Santa Barbara

Situated on a south-facing section of coastline, the longest such section on the West Coast of the United States, Santa Barbara lies between the steeply rising Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific Ocean. Dubbed the “American Riviera,” for its Spanish Colonial architecture, balmy Mediterranean climate, and picturesque mountains within close proximity to the ocean, Santa Barbara is a premier resort destination. World-class accommodations and dining abound. With over 400 hundred restaurants, a lively downtown strip, an urban wine trail, jaw-dropping hiking venues, water sports, historic harbor, and sparkling beaches, it is no wonder Santa Barbara is a tourist mecca. Santa Barbara is called home by its active, community-minded 90,000 residents who pride themselves on a quality lifestyle, caring for their environment, and building thriving businesses. And there is always fun to be had. Each month Santa Barbara's calendar of events is bursting with festivals like Old Spanish Days and the International Film Festival or cultural events at any one of the many gorgeous theaters. Regular concerts at the Santa Barbara Bowl with its jaw-dropping background views are always hot-ticket events. Santa Barbara also boasts top educational institutions, including the University of California Santa Barbara (UCSB) and City College. Easy rail transportation, a 2-hour drive north from Los Angeles or a short hop from any corner of the world via the Santa Barbara airport makes Santa Barbara living easy. Each small neighborhood of Santa Barbara brings it’s own unique flavor to this bustling city with their distinctive histories, architecture, and cultures. From The Mesa with its beach vibe to Mission Canyon with its gorgeous hiking trails and historical Mission, to the Riviera with its winding streets and intricate stone work terracing built by early 20th-century Italian immigrants, to family-friendly San Roque where they really know how to celebrate Halloween, to Samarkand which is “the land of heart’s desire,” there is a neighborhood for everyone. The Eastside and The Westside are two neighborhoods each with their own distinct flavors and divided by the famous State Street that runs right through the city. The Downtown area is divided into the Funk Zone which is full of boutique wineries, foodie hang-outs, and galleries, and the main shopping strip further north on State Street. The Waterfront area includes Sterns Wharf, the harbor, the Santa Barbara Zoo, and many fine tourist accommodations.