Santa Barbara 4th of July?

We arrive in San Francisco from New Zealand on the 30th of June and are heading down the coast.. Looking at spending a night in Santa Barbara after Pismo beach as we don%26#39;t want to be rushed BUT this means 4th of July in Santa Barbara instead of with friends in LA.. obviously have no idea what to expect of Santa Barbara in general let alone on the 4th of July.. any advice?! We also need somehere to stay which isn%26#39;t over US$200 a night but is in a good location! Bearing in mind my partner is a HUGE fireworks lover, do you think we should stay there or just head straight to LA?

Thanks!

Santa Barbara 4th of July?

Santa Barbara has a FANTASTIC fireworks show every year next to Stern%26#39;s Wharf, but the problem I see is trying to get a room in town over 4th of July weekend for under $200. You have to understand, that Santa Barbara receives A TON of visitors over the 4th of July weekend and most hotels are usually fully booked. Most come up from Los Angeles for the concerts on the beach throughout the weekend and the fireworks show. If possible, I would try to stay downtown because getting to and from Stern%26#39;s Wharf before (and even worse after) the fireworks show can be frustrating. We usually park a mile or two up State Street and walk down, that way we can avoid all the traffic jams along the waterfront.

I%26#39;m not trying to scare you away. In fact, I think if you come you will have a great time. I just want you to know what to expect.

Santa Barbara 4th of July?

Thanks for that!! we are looking at staying in more budget accommodation at San Luis and Monteray so that we can ';splash'; out on something for the 4th of July in Santa Barbara.. great to hear they have a good display and thanks for info on parking as we will obviously have to park the rental car somewhere! Can%26#39;t wait!

Most hotels in SB require you to stay THREE nights over a holiday weekend... and July 4th is on a Friday night. You need to book carefully and book now. I would be shocked if you will be able to secure a room on the beach for just one night. Good luck and have a wonderful trip!

Another idea for staying would be to book a hotel in Carpenteria which is South of Santa Barbara. Santa Barbara is beautiful but if you can%26#39;t find a reasonable hotel that would be a thought. It is about a 15 to 20 min. drive. Also, Ventura which is about 30 to 45 minute drive. There is a Crown Plaza right on the beach as well as Marriott etc. A bit a a drive but it is right on the coast and may offer a good alternative. You can enjoy the fireworks in Santa Barbara then head down to Ventura which will get you that much closer to LA.

Coast Village Inn in Montecito, just a mile south of SB, is showing availability for July 4, one night, at a decent rate. It%26#39;s not the ritz for sure, but a great location, easy access to the beach, and nice restaurants nearby if the traffic is crazy.

If the Montecio Inn is available, I say that is a great option.

Montecio Inn would have been perfect but they also don%26#39;t take bookings for only the one night! It%26#39;s looking like we are going to have to head straight down to LA and just have 1/2 the day to check out Santa Barbara..

Hi rappy,

Since you have decided to spend the 4th with friends in LA, if they can get tickets to the Hollywood Bowl 4th of July extravaganza this year I think you would really enjoy it. It will be a real ';American experience'; for you since the Dodgers baseball team will be celebrating their 50th anniversary at The Bowl along with all the fireworks and music. It is always a spectacular show!

Thanks for that!! Will look into it as its always nice to have something organised when it comes to fireworks displays - in New Zealand a lot of people still let them off in the back yard or have street parties but going to a professional display is so much better not to mention safer!