Here is a list of the top 20 free things to do in beautiful Santa Barbara!

1. Step back in time at Old Mission Santa Barbara, and stop to SMELL THE ROSES at the Mission Rose Garden.

2. Soak up LOCAL CULTURE on State Street.

3. Take in 360 DEGREE VIEWS of downtown from the Santa Barbara County Courthouse clock tower.

4. Catch (or play) a VOLLEYBALL match at East Beach.

5. STROLL along Stearns Wharf.

6. Watch FISHERMAN unloading their catch at Santa Barbara Harbor.

7. Meet local artists and check out their art at the Sunday ARTS & CRAFTS SHOW.

8. DISCOVER Santa Barbara’s Spanish roots at El Presidio de Santa Barbara State Historic Park.

9. Scout for BIRDS at the Andree Clark Bird Refuge.

10. Spot Migrating WHALES from Shoreline Park.

11. Meander through the downtown FARMER’S MARKET.

12. Go Zen at Alice Keck Park Memorial GARDENS.

13. WALK, JOG, OR BIKE along the Cabrillo Bikeway.

14. Enjoy the “Riviera” VISTA at Franceschi Park.

15. Learn about Santa Barbara HISTORY at the Historical Museum.

16. Hike to the scenic WATERFALL from the San Ysidro trailhead.

17. Drive over scenic Highway 154 to the idyllic Santa Barbara WINE COUNTRY.

18. Check out stellar views and NATURE trails at Elings Park.

19. Savor SUNSETS from the Douglas Family Preserve bluffs.

20. Explore the dramatic and cinematic GUADALUPE DUNES.

~Plan Your Memorable Visit to Santa Barbara…visit www.sbexclusiverentals.com to find the perfect home for your trip!! ~

SANTA BARBARA EXCLUSIVE RENTALS   805.845.1919

To understand how Santa Barbara became the home of the one of the most highly attended, most consistently held community-based Earth Day festivals on the West Coast, one needs to go back to first Earth Day celebration in 1970.

Or rather, a year before that — because the story of this annual celebration actually started with a tragedy. On January 28, 1969, an oil platform six miles off of Santa Barbara’s coast ruptured, sending 80,000 to 100,000 barrels of crude oil into the Santa Barbara Channel over the next 10 days. The oil spread from Goleta to Ventura, killing thousands of sea birds, as well as dolphins, elephant seals, and sea lions.

“It’s hard to imagine today, but at the time it was the largest oil spill in the U.S.,” said Marc McGinnes, retired UCSB Environmental Studies Program professor. (Today the Santa Barbara spill ranks third behind the Deepwater Horizon spill in the Gulf in 2010 and the Exxon Valdez spill in 1989.) “What we now know as the environmental movement was just emerging. It was events like this and fires burning on the Cuyahoga River that got people’s attention.”

Environmental activism

Over the next few years, the Nixon Administration would respond by putting into place the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and national legislation. Locally, on the first anniversary of the oil spill, activists hosted a national conference at Santa Barbara City College, with speakers that included notable environmentalists Paul Ehrlich and David Brower, political leaders Sen. Alan Cranston, Rep. Pete McCloskey and former Interior Secretary Stewart Udall, as well as Denis Hayes, coordinator of the first Earth Day observances planned for later that year.

The ripples of that conference – in which the community began to channel its outrage, concern, and hopes for a better future – can still be felt today. One of these was the formation of the Community Environmental Council (CEC), whose first order of business was to open an ecology center on the corner of State and Anapamu, close down the street out front, and host one of the first Earth Day celebrations in the country on April 22, 1970.

Today’s Earth Day Festival

Today the Earth Day Festival is a two-day event at Alameda Park, with more than 250 local and national exhibitors, a Green Car Show, live music, and speakers that have recently included director James Cameron, actress Daryl Hannah, and Tesla Motorcars CEO Elon Musk. With more that 38,000 people attending in 2011, it logs as the most well-attended annual Earth Day Festival on the West Coast.

WHEN: SATURDAY APRIL 20TH: 11AM-7PM & SUNDAY APRIL 21: 11AM-6PM

WHERE: ALAMEDA PARK

ADMITTANCE IS FREE!

WWW.SBEXCLUSIVERENTALS.COM OR CALL 805.845.1919 TO BOOK ONE OF OUR FABULOUS HOMES DURING THE EARTH DAY FESTIVAL!!

Magnolia Cottage is a charming 2 bedroom 2 bathroom home within 4 blocks to downtown Santa Barbara. The home is fully updated yet still has tons of character and charm throughout. It also has a fully fenced front and back yard.

