AOL Travel
Print

Santa Barbara Travel Guide

Inside ScoopFrom Santa Barbara Locals

Santa Barbara with Tweens: A Perfect Family Day

Getty Images A perfect family vacation in Santa Barbara with tweens is as...Read More

Adventures in Santa Barbara -- If You Dare

With the Sierra Madre Mountains on one side and the crashing Pacific Ocean on the...Read More
Santa Barbara Articles »
Santa Barbara OVERVIEW
In 1925 an earthquake devastated Santa Barbara and destroyed much of the city's eclectic architecture which, ultimately, turned out to be a blessing. A far-sighted city government, perhaps anticipating that Santa Barbara travel would one day be all the rage, focused on replacing the damaged structures with Spanish-Moorish style buildings. Thanks to that foresight, the city is now characterized by white adobe structures, red tile roofs, hand-painted tiles, cupolas and towers and the result is breathtaking. Santa Barbara calls itself the American Riviera (and they’re not kidding—it’s trademarked), which is entirely reasonable and explains why a Santa Barbara vacation is attractive to so many travelers. The mild Mediterranean-type weather, palms, cerise bougainvillea and hillside houses with the ocean stretching out below, all echo the French and Italian rivieras. Santa Barbara is a place where visitors can attend the symphony, take in one of the country’s best small art museums, or catch ...See More the latest, most daring in theater or pop music. Local chefs draw their inspiration from what’s available at the Farmers Market, and put careful consideration into wines to pair with their dishes. There are public beaches a short walk from the center of town, and miles of hiking trails in the mountains. It’s a quick drive to the many wonderful wineries of the Santa Ynez Valley. Santa Barbara is known for its emphasis on green technology. It’s no wonder people find the residents friendly, but a bit smug. They’ve kind of got it all.See Less
BEST IN Santa Barbara TRAVEL
from our Editors
  • Casa Del Mar Inn Casa Del Mar
  • Paradise Cafe Angela Izzo
  • Casa Del Mar InnOnce an apartment building, this 1930s Spanish-style building is very near the wharf and a short walk from the action on...
  • Paradise CafeThis popular-with-locals café with a perky striped awning is housed in a former bakery building constructed in 1915....
  • Museum of Natural HistoryPrehistoric fossils from the region are just a few of the interesting things to see. This is the place to learn about...
  • AOL Travel Editors test hundreds of travel experiences at all price points. See their recommendations and make the most of your trip...
ADVERTISEMENT
INSIDE SCOOP
from Santa Barbara
ALL Santa Barbara articles
Ensure you plan the ultimate vacation getaway with cheap airline tickets, low rates on hotels, deals on car rentals and discount cruises with AOL Travel.
Don't forget to check out the travel deals that are hand picked by our editors, including cruise deals, disney deals, honeymoon deals, and international deals.