Article By: Zak Lodhi
Escape to the enchanting American Riviera
Summer is in full swing, and a cool spring breeze is nothing now but a distant memory. It’s time to leave the desert and get to the ocean. This time of year, you deserve someplace with incredible sweeping coastlines, Mediterranean weather, and unbelievable wine. You want a place with a rich, explorable history but has still had recent work done, just like the celebrities that call this gentle crescent of coastline home. You might think you know just the place, the French Riveria.
A strip of land in the south of France that is swarmed by megayachts and tourists every summer, like seagulls descending on unattended food. But what if there was someplace better? A locale that checks all those boxes and is markedly closer to home.
Santa Barbara, the American Riveria, is an oceanside slice of heaven, home to beauty and luxury in equal measure. Come with us and discover what Santa Barbara offers, from exhilarating outdoor adventure to fascinating arts and culture to an incredible variety of local food and wine. But first, you’ll need a place to stay.
Maybe you’ll stay at the El Encanto, a Belmond Hotel located in the heart of Santa Barbara. Perched high in the hills, Belmond El Encanto overlooks the Pacific Ocean. A haven of exclusivity and comfort, take shelter in one of several elegant suites and bungalows set amid swaying eucalyptus trees and winding paths and chat with other guests, like the turtle family that calls the hotel’s waterfall home.
Or, if luxury truly is a way of life for you, then you’ll feel right at home in the foothills of the Santa Ynez Mountains at San Ysidro Ranch. Five hundred acres of idyllic citrus groves and rose gardens surround 38 private cottages. Audrey Hepburn, Winston Churchill, John F. Kennedy, and Jackie Kennedy, on their honeymoon in 1953, were all graciously received at this captivating retreat.
Once you’re checked in and settled, the city awaits! Explore Stearns Wharf, the West Coast’s oldest working wooden wharf and one of Santa Barbara’s most cherished landmarks. Take in the stunning views of the coastline and the Santa Ynez Mountains.
Delight in a diverse mix of shops and eateries, including the Santa Barbara Shellfish Co. and Deep Sea Tasting Room, or touch a piece of history in the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center.
Or, for the adventurous, kayak and stand-up paddleboard rentals are available, along with whale watching and sailing excursions in the Santa Barbara Channel, a designated Whale Heritage Area, departing from the Santa Barbara Landing. The Lil’ Toot water taxi provides convenient access between Santa Barbara Harbor and Stearns Wharf. Take the chance to delve into the region’s maritime history at the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum.
Have a bite to eat after your day out! Splurge on Spanish-style seafood at Bar Le Côte, featuring grass-green walls and ranch-inspired John Flaming prints, opened in Los Olivos in 2021. It is the second restaurant by the Michelin star awarded husband-and-wife team.
Maybe you’d prefer to Savor Mexican soul food? In a city filled with taquerias, Corazón Comedor shines. The latest venture by chef Ramón Velázquez, who gained Michelin recognition for his taco stand at Santa Barbara’s Public Market, opened this casual, homestyle restaurant to rave reviews. It serves authentic Mexican dishes inspired by Velázquez’s mother and his childhood in Guadalajara.
Or, take a bite out of history! Dine on the flower-draped patio of La Paloma Cafe. This spot rises like a culinary phoenix from the symbolic ruins of not one but two of Santa Barbara’s most beloved restaurants: a mid-century institution and the neon-lit Paradise Café. It’s amore at first bite!
It wouldn’t be a visit to Santa Barbara without tasting some of the local wines. Santa Barbara County is one of the world’s most diverse wine-growing regions, boasting over 350 wineries. With a year-round growing season and sustainable seafood caught fresh daily in the Santa Barbara Channel, Santa Barbara County offers the raw ingredients for an unforgettable taste vacation.
Its wines, primarily produced by smaller, family-owned boutique wineries, are highly esteemed by connoisseurs. A great way to explore the regional wines is by visiting the tasting rooms along the Santa Barbara Urban Wine Trail, many of which are conveniently located in downtown Santa Barbara. The region’s unique east-west mountain ranges create a variety of microclimates, supporting more than 75 grape varietals.
Santa Barbara offers an unparalleled blend of natural beauty, rich history, and luxurious experiences, making it the perfect summer destination. From elegant accommodations to the vibrant culinary scene to world-class wineries, this coastal paradise has something for everyone. It’s truly no wonder why it is known as the American Riviera.
Escape to the enchanting American Riviera, where every moment tantalizes your senses. Immerse yourself in the stunning coastlines, delve into the rich tapestry of cultural history, and savor a vibrant culinary journey that will leave an indelible mark on your soul. Whether you’re indulging in opulent accommodations, unraveling the secrets of historical sites, or relishing the world’s finest wines, Santa Barbara guarantees an unforgettable escapade that rejuvenates your spirit. So, shed the ordinary and embrace a coastal paradise that promises adventure and relaxation in equal measure. Whether you’re seeking relaxation, adventure, or a cultural escapade, Santa Barbara promises an unforgettable journey that invigorates the soul. From opulent accommodations to historical sites and exquisite wines, this coastal paradise is sure to leave a lasting impression on every traveler.
Santa Barbara offers an unparalleled blend of natural beauty, rich history, and luxurious experiences, making it the perfect summer destination. From elegant accommodations to the vibrant culinary scene to world-class wineries, this coastal paradise has something for everyone. It’s truly no wonder why it is known as the American Riviera. Thank you to Visit Santa Barbara and the Santa Barbara Tourism Board for helping us to get the incredible photos you’ve seen in this article; it’s through their help we were able to see the incredible other side of Santa Barbara, a beautiful city, ready for adventure, mystery, and an American romanticism ripe for you to explore. It will be a gorgeous trek into the wild, the true, and the beautiful. So take the plunge! See what this incredible city has to offer, and when you post pictures of your vacation, be sure to tag us @lifeplusstyle and @visitsantabarbara!
