Santa Barbara Travel Guides

A Santa Barbara City Guide – perfect white beaches, artistic attractions, and a touch of Mediterranean flair

Set on a long, sandy stretch of beach, with palm trees and clear seas, Santa Barbara is a vacation paradise that attracts surfers, sun seekers, and wine lovers. Often nicknamed the American Riviera, the city has a distinctly European atmosphere, with a busy cultural calendar and red-roofed Spanish-style architecture. There's even a warm Mediterranean climate that makes it ideal for growing grapes, and a rolling landscape of lush green valleys full of wineries.

Where to Stay in Santa Barbara – a neighborhood guide

The sunny city of Santa Barbara has a Spanish influence – think white buildings with colorful ceramic tiles and red roofs – and the Mediterranean vibe extends to the celebrated sandy beaches. As you'd expect from such a popular location, Santa Barbara offers a wide choice of hotels for visitors, whether you are seeking a chic city break or will be spending most of your time by the coast, and there's accommodation to suit all budgets.

Santa Barbara Shopping Guide – where and what to shop and buy

Shopping enthusiasts will be in paradise when visiting Santa Barbara, and whether you're a lover of high end designer labels, or prefer to browse bohemian boutiques for that unique find, all sorts of styles are catered for in this diverse city. The natural beauty of the area, coupled with the warm temperature, means that outdoor shopping is generally favored over giant malls, so take your time and enjoy the serene atmosphere Santa Barbara offers.

What to See and Do in Santa Barbara – a guide to notable attractions and landmarks

Santa Barbara has a wealth of attractions – just ambling around enjoying the Mediterranean architecture is enjoyable in itself, and there are also stimulating museums of art and science. The city is also a popular family vacation spot, and there's plenty of outdoor space for kids to run around in the sunshine. Whether it's a stroll down one of the scenic roads, or a drive in the open countryside, there's always something to keep you engrossed.

Where to Eat in Santa Barbara – a food and dining guide

Its position close to the sea, and enviably proximity to fields and groves of fruit and vegetables, means that Santa Barbara's restaurants are obsessed with fresh ingredients. The exclusive location means that you'll find plenty of fine dining hotspots where a celebrity sighting is an everyday occurrence. However, there are also plenty of casual and cozy restaurants where you can enjoy good food for comfortably small price tags.

Search for Santa Barbara hotels

Explore our travel guides

North America

Europe

Caribbean

Asia

South America

Australia - New Zealand and the South Pacific

Mexico and Central America

Middle East

Africa and Indian Ocean