Summerland — home to the Inn on Summer Hill — is a small, charming beach town. At the turn of the century it was referred to as "spooksville." The town was founded in 1889 by Henry L. Williams. His historic home, build in 1884, is now known as the "Big Yellow House." A few lucky settlers, upon digging for water, hit oil resulting in a full-scale oil boom.

The atmosphere today in Summerland is cozy with a laid-back community atmosphere. In the last several decades, this town of 2500 residents has gone through an revolution. In the 1960's and '70's the town was a blend of surfers, hippies, bikers, artists and the working class. However, in the mid '80's the town evolved into an upscale enclave where many artists, designers, architects, doctors and surfers blended with those appreciating the "Riviera" life style.

Today's visitors include Hollywood celebrities, Presidents and Santa Barbara "locals." Summerland has become a favorite destination, with the perfect summer beach-side atmosphere year round. The delightful park on the bluff above the Pacific Ocean leads to the pristine beaches of Summerland. The village has many beach-side cafes, coffee houses, clothing and furniture boutiques, wine tasting boutiques and spas. In addition it has one of only four, Four Diamond Inns or Hotels in Santa Barbara, awarded by AAA. Summerland is adjacent to Carpinteria, and just south of Montecito and Santa Barbara.