Escape to Santa Barbara? Yes, please! This “laid back” beach town is anything but, especially during the summer months, so let me share with you a secret hillside hideaway that will keep you out of the frantic State Street crowds.

People who know me know I have a sort of love-hate thing with Santa Barbara. It is a beautiful area no doubt, but the crowds can get out of hand (especially in summer months) and the crush of people becomes claustrophobic. So, when Spaceman suggested a quick trip up there, I happily jumped in the car and suggested we keep the windows rolled up as I might possibly need to yell at some people’s absurdities.

Spaceman’s route made a quick loop through the frantic downtown (yes, I may have yelled a little) and then up into the hills. Our stop, the Santa Barbara Botanic Gardens.

This little gem nestled in the hillside above Santa Barbara brought back my happiness.

It is a small garden (78 acres) with an easy walking trail that takes you through majestic redwood trees, a dry river bed, and various clustered gardens.

Across the street an extension of the garden recently opened.

We decided to explore it and were rewarded with an unobstructed view of the Santa Barbara bay complete with a cooling breeze. It was hard to believe as we looked down over the city that so much hustle was happening as we lounged in the quiet of the gardens.