Santa Barbara - Surroundings

Carpinteria (pop. 13,747) is a resort located southeast of Santa Barbara with an excellent sandy beach and its natural reef breakwater which prevents rip tides.

The Carpinteria Valley Historical Museum has displays from the area's multicultural history including the valley's Indians, the Chumash.

Santa Maria was first settled in 1868 and named La Graciosa, it was changed to Central City until 1882 when it became Santa Maria. It has an agricultural base with broccoli, lettuce and strawberries distributed internationally.

The Santa Maria Museum of Flight on Airpark Drive has planes displayed in two hangars.

The Santa Maria Valley Historical Museum has displays of the region's history including displays of the Chumash Indians as well as some model railroads.