Best of Santa Barbara, CA (Photos)

Santa Barbara is one of California’s legendary destinations, one of the state’s major tourist stops. The “American Riviera” is nestled on the California coast between the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Ynez Mountains. It has an idyllic location.The city is a mélange of architectural treasures, cultural venues and vibrant restaurants. The charm of Santa Barbara is so much more then gastronomic delicacies, edgy galleries, world class shopping and classic luxury. The colonial Spanish architecture and the romantic heritage of the town attracts many visitors each year.

This vibrant city has plenty to offer. Santa Barbara is a perfect getaway, a great year-round destination.

Reasons to visit the city, Santa Barbara Must-See:

Stunning city: The city is blessed with gorgeous architecture. Santa Barbara features some of the area’s most stunning attractions. One of the iconic landmarks is the Santa Barbara Mission, a beautifully preserved building. It is located only a few minutes away from downtown and it is surrounded by a gorgeous rose garden.

Picturesque beaches: Santa Barbara is nothing but a sun-soaked paradise. It is blessed with a mild year-round climate. It is often described as Mediterranean. The beaches near the town are picturesque and clean, there is plenty of sand for sunbathers. It is a gorgeous place for beach lovers, photographers, boarders and bodysurfers or for those how want to relax in a gorgeous environment. Enjoy quality time here with your family.

Food: One of the most enjoyable ways to experience Santa Barbara is through its exiting food and wine culture. The main streets are lined with first-class restaurants and cafes. Spend a night in luxury and dine at award winning restaurants. Where to eat? Find out here: Best places to eat in Santa Barbara.

Spa experience: Santa Barbara is fast becoming a hot-spot for spa lovers. Enhance your wellness and rejuvenate your body and mind with an ultimate spa experience. Many of the resorts have direct access to beautiful beaches and world-class golf. Some of the most visited Resort and Spas are: Bacara Resort and Spa, Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara, Fess Parker's Doubletree Resort

Vibrant outdoor activities: Santa Barbara is a Mecca for outdoor activities. This is a place to play golf, bike along the beach, to hike or boat or just to go in search of birds and butterflies. The town has many world-class golf courses. The diverse landscapes of Santa Barbara offers great hiking opportunities. Hiking around Santa Barbara mountain is a great experience and it is free.

Festivals: Summer Solstice Celebration is one of the town’s top signature events. Every year during the Memorial Day weekend, hundreds of very imaginative artists create numerous colorful chalk murals on the pavement located in front of Old Mission Santa Barbara. The life-size murals include portraits, cartoons, flowers, dragons and many abstract creations. It was a fun event, full of colors, art, laughter and music.

Wonders, highlights:You haven’t experience Santa Barbara with your family until you’ve done these:

Biking or walking along the beachfront

Watching the glorious sunset

Starting your day with any of Andersen's delicious pasties

Walking and shopping on the well-known State Street

Visiting the town’s main charm, the Old Mission Santa Barbara

Spending a few hours at the local Zoo

Visiting one of the famous local wineries

Discovering the beauty of Santa Barbara Botanical Garden

Visiting the beautiful courthouse, and the Santa Barbara Museum of Art

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, LA Travel Photography Examiner

Reka Peti-Peterdi is a Los Angeles based freelance photographer from Europe. She was born and educated in Hungary, in a country full of history and art. She studied communication and French in order to become a teacher. She embraced different professions before getting into photography (teacher,...

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