The Living Room is located off of the dining room and has lots of natural light throughout, beautiful furnishings,  as well as a 32′ flat screen TV mounted on the wall.

There is also a wonderful TV room with a 42′ flat screen TV and DVD Player. The room also has great books and games for families to enjoy together.

The Dining Room has a great open concept feel as it has direct access to the kitchen as well as the living room. The dining table is great for seating 4 guests.

The gourmet kitchen comes fully stocked and is equipped with all stainless steel appliances, 5 burner Viking range, and Meile dishwasher. The kitchen also has a great eat in breakfast island for guests to enjoy.

The Guest Bedroom is very light and bright and has a Queen sized bed and built ins that are great for extra storage.

The hallway leading to the Master bedroom offers a great desk for office space to be set up.

The Master bedroom has a King sized bed and 32′ Flat Screen TV. It also has beautiful sliding doors that open up to the back deck. The master bathroom is located just off the bedroom and is equipped with double vanities, a large marble shower, and heated tile floors.

The outside deck offers a great space for guests to relax and dine in the sunshine or under the stars. There is also a dog run as well as gas grill.

The lush gardens of the home have wonderful lemon and lime trees and beautiful flora.

Sunny rooftop deck with dining space and lounges.

~Contact us today to get more information on this fabulous new rental!~ www.sbexclusiverentals.com or call 805.845.1919

Wishing everyone an amazing Valentine’s Day with your loved one! May it be fun & special in every way!! <3

ALL SEASON FUN!

Santa Barbara offers escape and relaxation, along with opportunities to contemplate the ocean, mountains, and engaging vistas, and to explore a bit of history and humankind’s relationship to coastal ecology. The area offers a multitude of activities for active and passive vacationers: everything from swimming, boating, hiking, and sports fishing to the more exotic jet skiing, kayaking, whale-watching, windsurfing, horseback riding, and more. Or you can select your beach lounge chair, watch the scenery, and relax Santa Barbara-style. Santa Barbara enjoys a pleasant Mediterranean climate that is generally mild and sunny all 12 months of the year, with relatively stable temperatures; there is no real “off-season.”

A typically perfect winter’s day at the beach brings everyone out to play! Santa Barbara just wouldn’t be Santa Barbara without the beach and the ocean. Thanks to the temperate climate, you can enjoy the outdoors for most of the year. It is a great feeling to think about the rest of the country in the dead of winter, while you are out playing on the beach in shorts, t-shirts, and bathing suits.

The beautiful architecture of Santa Barbara! The colorful history of Santa Barbara is captured in the distinctive architecture and Mediterranean-style red tile roofs you can see throughout the city. Visit many of our historic Spanish stye buildings such as the Courthouse and Old Santa Barbara Mission.   You will not be disappointed by their beauty.

This magnificent Spanish-moorish courthouse was built in 1929 and is surrounded by lush lawns and a sunken tropical garden that plays host to many different functions throughout the year. The courthouse is famous for its stunning mural rooms and breathtaking views of the entire city from the buildings tower.

The vibrant downtown shopping district is lined with flowering trees, art galleries, shops, and outdoor cafes. There’s something for everyone on State Street with museums, shopping arcades, theaters, bars, and restaurants of every description.

Stearns Wharf has been a central gathering place in Santa Barbara since it first opened in 1872-a great place to dine, visit charming shops, fish, or watch the sunset.

Santa Barbara’s boat harbor is home to a large fishing fleet as well as yachts and pleasure boats. Take a beautiful sunset cruise in the bay or go whale watching by the Channel Islands. You can even kayak out of this fantastic harbor!

There’s something for everyone in gorgeous Santa Barbara! Contact us today to stay in one of our spectacular vacation rentals so you can enjoy this timeless city for yourself! Visit us at www.sbexclusiverentals.com or call 805-845-1919 for more information.

 SANTA BARBARA EXCLUSIVE RENTALS WELCOMES THE NEW YEAR AHEAD!

The 21st Annual California Lemon Festival! 

For the past 20 years, the Lemon Festival has been the biggest celebration in the Goleta area and it keeps getting better each year. Be sure to join us on October 13th & 14th, 2012, for the 21st Annual California Lemon Festival in Goleta.

You’ll find wonderful food, a fantastic family atmosphere, and variety of entertainment and activities that have made this the most anticipated event in the Goleta Valley. This weekend also includes the Goleta Fall Classic Car and Street Rod Show and the ever-popular ‘Safety Street.’ Don’t miss our pie-eating contests, and the arts and crafts vendors.

