Overview
Luminous palm-lined beaches, jasmine-scented gardens and whitewashed adobes topped with red brick tiles have lured artists, writers and movie stars to Santa Barbara for over a century. Even F. Scott Fitzgerald’s famous characters, Daisy and Tom Buchanan, vacationed here. Once a well-kept secret, the California Riviera is now a popular vacation spot. Art lovers make their way to Santa Barbara’s Museum of Fine Arts and the galleries in historic El Paseo on State Street, and history buffs appreciate the Old Santa Barbara Mission, designed in 1812 to resemble an ancient Latin temple in pre-Christian Rome. Hikers take the Cold Spring mountain trail, surfers hit Rincon beach, and wine lovers find award-winning vintages in local tasting rooms. Shoppers hit their stride in the Spanish-style courtyard of Paseo Nuevo mall, and fine dining is informed by Pacific fusion, Latin American tradition, organic gourmet and, of course, a view of the sun setting over the Pacific.
Must-See Attractions
Mission Santa Barbara
The Queen of California Missions.
Attraction Information
Stearns Wharf
The West Coast's oldest operating wooden pier.
Attraction Information
Arts and Crafts Show
Outdoor exhibit every Sunday featuring the work of local artists.
Attraction Information
Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club
One of the oldest polo facilities in the United States.
Attraction Information
Santa Ynez wine country
Day-trip destination with more than 70 world-class wineries.
For more attractions information visit Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara.
Upcoming Events
Holiday Santa Barbara Arts & Crafts Show
Nov 28, 2009
Admire and acquire the works of local artists.
Parade of Lights
Dec 13, 2009
Boats dressed up in holiday lights off Stearns Wharf.
Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara, at Butterfly Beach in exclusive Montecito at the heart of America's Riviera.
