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There's little chance you'll randomly stumble across the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden. Nestled in Mission Canyon, far from the seaside town's usual visitor attractions, it is reached by a series of narrow, winding mountain roads and tucked behind a veil of trees and shrubbery.
Nonetheless, this hidden treasure is worth seeking out, whether you're a plant aficionado, simply enjoy the outdoors or have a young child who loves to roam.
The garden's 78 acres are dedicated to showcasing California's diverse plant life and are organized into 11 different sections, ranging from Redwood (Yes, redwoods!), to Desert, to Canyon, along with practical areas like a Pollinator Garden and Home Demonstration display. The sections are connected by rambling, well-marked paths that allow visitors to plot their own course around the garden. Signs mark the plants, helping guests understand what they're seeing and expanding their plant knowledge.
The scenery varies by season, of course, but was impressive even during our summer visit. The Matilija poppies were in bloom and their large white petals stood out in contrast to the more dominant tans, browns and grays associated with our dry season palette.
The garden was warm since it's away from the water, but that made the cool redwood grove a place to linger. We paused to savor the shade, watch the breeze ruffle the ferns and admire the lush wild ginger carpeting the grove's floor. In other sections, a variety of trees, including abundant oaks and sycamores, also provide cover from the sun.
This year marks the garden's centennial anniversary, but the land's role in Santa Barbara history extends back an additional century. Mission Creek bisects the garden and its year-found flow was dammed and channeled in the early 1800s to provide water to the mission further down the canyon. The elaborate system is still evident among the garden's foliage, and intermittent signage explains how it was built and functioned.
An aqueduct system won't interest children, of course. But they will be excited to explore the garden's Backcountry area, as its features were built with them in mind. Playhouses beckon young visitors, but their low doorways make it challenging for adults to enter. Kids - and grown-ups, too - can explore a shrubbery maze, use ropes to climb logs in the Fallen Forest and scramble across narrow bridges girded by rope nets.
We finished our garden ramblings in the early afternoon and made our way down the canyon to Local Montecito for a late lunch. Like the garden, Local is a bit hidden. It's located on the busy Coast Village Road but tucked out of sight from the street. After descending a long staircase, you find yourself in a spacious outdoor dining area perfect for lingering and enjoying the coastal breeze.
We had time to linger since traffic on the 101 delayed the rest of our group's arrival. We settled into a shady booth and started with deviled eggs and then moved on to chips and salsa.
Everyone finally arrived and had a chance to peruse the menu, which features an appealing mix of salads, seafood, steaks and sandwiches. Our orders spanned the range of possibilities, from the crispy branzino, to the watermelon and feta salad, to the chicken Milanese. The portions were surprisingly large, and the ingredients were fresh and well-prepared, leaving everyone satisfied with what they chose.
It was our first time at Local, and like the garden, it proved to be a welcome revelation. Now that we know about both, they will be chosen destinations on future visits to Santa Barbara.
Eric Harnish lives in Castaic, which is devoid of greenery after our long, hot summer.

Let's Go
Santa Barbara Botanic Garden
sbbotanicgarden.org
Local Montecito
localmontecito.com