Santa Barbara’s allure lies in its balance of upscale elegance and laid-back playfulness. Whether you’re hopping between galleries or indulging in flavorful eats, this seaside city is a perfect slice of paradise. For friends, family or anyone in search of an unforgettable escape, The American Riviera® invites you to try something new and explore together.
Gallery Hopping
Santa Barbara is home to a thriving arts and cultural scene, with a variety of world-class museums and cultural institutions waiting to be explored. At the Santa Barbara Museum of Art, visitors can marvel at the 25,000-piece permanent collection alongside dynamic temporary exhibits. History buffs can dive into the city’s past with a visit to the Santa Barbara Historical Museum or journey to Santa Barbara’s Spanish colonial period at Casa de la Guerra. Want to turn it into a full-day affair? Go museum-hopping on the iconic Museum Mile, which stretches from State Street to the waterfront and is home to 12 museums, each offering a unique glimpse into Santa Barbara’s art, history and heritage.
Explore Hot Spots
Santa Barbara’s Funk Zone neighborhood is a haven for creatives and trendsetters, brimming with some of the city’s best vintage shops and restaurants. Hunt for one-of-a-kind treasures at Assemblage, dine on artisanal wood-fired pizza at Lucky Penny or experience bold, locally-sourced dishes at The Lark. Visitors can even join a guided walking tour with Eat This, Shoot That! and sample bites from local eateries while learning how to take high-quality food photos that will make their social media feeds pop. Nearby, don’t miss the craft beer, smash burgers and house-made pickles at Third Window Brewing Co.—a stop well worth traveling to for its unique brews and laid-back vibe.
Gorgeous Garden Strolls
Find tranquility in one of Santa Barbara’s beautiful parks and gardens. Available by reservation, spend a few hours wandering around the themed gardens at Lotusland, a lush 37-acre botanical paradise in Montecito that features over 3,000 species of plants. Take in the sweeping vistas at the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, where you can meander on the miles of walking trails that take you through 11 distinct California ecosystems. A tour of Casa del Herrero’s meticulously preserved gardens and breathtaking Spanish Colonial Revival architecture will transport you back to the 1920s, complete with historical artifacts.
Relaxing Spa Day
After exploring everything Santa Barbara has to offer, an afternoon at the spa is a welcome retreat. Float Luxury Spa delivers a serene escape in the heart of downtown, complete with a private garden perfect for post-treatment relaxation. Sense Spa, located at Rosewood Miramar Beach, is the only Forbes Five-Star spa in Santa Barbara and boasts treatments inspired by the flora along the Miramar Beach coastline. Majorelle at Hotel Californian blends Moroccan-inspired design with custom spa treatments for a deeply soothing retreat. For an experience that engages the senses and boosts physical recovery, try an invigorating cold plunge at Soul Care Studio + Sauna. No matter which spa you choose, there is no shortage of unique treatments that will leave you feeling completely rejuvenated.
Scenic Stays
Santa Barbara’s wide range of accommodations set the stage for an unforgettable getaway. Whether you’re drawn to Spanish Colonial-style bungalows or luxury hotels with sparkling pools, the options are as diverse as the adventures that await you. Families can revel in affordable, inclusive properties perfect for creating lasting memories, while couples can unwind in romantic retreats with breathtaking views of the shimmering Pacific. Wherever you choose to rest your head, you’re sure to find a home base that will make your trip even more memorable.
