The residential district of Oak Park sits close to downtown Santa Barbara with its shops, theaters, and eateries. Rent a condo or apartment in this area and stroll down to State Street to equip your new home with unique items from independent stores such as the Fusion Gallery & Boutique and Italian Pottery Outlet. For fresh produce, visit the twice-weekly Santa Barbara Farmers Market or drop by the Santa Barbara Public Market for tastings, demonstrations, and a bite to eat.

Closer to home, visit the legendary Santa Barbara Chicken Ranch for the juiciest chicken and smoky flavored Tri-Tip. Head to Los Agaves on De La Vina Street for tasty guacamole and generously-sized servings of chicken enchilada. Work off those calories on the hiking trails in the nearby Santa Ynez mountains or visit Santa Barbara's glorious sandy beaches to play volleyball and enjoy water sports.