Santa Barbara: The American Riviera

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. Recently, I revisited the unique blend of history and modernity in Santa Barbara. Nestled between the dramatic Santa Ynez mountains and the azure Pacific Ocean, idyllic Santa Barbara boasts 300 days of sunshine. The first time I visited, I was struck by Santa Barbara’s unique blend of historical charm and modern vibrancy, starkly contrasting to 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 unfazed, has attracted the attention of Hollywood moguls. The central coast gem has been a magnet for the rich and famous, from Oprah 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 Shangri-La 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 Granada 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 mecca for interior design, Goleta with a popular beach hiking destination, and the understated luxury of Montecito are well worth a visit. 

Elevated Accommodations

The recently remodeled Courtyard by Marriott Santa Barbara is different from what one might expect from the hotel chain. The property 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 Historic 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 if you have a sweet-tooth. Indulge in culinary delights at Scarlet 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. 

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 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. 

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

A select number of hotels in all categories offer a complimentary third night when booking two or more nights as part of a promotion with Visit Santa Barbara. 

To learn more visit santabarbaraca.com/savvy