We heard that Santa Barbara Airport was getting a makeover, and after a couple years of cranes and constructions helmets the new place is finally opened to the public. The space looks awesome—and not just by airport standards—with its nod to Spanish Colonial Revival style architecture. We just hope that the new place was able to hold its own with the influx of Kardashian well wishers and wedding attendees over the weekend.

The new airport terminal has just five gates—more than double that of the old building—but everything is streamlined now to better fit the needs of modern air travel. In total the place is around ten times bigger than what it replaced, and thankfully restaurants, restrooms, and other spots to waste some money are now available following security. Baggage claim has even moved inside, so you’re no longer forced to collect your Louis Vuitton trunk outside from beneath a tent. ]]> kjb 2011-08-23T16:28:54-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2010/9/8/43359/36834

Summer may be out like the New Orleans Saints' Heisman winner Reggie Bush, but in Santa Barbara, the season lasts all year long. That means you still have an excuse to be in the ocean, so pack your swimsuit and head to SB.

Jump in and see our top five picks for Santa Barbara's best water-based activities...]]> Jennifer Kester 2010-09-08T12:06:18-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2010/8/26/32112/5119

When we recently strolled down the boardwalk in Santa Barbara to Stearns Wharf, we saw a crowd gathered off to a side at one point. Being nosy busybodies, we hurried over to see what all the fuss was over, and down on the sand was a homeless carnival of sorts.

Here's what it is: Three people set up game-like stations along the pier, but the only prize you win is the satisfaction of helping out someone in need. The games are midway-style, where you toss coins into cardboard stands with various plastic cups as targets. They also left signs encouraging people to test their prowess and help a homeless person. Oh, and random signs about how BP sucks.]]> Jennifer Kester 2010-08-26T10:55:43-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2009/10/2/3489/59742
Chef Cat Cora endorses the barbecue at Cold Spring Tavern.

If you're looking for some restaurant recommendations while in Santa Barbara, get the inside track from locals such as Rob Lowe, former Bachelor manmeat Andrew Firestone and Iron Chef Cat Cora. Find out where Santa Barbara's celebrity residents like to chow down by watching "Sip & Savor," a Web video from the Santa Barbara Conference & Visitors Bureau and Film Commission.

The stars name-drop their favorite local haunts in the four-minute video so you know where to get some grub and a celeb sighting. They list everything from off-the-beaten-path picks like Plow & Angel to Mexican eateries like La Super Rica Taqueria. Explorer Jean-Michel Cousteau, son of the legendary Jacques, names the Santa Barbara Shellfish Company on Stearns Wharf as the place to get super-fresh local catch. ]]> Jennifer Kester 2009-10-02T08:46:05-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2009/5/11/73037/1023

With the economy in the toilet, you might not have the funds to head out on once in a lifetime diving trip, and with that Swine Flu constantly lurking around every corner the only safe place is under the sea. That’s why we’ve compiled some strange SCUBA spots right here at home. If you’ve got a better one (or a worse one), please let us know!

Although you may want to wait until the wildfires subside, Santa Barbara offers up some great SCUBA diving opportunities right off the coast of the Channel Islands. The waters here are remarkably clear, and sometimes visibility can even range up to 150-feet. The highlight is swimming through the giant kelp forests. You’ll be able to check out nearly 800 species of marine life while you “walk” through the forest. ]]> kjb 2009-05-11T10:18:30-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2009/5/10/231310/181

After a suspenseful and tragic week in Santa Barbara as wildfires evacuated 30,000 people and destroyed over thirty homes, a Pacific mist is helping to turn the tides, but will the city recover in time for summer tourism?

Californis Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger—we'll never get used to writing that—declared a state of emergency for Santa Barbara on Thursday, sending residents fleeing to the city's hotels, among them the Four Seasons Biltmore (fire rates from $250-ugh) and numerous Motel 6.

Relocation won't save you from the intermittent power outages or terrible air quality, however, and as a result Santa Barbara survived the weekend as a ghost town with the beaches clean of volleyball players and joggers and the streets full of closed shops unsure of their ability to conduct business or attract customers during this time. ]]> JetSetCD 2009-05-11T08:46:52-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2008/8/26/73349/7773

If your Labor Day plans usually involve a buffet of beer, burgers and beans, you may not be up for the Pier to Peak Half Marathon which takes place on August 31 and certainly looks like quite a challenge on paper.

Participants will start out on Santa Barbara's Stearns Wharf and will make their way up through the city. Try not to stop for photos as you pass by the Santa Barbara Mission--though you might stop in and pray for a little extra energy. The race ends when you reach La Cumbre Peak and start to enjoy views of the city and the Channel Islands while you try to catch your breath.

If this isn't your idea of a relaxing holiday weekend, then take the opportunity to visit over 40 studios during the Santa Barbara Studio Artists annual tour. A $20 ticket will get you into all the studios and a Friday evening reception, with proceeds supporting the town's arts fund. Artists on hand will be more than willing to explain their work and, we're sure, send you home with an expensive souvenir.

Related Stories:
· Pier to Peak Half Marathon [Official Site]
· Santa Barbara Studio Artists [Official Site]
· Labor Day Travel coverage [Jaunted]

[Photo: Matt (mistergoleta)]]]> kjb 2008-08-26T11:00:16-05:00 Search Jaunted string http://www.jaunted.com/search/