The Lemon Festival has always been known as a fun, informative and exciting event for kids of all ages. Rides and games such as mini golf, the pony ride and lots of bounce houses make for a fun time. Be sure to stop by Safety Street to meet the people who help keep us safe and get an up-close look at their state-of-the-art vehicles and technologies. The California Lemon Festival is fun for all ages and just another great excuse to come visit gorgeous Santa Barbara!

Call us today at 805-845-1919 to book one of our fabulous homes so you can enjoy the Lemon Festival as well as all the other amazing things Santa Barbara has to offer! The fall weather here is beautiful and enjoyable and there is always something to do weather it’s going to the beach, hiking, shopping, or golfing! Please visit us at www.sbexclusiverentals.com for more information. We are happy to assist you in booking your dream vacation!

Villa las Jardines is ideally located in beautiful downtown Santa Barbara with wonderful ocean and mountain views!  Perfect walking distance to browse boutique shops, dine at local restaurants, visit our pristine beaches, theaters, and art museums!  Plenty of outdoor activities to choose from and all at your doorstep. 

This newly constructed designer style 2 bedroom, 2 bath town home is beautifully furnished, boasts hardwood flooring throughout, has a gourmet kitchen with top of the line Viking Appliances, granite  counter tops, plenty of counter space plus an under-counter wine cooler and beverage station.  Enjoy casual dining at the breakfast bar between the kitchen and formal dining room. 

The interior atmosphere is bright, warm and inviting and offers a wonderful retreat for couples or singles. Enjoy a master suite on the top level of the townhome with its own private mountain and ocean view terrace and outdoor fireplace, a comfortable king size bed with superior quality linens and towels, interior fireplace, flat screen TV, and jetted tub.  The second bedroom is located on the first level and also boasts high quality linens for the king bed, flat screen TV, and small balcony beyond french doors.

Another notable feature includes a private elevator which takes you from the ground level private to either the first or second level.  Very convenient after a day of shopping and site seeing.  All these conveniences plus private parking for 2 vehicles in the ground level garage.  La Villa Jardin is newly constructed and recently won the 2012 Santa Barbara Beautiful Award for Multi-Family Homes.

* For more information on this beautiful property please contact us at 805-845-1919 or visit us at www.sbexclusiverentals.com.

This beautiful 4 bedroom 4.5 bathroom home is a spectacular choice for a family gathering for Thanksgiving! Enjoy the stellar ocean, city, and island views from almost every room of the house and relax in the therapeutic spa that seats 8. Imagine cooking your delicious Thanksgiving meal in a state of the art gourmet kitchen that includes a 6 burner stove top, beverage center, 2 ovens, warming drawer, and dumb waiter. The wonderful dining room table is just off the kitchen and seats 10 comfortably. This house is an ideal family friendly home with dart board, ping pong table, and many board games. In addition to the private hot tub, fire pit and stunning views, this home also features over 1,700 square feet of outdoor patio and balcony space. Casa della Riviera is ready to welcome the perfect family for a memorable Thanksgiving trip! Please contact us today at 805.845.1919 for additional information. You can also visit us at www.sbexclusiverentals.com.

A Beautiful Riviera Home!

Formal Living Room with Fireplace & Views

Large Eat In Gourmet Kitchen

Wonderful Master En Suite Master Bedroom with King Bed and Views

Comfortable Family Room with Views, Gas Fireplace, and Flat Screen TV

The Lower Deck of the Home with tons of lounging options

Family Fun Time with some Ping Pong!

Relaxing Private Hot Tub that overlooks the views

Look at those spectacular views!! It is just as beautiful at night!

Call or email is at kelsey@sbexclusiverentals.com today!!

Executive Retreat is the newest addition to Santa Barbara Exclusive Rentals portfolio of homes!! Everything in this home is 5 starts and brand new!!

This Shubin + Donaldson architecturally significant contemporary embraces an environmentally sustainable design while taking full advantage of panoramic ocean & mountain views. The open interior extends to the outdoors with floor to ceiling doors & windows opening out to the terraces, the largest one inviting you to the infinity pool. Gated, private and secluded, yet only minutes to downtown. This sleek and sophisticated Contemporary jewel is perfect as a couples retreat, corporate executives, or romantic getaway!

Executive Retreat is a Contemporary Masterpiece

Modern Furnishings are located throughout the home

Expansive Glass Windows offer breathtaking ocean and city views

Entertain in the beautiful dining room equipped with fireplace

State of the Art Modern Gourmet Kitchen

Wake up to a gorgeous view everyday!!

Stunning Maser Bathroom with Sunken tub and Views

Home also features great outdoor space with two grills and vanishing edge pool