Summerland

The very active commercial street, Lillie Avenue, has a dozen or more antique stores as well as a scattering of bed and breakfasts, small hotels, boutique shops and chic little restaurants. All are especially enticing to the many tourists who visit the area. Summerland provides recreation for swimmers, sunbathers, horses and dogs. On weekends the streets bustle with visitors and antique hunters.

Fortunately for Summerland residents, nearly every location has a view of the ocean and islands beyond.

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Homes for Sale in Summerland

History of Summerland

Originally Williams wanted to make Summerland a religious encampment during the summer months. So he subdivided his ranch into 25 x 60 foot lots that sold for $25 each. These plots were like campsites, intended for pitching a tent. Soon, as many as 500 Spiritualists came to Summerland to join other like-minded people. Today, most building lots are the product of aggregating four “tent sites” into 50 x 120 foot parcels.

When oil was discovered here property values were at a premium; however, years later when the oil production petered out, its population decreased. After WWII the vacant cottages, sun and surf again attracted a new breed of residents.

By the 1960s, an influx of surfers, artists and hippies were drawn by inexpensive housing and a casual lifestyle. Presently, only a handful of undeveloped lots are available, but homes (most with ocean views) are in great demand.

POINTS OF INTEREST

Galen Clark House: Visit the Home of the “Guardian of Yosemite”
Galen Clark was perhaps one of the most important people in California’s history. For over 21 years, Clark watched over Yosemite National Park, the first national park in the country. He is known for his discovery of the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoia trees and is considered the “Guardian of Yosemite.” His house was built in 1891 on Shelby Street. You should schedule a visit to The Galen Clark House when you’re in Summerland.

Big Yellow House: You Can’t Miss It
No visit to Summerland is complete without a tour of the Big Yellow House. Built in 1884 by rancher Harry L. Williams, founder of Summerland, the property has become something of a cultural icon. A city landmark with a rich history, the house was purchased in the early 1970s by John and June Young.

As the founder of Santa Claus Lane, June had already established her propensity for attracting attention. So, soon after purchasing the property, she painted the beige Victorian house yellow with a bright orange roof causing quite a stir in town.

The Big Yellow House is now a favorite sight that holds memories for many Santa Barbarans. Some consider this house the “commercial renaissance that led to the Summerland we know today.”  For years it has been a well known restaurant.

Summerland Beach Cafe, a Local Secret
Built in 1891, this Victorian house is a favorite for local artists, writers, sports enthusiasts and really anyone looking for a nice place to eat at the beach.

A local secret for 23 years, the café offers home-style cooking, ocean breezes on outdoor patios with genuinely friendly service.

BEACHes/Parks/Entertainment

Summerland, as with many neighborhoods in Santa Barbara, has an abundance of lovely parks in which to choose for an outdoor picnic, playing Frisbee or just about anything you could imagine. Included in these parks are Lodahl Park, Ocean View Park and Veterans Memorial Park.

Summerland Beach & Lookout Park
The four-acre Lookout Park stands on the Summerland cliffs overlooking the ocean. The cliff-top views of the coastline are awesome. The park includes picnic areas with grills, tables, horseshoes, playgrounds and restrooms. For those so inclined, you can walk down a steep paved road to the beach below.

Greenwell Preserve
With two-acres of riparian habitat at the Summerland/Greenwell Preserve, you can climb a small stream-fed canyon to an overlook at the Ortega Reservoir. These trails are part of a network of interwoven trails connecting Montecito, Summerland and Carpinteria.

Toro Canyon Park
Toro Canyon Park is located in a secluded area tucked into the rugged canyon. You can drive up to the park to view some of the most spectacular panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, the town of Montecito and the Santa Ynez Mountains. Complete with picnic tables and barbecues, you can relax, enjoy the natural beauty and fill yourself with good food and good company.  

America’s Best-Kept Secret