Santa Barbara

About

Santa Barbara began as a Spanish military outpost and mission, but has since transformed into one of California’s prime coastal cities. The perfect weather, beautiful scenery, and charming buildings has earned it the nickname “The American Riviera”. Just pay a visit to the Refugio State Beach or Lookout Park (from where you can see the famous Channel Islands National Park) to get a taste of the natural beauty that has enticed visitors from around the world. In the city proper, you’ll find charming, red-roofed Spanish-style houses. While many of these are from the early-20th century, the Old Mission Santa Barbara dates back to the original Spanish settlement and is the state’s prettiest, while the El Cuartel adobe at the presidio is the second oldest surviving building in the state. Of course, as the poster child for the California good life, the city is filled with excellent shops and dining - especially if seafood is your thing!