'The American Riviera' Is A Vibrant California City With Scenic Beaches & Mountain Views

Nestled between the mountains and the sea, just 95 miles north of Los Angeles, sits a California gem better known as the "American Riviera" — and for good reason. Palm trees sway in the breeze along the promenade, friends gather together at one of the many wineries, and white stucco Spanish-style buildings remind visitors of the Mediterranean. This is Santa Barbara. Despite its relatively small size, it has earned international recognition for its laid-back vibes, scenic beauty, and refined cultural scene. It's a city where you can spend the morning hiking canyon trails with sweeping ocean views, and the afternoons indulging in delicious eats.

But what truly sets Santa Barbara apart is the seamless blend of sophistication and simplicity. You'll find five-star dining establishments tucked next to casual taquerias, boutique art galleries alongside surf shops, and luxury hotels perched within walking distance of golden-sand beaches. The surrounding landscape — from the towering Santa Ynez Mountains to the more remote collection of Channel Islands just offshore — invites visitors to partake in exploration and adventure year-round. Not to mention the endless number of stunning hikes, waterfalls, and water activities available for those looking to escape city life. Whether you're spending your time here browsing a Saturday farmer's market, enjoying a beer in the Funk Zone, walking one of the many beautiful trails, or catching a performance at the strikingly beautiful Lobero Theatre, Santa Barbara delivers a complete and magical California experience. 

Start your trip by exploring State Street, the heart of Santa Barbara's downtown area. Here, visitors will find boutique shops, cute cafes, galleries, and restaurants. Be sure to hit up the Santa Barbara Public Market for local food vendors, or if visiting on a Saturday, explore the farmers market, offering artisan goods and fresh produce. Next, make your way towards the Old Mission Santa Barbara, nicknamed the "Queen of the Missions." Founded in 1786 by Spanish Franciscans, it's one of California's most iconic and well-preserved Spanish missions. Self-guided tours are available daily, but be sure to check out their events page for more unique experiences.

A visit to Santa Barbara would not be complete without experiencing the Funk Zone — a once-industrial warehouse district turned into a vibrant neighborhood. Here, you'll find wine tasting rooms, restaurants, breweries, and art galleries all within walking distance of each other. It's also close to the beach and a beautiful luxury hotel that makes you feel like you've stepped back into history. Highlights include The Lark for an upscale dining experience and Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co. for a pint. You don't even have to leave the city to sample world-class pinot noir, syrah, and chardonnay, thanks to the Urban Wine Trail, a network of tasting rooms scattered throughout the Funk Zone and downtown. Santa Barbara has a deep cultural scene for its size. The Santa Barbara Museum of Art houses an impressive collection of American, Asian, and European works, and The MOXI Museum (The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation) is great for families. Don't miss a show at the Granada Theatre, Lobero Theatre, or the intimate Ensemble Theatre Company — all venues that bring in quality performances from around the country and the world.

Santa Barbara's natural landscape offers an ideal setting for hikers of all experience levels, from casual walkers to seasoned trekkers. Just a short drive from downtown, plant enthusiasts will find a haven in the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, where 5.5 miles of scenic trails wind through 78 acres of diverse terrain. The garden showcases over 1,000 species of native California plants, providing a peaceful and educational retreat surrounded by coastal sage scrub, redwoods, meadows, and canyon views. For an area filled with easily accessible walking trails and sweeping coastal views, check out the Douglas Family Preserve, a large open space set above Arroyo Burro Beach (or Hendry's Beach to locals). For a more moderate to difficult level hike with beautiful mountain views, try Cold Springs Trail, a 2.5-mile loop trail that takes hikers through creeks, past waterfalls, and to shallow pools to take a much-deserved dip.

Those looking to spend less time hiking and more time enjoying the beach are in luck, as Santa Barbara's coastline travels far and wide. Located just outside of downtown is East Beach, a long stretch of golden sand that includes access to volleyball courts, restaurants, a bike path, and beautiful blue water. It's within close proximity to the popular Stearns Wharf — California's oldest working wood wharf, which also houses delicious restaurants and the Santa Barbara Sea Center Museum. If you have access to a car, there are many other beaches a short distance from town that offer relaxing vibes away from the crowds, such as Butterfly Beach, Haskell's Beach, Summerland Beach, and Goleta State Park. For the surfers, two must-visit beaches are Rincon Point (known as the "Queen of the Coast" for its superb waves) or Leadbetter Point with mellow waves perfect for beginners, longboarders, and standup paddleboarders.