Santa Barbara is located along California’s scenic coastline, a convenient 2-hour drive from Los Angeles. With a variety of spectacular offerings such as hiking, biking, fine dining, water sports, culture and fantastic nightlife, Santa Barbara is idyllic for those seeking a truly magical getaway. Often referred to as the American Riviera, it’s pristine beaches, majestic mountains, diversity of shopping opportunities and vibrant energy make the region a premier destination for travelers.
Hiking enthusiasts marvel at Santa Barbara’s expansive wilderness as they explore and revel in its many hidden gems. Seductively nestled between the Santa Ynez Mountains and the sea, the locale provides some of the most breathtaking day hikes in all of California. There are even beginning and intermediate treks leading to four spectacular waterfalls where it’s possible for visitors to picnic and splash around in swimming holes: Nojoqui Falls; Tangerine Falls; Seven Falls; and San Ysidro Falls. While the water levels vary from season-to-season and due to rainfall, these invigorating journeys are always pleasant and worthwhile! Clifftop trails along the coast provide magnificent views of the Pacific Ocean and harbor seals basking in secluded coves below. And the luckiest of visitors are able to take in the breathtaking sites of dolphins and whales in the not-too-far-off distance! A hiker’s heaven, Santa Barbara also offers trails through sycamore-studded canyons and wildflower-flecked meadows.
Bike paths abound in Santa Barbara and its surrounding areas, providing outdoor-lovers with stunning ocean views, a glimpse of the local lifestyle and diverse terrain. Novice cyclists may opt to leisurely explore the downtown sites, pass through the upscale neighborhood of Hope Ranch or take the glorious, ever-popular four-and-a-half mile Cabrillo Boulevard bike trail from Leadbetter Beach to Montecito’s Butterfly Beach. Intermediate riders may want to gear up with more difficult, longer rides, such as one leading from Santa Barbara to Ventura; stopping to rest and refuel at one of the charming eateries along the way is always a joy! Advanced cyclists looking for an 11-mile challenge are rewarded with panoramic views while climbing the winding Old San Marcos Pass and Painted Cave Road, and serious bragging rights can be earned by those who venture on the 24.6 mile ride from Tucker Grover Park to La Cumbre Peak. No matter what one’s biking abilities are, finding the just-right path is a breeze!
With a multitude of fantastic local beaches, recreational water sports are everywhere! To elevate perspective (and adrenaline!), take a hot air balloon ride or consider paragliding or hang gliding over the glistening ocean at Elings Park. With gentle prevailing winds, the South Bluffs are renowned as one of the United States’ premier locations for these activities. If playing in the ocean is more your style than is soaring over it, consider surfing, kayaking or sailing around Santa Barbara! There’s definitely no shortage of qualified instructors, tour guides and rentals of necessary equipment and gear! Additionally, a magical outing to the nearby Channel Islands and Marine Sanctuary is a highly recommended experience for those interested in exploration by land or sea…after a quick ferry ride to what is considered The Galapagos of North America, visitors are awestruck by the pristine environment, diversity of flora and fauna, crystalline waters, jutting cliffs, sea caves and dynamic marine life there.
Juxtaposed against Santa Barbara’s natural beauty are the city’s extensive culinary and cultural offerings. Explore The Funk Zone (also known as The Santa Barbara Urban Wine Trail), which spans about 13 walkable blocks. Here, lively restaurants, wine tasting rooms and microbreweries, art galleries, creative collectives and retail stores combine to create a cool and hip arts community. Converted warehouses and buildings decorated with graffiti murals set the stage for this unique part of town where there are plenty of ways to arouse both taste buds and visual senses! The Funk Zone presents some of the best of Santa Barbara’s nightlife.
Additionally, outdoor concerts and festivals throughout the summertime and fall add to the tremendous appeal of Santa Barbara, too; be sure to look into the ticketed and non-ticketed events that are scheduled to take place during your stay! And, don’t miss the chance to visit swanky Montecito! Although hard to believe now, in the mid-19th century, it was a haven to bandits and highway robbers who would hide in wait for their victims amongst the lush oak groves and canyons. By the end of the 1860’s, these gangs were gone and Italian settlers had begun to transform Montecito into a region reminiscent of Italy. By the start of the 1900’s, wealthy US tourists began purchasing the land. Desirable for its proximity to Santa Barbara for essential services while still being secluded, it’s moderate climate and several nearby hot springs, Montecito provided the promise of healthy, comfortable living. Today, and home to Oprah and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Montecito exudes luxury and effortless style. The fragrances of eucalyptus and juniper fill the air in this seaside sanctuary that is a mix of charming boutiques, enticing restaurants and world-class people watching!
Santa Barbara is an extraordinary destination, inviting to the most casual of travelers and also the most discerning. It caters simultaneously to people seeking an abundance of exercise and adventure, and to those who may prefer to simply unwind and relax in luxury. However you choose to spend your time there, it will be well spent!
