California is a treasure trove of historical backdrops and natural abundance. Its mild Mediterranean climate features 840 miles of coastline and 61 cities and enclaves within its coastal zone. A unique blend of history and modernity is on display in the beloved city of Santa Barbara. Located between the dramatic Santa Ynez mountains and the azure Pacific Ocean, this idyllic destination boasts 300 days of sunshine and a unique blend of historic charm and modern vibrancy, starkly contrasting with other affluent beach settlements in California.
The jewel by the sea is not just a natural paradise; it’s also a celebrity hotspot. Known as “The American Riviera,” this laid-back community, where locals remain unphased, has attracted the attention of Hollywood moguls. The central coast gem has been a magnet for the rich and famous, from Opray Winfrey and Kevin Costner to Tom Cruise and George Lucas. Even Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, and Meghan Markle have found their haven in the adjacent picturesque Montecito.
History
The history of Santa Barbara is a rich tapestry woven over thousands of years. It’s a place where the first natives, the Chumash people, arrived on the central coast region of California around 13,000 years ago. By the 18th century, there was a population of around 18,000 people scattered between Malibu to the south and as far north as Paso Robles, each contributing to the vibrant cultural landscape of the region. The Spanish Crown’s strategy to build a colonial society in California began when Franciscan Friars arrived in 1592 on a crusade to convert Indigenous Peoples to Christianity. The California Mission era began in 1769, but Mission Santa Barbara, founded in 1786 as the tenth of 21 Franciscan Missions, is the only one that has been operating since its establishment.
The Spanish Crown’s strategy to build a colonial society in California began when Franciscan Friars arrived in 1592 on a crusade to convert Indigenous Peoples to Christianity. The California Mission era began in 1769, but Mission Santa Barbara, founded in 1786 as the tenth of 21 Franciscan Missions, is the only one that has been operating since its establishment.
Today, Santa Barbara is a happy hamlet that blends a university town with retirees and accepts all takers into its web of natural and carefree beauty. It’s a place teeming with lifestyle accommodations and excellent dining options. You can find everything from restaurants, bars, street musicians, art galleries, and boutique shopping all along the walkable epicenter of State Street’s spirited atmosphere. The locals are known for their laid-back attitude and respect for the environment, so embrace the local culture and customs during your visit.
Things to do
Santa Barbara offers diverse activities catering to culture vultures, city dwellers, and beachcombers. Santa Barbara has something for everyone, whether you’re interested in exploring the city’s rich history, enjoying the vibrant arts scene, or simply relaxing on the beach. Indoors and outdoors, you could spend a week in this sublime Shangrila and still not experience all the stimulating settlement has to offer.
The crown jewel, Old Mission Santa Barbara, nicknamed “Queen of the Missions,” has been a spiritual gathering place since its inception in 1786. The Mission Church flaunts gorgeous neoclassical architecture and original 18th — and 19th-century paintings and statues. It is one of the 10th of 21 California missions founded by the Spaniards led by Father Junipero Serra.
Stellar museums abound. The Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History is the oldest in the region, just up the road from the old mission. It features 3.5 million specimens of native natural history. The Santa Barbara Maritime Museum is one of the best nautical museums, featuring interactive maritime exhibits. The Santa Barbara Museum of Art features Greco-Roman antiquities, Asian works of art, and prints, drawings, and drawings. Moxi, The Wolf Museum of Exploration is Santa Barbara’s science and technology museum.
Minutes from the old mission, the stunning Santa Barbara Botanic Garden showcases California’s rich biological diversity with a mission to conserve native plants and habitats. The garden features hiking trails of various skill levels, and you can spot multiple local wildlife, from colorful birds to unique plant species. It’s a must-visit for nature enthusiasts.
The Spanish-Moorish-styled Santa Barbara Courthouse, built in 1929, is a centerpiece of the city’s downtown. The magnificent Spanish Colonial Revival structure and setting feature a sunken tropical garden, hand-painted ceilings, giant murals, and wrought iron chandeliers, along with a rooftop tower with sweeping 360-degree views of the city and as far away as the nearby Channel Islands.
On the 1100 to 1300 blocks of State Street, visit the Art District, which features visual art and live performances. The two iconic Granda and Arlington theaters flank the district. On the first Thursday of each month, participating galleries offer free access to art openings, live music and dance, and wine tasting.
For an overview of the landscape, consider a Santa Barbara trolley tour or rent an electric bike at Santa Barbara BCycle, which created the first bike-share program in the city. Rejuvenate at Salt featuring salt caves crafted from 45 tons of 250 million-year-old Himalayan crystal salt. Visit the Funk Zone, an old manufacturing hub now a buzzy district of murals, coffee shops, restaurants, and galleries. The Santa Barbara Zoo houses more than 500 animals on 30 acres. Several operators offer kayaking and winter whale watching in the nearby Channel Islands. The nearby towns of quaint Summerland, a meece for interior design, Goleta with a popular beach hiking destination, and the understated luxury of Montecito are well worth a visit.
