Santa Barbara

Santa Bárbara is a coastal city in Santa Barbara County. Situated on a south-facing section of coastline, the longest such section on the West Coast of the United States, the city lies between the steeply rising Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific Ocean. Santa Barbara’s climate is often described as Mediterranean, and the city has been promoted as the “American Riviera”.

Bougainvillea twining across red-tiled rooftops, birdsong mingling with the ocean breeze, islands and whale spouts on the horizon—Santa Barbara’s charms tempt at every turn. Perfect getaways don’t get much more perfect.

The contiguous urban area, which includes the cities of Goleta and Carpinteria, along with the unincorporated regions of Isla Vista, Montecito, Mission Canyon, Hope Ranch, Summerland, and others, has an approximate population of 220,000. The population of the entire county in 2010 was 423,895.

Behind the city, in and beyond the Santa Ynez Mountains, is the Los Padres National Forest, which contains several remote wilderness areas. Channel Islands National Park and Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary are located approximately 20 miles offshore.

Santa Barbara has a new energy, too—the Funk Zone neighborhood boasts hip restaurants and bars, and the MOXI (Museum of Exploration + Innovation) dazzles with its reimagination what a museum can be—kids especially love the interactivity. Main thoroughfare State Street and leafy streets alike are lined with designer boutiques, a buzz-worthy restaurants and wine tasting rooms.