Originally Posted by
Gnopps
I too
did a turn in SBA on a segment run and found it to be a very charming airport. I never left it besides getting some air but if I remember correctly there was a roof café overlooking the tarmac. Wish to return there sometime.
I grew up in SBA and spent unholy amounts of time at that cafe. My mom would take me there all the time to let me just sit and watch the planes. Then there was the Elephant Bar on the other side of the airport with a great view of the runways and general aviation areas. Fond memories from that place. I used to love watching the occasional 747 or DC10 come in for maintenance or who knows what. Anyone know the reason why they brought the huge birds in there sometimes? It definitely seemed out of place.
OP, as others have said, take a walk down to the beach. Downtown probably isn't feasible with just a 3 hour layover, but the airport is near some really beautiful coastline for you to explore.