in the back or in the front. It's a sweet atmosphere, with wild overgrown violet morning glories hanging from the trellis, and a cluster of banana palms. The sun blazes down here in the morning, which makes it nice on winter days.
Drive up one of the side streets, such as Valencia Road, and take in the views of the ocean. The residents here are so lucky!
Further east along Lillie Rd, drive up Lambert Rd (at the Pacifica Graduate Institute sign) and see the colorful views of the mountains, tropical flowers, and the hills covered in vineyards.
One street further east, drive far up Toro Canyon Rd, and check out the mesmerizing panoramic views on the way to Toro Canyon Park.
While in Summerland, enjoy a long stroll at Summerland Beach where your kids can leap around the playground at Lookout Park. Also nearby is Santa Claus Lane Beach, the best place for a swim in Santa Barbara. It is an absolutely gorgeous beach with clean sand, clear water, and mountain views.

Photo Gallery

Colonial-style buildings on Summerland's main strip.	Cute church and buildings on the corner of Valencia St and Lillie Ave, in Summerland.	Little Victorian house-turned-shop in Summerland, on Lillie Avenue, the main strip.
The equestrian trail in Summerland on Lambert Road.	Perfect little place, on Lambert Road, in Summerland.	View from the top of Colville St in Summerland- anyone have a home they'd like to donate to an aspiring web developer?
Gazebo at the Cafe Luna entrance.	Porch where you can eat lunch at Cafe Luna.

Directions

Exit Highway 101 southbound at Summerland. Turn left and then the first right on Ortega Hill Rd. Ortega Hill Rd becomes Lillie Ave right away. There are many cafes and shops along this road.
From Highway 101 northbound, exit at Evans Avenue, and turn right on Lillie Ave.
Cafe Luna, 2354 Lillie Ave, call (805) 695-0290.

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Visitor Ratings

Overall Visitor Rating:

taylor 08/27/2010 16:25

coffee at cafe luna on the cozy couches is my favorite