I'm a Barbie Girl in a Santa Barbara World!

Santa Barbara truly is a Californian oasis. Sunny beaches, beautiful people, and delicious seafood- what more could anyone ask for? This summer, Santé Smile perused through one of Santa Barbara's hidden hotspots, Butterfly Beach, to give out some free tooth whitening pens. Butterfly Beach is mostly known to locals, as it is a smaller beach of Montecito off the Olive Mill Road exit off the 101. After spending a sunny summer day at Butterfly Beach, I understood why locals keep this small beach a secret from tourists, as the sand was clean and the water was a sparkling blue.

Some beach boys in the parking lot of Butterfly Beach were given some free tooth whiteners. Jonathan & Rich, originally from Northern California, were visiting the beach on a weekend road trip. As a frequent smoker, Rich appreciated the tooth whitening gift, and said that he was excited to try a product that would help absolve the stains on his teeth from smoking. Jonathan was also excited as he said he felt a bright smile was important when working in an professional industry (Jonathan works in IT at Blue Shield). The two boys were pumped to get some free stuff and to take some quick pictures!



Some beautiful local college ladies from University of Santa Barbara were also spotted at Butterfly Beach and were given free tooth whitening pens. Below is a picture of Beth, Carly & Lara, students and alumnus (Lara) of University of Santa Barbara, California. The three girls were recovering from a hang over from a night of bar hopping and clubbing, and explained that they came to the beach for their sunday afternoon nap. These beach barbies also shared with me one of the biggest secrets of Southern California: Isla Vista.




Isla Vista, otherwise known as IV, is the ultimate college student's paradise. With its own beach full of young, tanned, and in-shape college students, and a local liquor store housing over 700 different types of beer (Keg N' Bottle), Isla Vista is truly a town of its own. Lara explained that originally UC Santa Barbara's campus and housing was in the downtown area of Santa Barbara. But, in 1954, the rowdy students of UCSB were moved to a more isolated beach in Isla Vista.

Since 1954, Isla Vista has had an infamous partying reputation. In 1959, one of the student's largest parties, the "Barbary Coast" was finally banned by the student government itself. But, Isla Vista is still known for Halloween, as every year, thousands of students come from all over California and migrate to party on Del Playa Drive, one of Isla Vista's most rowdy streets.


After hearing about all of these legendary parties, I had no choice but to check out the party scene in Isla Vista myself. By my third party, at 1 AM, the police finally showed up to break up the college student masses. However, after giving a short five minute complaint, the police were driven out by a large inebriated crowd of Santa Barbarian. The house party continued, only slightly disrupted by the police's visit, and the UCSB students continued partying late into the night.... Only in Isla Vista.

So, the two key take-aways from this blog for your next Southern California Excursion:

1. If you are NOT a college student, stay far far away from Isla Vista. If you are a college student seeking parties & adventure, here is a list of motels & hotels near Isla Vista :http://lodging.uptake.com/motels/california/isla_vista/228379543.html

2. No matter what your age or background-- if you like beaches, go to Butterfly Beach. After a day of lounging in the sun & wading in the water, you'll never want to leave. TIP: Bring water & a lunch cooler! This is not a tourist spot, so there is no place to buy food on or near the beach!