Santa Barbara: last-minute 4th of July weekender

Last year’s Fourth, which fell on a Wednesday, was truly inconvenient for us fans of the long weekend. But this year, July 4 is a Friday, which is an opportunity not to be overlooked, especially considering that for the next two years we’ll lose out in that department entirely: in 2009, it falls on a Saturday, and in 2010, a Sunday.

So, this year, if you haven’t yet done it, plan a getaway to celebrate America’s birthday all long-weekend long. If the holiday has snuck up on you, don’t worry, options still exist. In Santa Barbara, I found good choices for three-night lodging and fireworks.

Accommodations: When I looked this morning, the following were among the places I found with availability. At Cabrillo Inn, you’ll pay, at the least, $159 for Thursday night and $189 for each weekend night. It looks like there’s a room still available ($385) at a place that I adore, the Simpson House Inn, but it won’t last long. At Fess Parker’s DoubleTree Resort Santa Barbara, you’ll pay at least $432 per night, and the dog-friendly Canary Hotel has rooms left at the $468-per-night level. Prices are pre-tax.

Also, check out the planning resources in blogger Jen Leo’s recent post.

Contacts: Cabrillo Inn, (800) 648-6708; Simpson House Inn, (800) 676-1280; Canary Hotel, (877) 468-3515; Fess Parker’s DoubleTree Resort, (805) 564-4333

Fireworks: The Spirit of ’76 Fourth of July parade downtown begins at 1 p.m. on Friday. For evening fireworks, head to the free viewing at Santa Barbara’s West Beach. Alternatively, the Goleta Fireworks Festival promises lots of family-friendly entertainment ($6 per adult, $3 per child).

— Susan Derby, Special to the Los Angeles Times

[Photo: Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times]

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This entry was posted on Sunday, June 29, 2008 at 1:48 pm by Susan Derby and is filed under California, Festival, Last Minute, Los Angeles, Luxury Travel, Santa Barbara, Summer, Travel with Pets, Weekend Getaways. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a comment, or trackback from your own site.