126. Perfect Day Trip Destination with Karna From Visit Santa Barbara
Show Notes:
About the Guest(s):
Karna is the Director of Public Relations at Visit Santa Barbara, a key organization promoting tourism in the Santa Barbara area. Originally from Marin County in Northern California, Karna relocated to Santa Barbara 30 years ago to attend the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB).
Falling in love with the picturesque locale, Karna decided to stay and has since become an integral part of the local tourism industry.
Her dedication to showcasing Santa Barbara’s unparalleled beauty and vibrant culture shines through her work, engaging global audiences and media with compelling narratives about the region.
Episode Summary:
Join this exciting episode as Stefan welcomes Karna from Visit Santa Barbara, unraveling the enchanting realm of one of California’s prized destinations.
With unmatched natural beauty nestled between the mountains and the ocean, Santa Barbara stands as a “paradise,” combining Spanish architecture with a vibrant cultural and culinary scene.
The conversation dives deep into Karna’s seamlessly passionate role in promoting this idyllic locale. Discover why Santa Barbara captivates both locals and visitors, making it one of the top day trips from Los Angeles.
In this episode, the duo explores the kaleidoscope of experiences that Santa Barbara offers. Beyond its stunning beaches, visitors can enjoy outdoor adventures like hiking or horseback riding, indulge in culinary delights, and participate in vibrant cultural events like the Spanish Days Fiesta and Seafood Festival.
Whether traveling by car or enjoying a scenic train ride on the Pacific Surfliner, getting to Santa Barbara is an experience in itself.
Karna shares insider tips, from walking around urban wine trails to attending block parties in the Funk Zone, making the city accessible and exciting for everyone.
Key Takeaways:
- Santa Barbara combines stunning natural beauty with Spanish-style architecture, offering a 360-degree view of its rich environment.
- Outdoor activities abound, from hiking and kayaking to unique experiences like paragliding and horseback riding on scenic bluffs.
- The town brims with cultural richness, hosting annual events like the Santa Barbara International Film Festival and Spanish Days Fiesta.
- Visitors can easily travel from Los Angeles, either by car or via the scenic Pacific Surfliner train, enhancing the travel experience.
- Explore Santa Barbara’s hidden gems, like artisan markets, hiking trails near UCSB, and the vibrant cultural scene in the Funk Zone.
Notable Quotes:
- “Santa Barbara really is this kind of paradise, bringing together all these different elements of California that are just so incredible.” – Karna
- “Travelers started calling Santa Barbara the American Riviera over a hundred years ago, and it really is because of that juxtaposition of mountains and coastline.” – Karna
- “Santa Barbara has a long tradition of equestrian history dating back to the Spanish, and it’s really fun to take a horseback ride up into the hills and look out over the ocean.” – Karna
- “There are live flamenco dance and music performances every day of Fiesta at the Santa Barbara County Courthouse.” – Karna
- “We have a lot of artist friends, and we really love to partake in the art scene here.” – Karna
Resources:
- Visit Santa Barbara Website: santabarbaraca.com
- Visit Santa Barbara Instagram: @VisitSantaBarbara
- Car Free Santa Barbara: Discounted Amtrak tickets and travel information