Elevated Accommodations
The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara offers an unparalleled blend of opulence and serenity that redefines luxury travel. This enchanting retreat spans 78 acres of lush, sprawling grounds, providing an idyllic sanctuary with sweeping ocean views and an aura of tranquility that is second to none. The resort’s elegant architecture seamlessly marries Spanish colonial charm with contemporary sophistication, featuring spacious rooms and suites adorned with plush furnishings, private balconies, and panoramic vistas of the Pacific.
Perhaps the most esteemed resort in all of Santa Barbara, Rosewood Miramar Beach offers an unparalleled luxury experience set amidst 16 pristine acres of lush gardens and rolling lawns. The property offers lavishly appointed rooms, suites, and beachfront bungalows, each with private terraces or balconies that invite guests to soak in breathtaking ocean views. With its private beach and exquisite blend of elegance and refinement in an idyllic setting, Rosewood Miramar Beach is one of coastal California’s premier properties.
For less extravagant accommodations, the recently remodeled Courtyard Santa Barbara Downtown is different from what one might expect from the hotel chain. The property originally opened in 1959 as a classic mid-century modern motor inn and has been awarded historic landmark status. Fronting a quiet block of upper State Street and offering 62 rooms, the Marriott property adheres to its architectural design and style. Next to the pool is the chic Saint Remy Bar & Restaurant, which features a sharable menu. Happy Hour is from nine until closing.
The original building of Hotel Santa Barbara dates back to 1876 and has survived many changes. Situated in a prime location on a bustling block of lower State Street, the storied venue is dog-friendly and a stone’s throw from the restaurants, bars, boutiques, and museums. It is also half a mile from coastal sunsets on Stearns Wharf. Ornate bespoke guest quarters feature custom carpets and throwback photos of the city’s past.
Culinary Cachet & Libations
Dining in Santa Barbara is a delightful experience, with a diverse range of restaurants that passionate locals swear by, and visitors are thrilled to join in. The local diners offer a unique blend of flavors and culinary styles, making it difficult to choose where to dine. The Bananas Foster’s French Toast flambeed in rum at D’Angelo Bakery is a must-try for sweet tooths. Indulge in culinary delights at Scarlett Begonia, one of the early adaptors of market-driven, seasonal-organic cuisine. The diverse dining options in Santa Barbara are sure to excite your taste buds.
Recently crowned the number-one restaurant in Santa Barbara by OpenTable, Stonehouse in San Ysidro Ranch serves imaginative regional cuisine from Executive Chef Matthew Johnson and a vast selection of wines from Sommelier Tristan Pitre in a historic 19th-century adobe structure. The restaurant exudes an ambiance of timeless luxury, whether dining indoors by the wood-burning fireplace or outside on the serene ocean-view terrace.
Opal Restaurant & Bar, located in the ARTS district, is a creative fusion of California cuisine with Mediterranean and Asian influences. It is a casual venue with elevated al fresco dining. From the starter menu, black-pepper-crusted ahi tuna and Asian glazed flash-fried calamari. Mains such as herb-crusted filet mignon, grilled Australian lamb chops, and wild mushroom risotto are among the local favorites. A wood-burning oven whips out mouth-watering pizza.
Brophy Bros Restaurant & Clam Bar is a casual seafood institution with fresh catch of the day fish with harbor views. Vibrant Stearns Wharf, California’s oldest wooden wharf, flaunts Santa Barbara Shellfish Company, a favorite of Julia Child when she resided in the area. Since 1949, McConnel’s Fine Ice Cream has been curing sweet tooths by creating delectable small-batch ice cream made from scratch with grass-grazed milk and cream and seasonal ingredients. Dairy-free options are also available.
Happy hour is a large part of the friendly local landscape, with many establishments offering reduced-priced drinks and small bits. The Boathouse at Hendry’s Beach offers happy Hour with sunset views. The Cruisery is on an ideal corner of State Street with patio dining. Dargan’s Irish Pub & Restaurant serves savory pies and fish and chips. The Brewhouse Restaurant & Brewery is the oldest craft brewery in town.
Conclusion
Surrounded by the omnipresent Santa Ynez mountains, rolling hills, forests, wetlands, and a magnificent sun-splashed coastline, “The American Riviera” is a scenic 90-minute coastal drive from Los Angeles. The region has an appealing year-long Mediterranean climate. Enjoy the best weather with fewer crowds, and consider visiting from April to June or September to December. The best bargains occur in the low season from December through February.
Third Night Free Promotion
We should note that several hotels in all categories offer a complimentary third night when booking two or more nights as part of a promotion with Visit Santa Barbara. Learn more by visiting santabarbaraca.com/savvy.