Walk With Me

October 27, 2022

In the Footsteps of Old Santa Barbara

Objectively speaking, there can't be a single best neighborhood in Santa Barbara. Subjectively, the Presidio wins hands down. Its nine square blocks have more character than most Southern California towns. 17

September 14, 2022

Brinkerhoff, Bradley, and Beyond

The part of downtown in the crook of Highway 101 has off-the-charts charm—as well as a savory dash of quirk. 8

July 24, 2022

West Mesa Is Still Funky After All These Years

As with most neighborhoods around here, West Mesa is undergoing change. But the spirit of old Santa Barbara isn't giving up the ghost just yet. 4

June 1, 2022

The Heart of Montecito Is in Coast Village

With historic houses, quaint cottages, a couple of dragons, and plenty of little mysteries, the neighborhood above Coast Village Road makes for a satisfying walk. Just watch where you park. 7

April 20, 2022

A Close-Up Look at TV Hill

TV Hill has a little bit of everything, including delightful houses off Cliff Drive, yardifacts galore, a parking lot with world-class views, 270 "Mediterranean-style" townhomes, hospice care, and a rich man's memorabilia stash. 5

March 16, 2022

A Stroll in the Summerland Countryside

Come along as Montecito Trails Foundation president Ashlee Mayfield and I explore the surprisingly rural trails and roads east of Summerland, peering through fences and dishing dirt along the way. 1

January 23, 2022

The Side Streets and Alleyways of Upper Oak Park

Years ago, my first real walk around a Santa Barbara neighborhood—beyond the usual spots—was in the area behind Cottage Hospital, and I was delighted by what I found. When I recently returned for a stroll, I wondered if the area would still deliver. 11

December 29, 2021

Quintessential Montecito at Butterfly Beach

While the shoreline is the indisputable star of the Butterfly Beach area, there's plenty more worth exploring—including the Music Academy of the West's splendid campus and drop-dead gorgeous Santa Barbara Cemetery. 5

November 25, 2021

Mixing Business and Pleasure in East Beach

The East Beach neighborhood has two totally different personalities: the east side of Milpas is primarily residential and hotels, while the west side tends toward the commercial and industrial—and is far funkier than the Funk Zone. 6

October 27, 2021

It’s Only Milpas Street (But I Like It)

While Milpas is unlikely to be anyone's favorite street, it sure has a piquant sense of place—not to mention a wide variety of independent businesses, some cute houses, and a mystery at the northern end. (Update: According to comments on Instagram, I was dead wrong about it not being anyone's favorite.) 10