Sweet Santa Barbara

Just a hop, skip and a 100-mile car ride northwest of Los Angeles, California is a city many refer to as the “American Riviera”. Most dictionaries describe a Riviera as a coastal region with a subtropical climate and vegetation, and this is exactly what one would find upon arriving in the sunny city of Santa Barbara.

A popular resort and tourist destination, Santa Barbara sits colorfully along California’s coast between the San Ynez Mountains and the Pacific Ocean. On Friday morning, my family hopped in our rented SUV and made the two-hour trek along the Pacific Coast Highway to this vibrant city on the water. This would be my second trip to Santa Barbara, and both times I found myself content to aimlessly wander the palm tree-lined streets and leisurely take in the sights. There is much to see, but not much to rush to, and this combination only adds to the city’s charm.

We enjoyed an outdoor lunch at a restaurant along the historic Stearn’s Wharf, the center of activity along Santa Barbara’s waterfront. The city’s harbor accommodates more than 1,000 boats, so after lunch we made our way back up the pier and walked among the massive yachts lined perfectly along their wooden landings. The people of Santa Barbara appear both laid back about life and energetic about living in it. Some sip their afternoon cocktails, and others eagerly walk their dogs and boat shoes down the gated docks for a weekend at sea.

Away from the boats and beautiful beaches, one might meander down State Street, a road that runs from the ocean into Santa Barbara’s radiant downtown. Spanish Colonial Revival-style buildings fill the city’s blocks and house an array of different shops, restaurants and galleries. The mostly white buildings with red tile roofs create a stunning backdrop behind the tall green palm trees and against the bright blue sky.

Whether one has time for fine dining and a taste of the nightlife or a quick drive along Santa Barbara’s cultural town center, the city is well worth a visit. While an afternoon is all we had time for this trip, the city is one I would eagerly return to – even if just for a day of shopping, ice cream cones and walks along the harbor. Besides, I have not yet seen Santa Barbara’s wine country yet, and I can already hear it calling my name for some tastings in the future.