Local's Guide: Best Santa Barbara Books
We've turned to some of our favorite local authors to help highlight the unique charm and enchantment found in Santa Barbara, covering everything from local hiking trails to gourmet delights.
Private Gardens of Santa Barbara: The Art of Outdoor Living by Margie Grace
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Take respite in eighteen private gardens of coastal Santa Barbara, captured by the brilliance of Margie Grace, principal of Grace Design Gardens. From large estates to surf retreats, each garden captures the unique character of the site, the architecture, and the environment to become something truly sublime. Strolling through the flora is akin to learning the lifestyle and personality of the people, the area, and the history; whether naturalistic or urban, bold or subtle, each scenic vista tells a story. Learn from Grace’s water-smart, maintenance-smart, and eco-friendly garden approach in her beautiful book!
The Book of Santa Barbara
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The Book of Santa Barbara captures Santa Barbara with depth and honesty. It contains dozens of portraits of local personalities, exceptional landscapes and beautiful beaches. This volume from nationally acclaimed photographer Macduff Everton is an instant Santa Barbara classic, and deserves a spot on every Santa Barbara lover's coffee table!
Hike SB by John McKinney
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From Seven Falls to Hot Springs Canyon to the idyllic Gaviota Coast, Hiking Expert John McKinney shares his favorite trails to Santa Barbara's parks, preserves and special places. This book is compact enough to fit in any backpack, with easy to read maps for each trail. The perfect gift for that special hiker in your life!
The Lark Cookbook
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A large and beautiful volume with recipes and stories from The Lark in Santa Barbara. The Lark is a staple restaurant here in Santa Barbara, constantly changing out their menu to use seasonal ingredients local to the Central Coast. This luxurious cookbook features photos & recipes from the restaurant so you can enjoy their seasonal finds year-round.
"Our food is beautifully plated featuring bold flavors designed to delight the senses while staying rooted in the climate, geography and inspiration of Santa Barbara, the American Riviera." -The Lark, Santa Barbara
A Naturalist's Guide to the Santa Barbara Region
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In the first-ever comprehensive nature guide to the area, accomplished author, teacher, and Santa Barbara native Joan Easton Lentz shares her lifelong knowledge of the region renowned for its unique natural resources and legendary scenery. Taking readers on a journey from tide pools to mountain peaks and pinyon-juniper woodlands, Lentz combines lucid and evocative nature writing, including on-the-scene journal entries, with a rich array of photos and illustrations, creating a highly personal and scientific handbook. A Naturalist's Guide to the Santa Barbara Region at once deepens our understanding of the land and its array of inhabitants and inspires us to head outside.
Santa Barbara and Beyond: The Photography of Mike Eliason
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Our newest book addition to the shop! Stunning scenery, thoughtful composition, on-the-spot journalism, and all centered on the sun, sand, surf, and sea of Santa Barbara - this book finally brings Mike's well-known and award-winning talent to your home.
