Travellers have called Santa Barbara., Calif., “The American Riviera” for more than a century. And they’ve been drawn to its dreamy, sun-kissed shores for even longer. Celebrated for its temperate Mediterranean climate, lush landscape, distinctive Spanish architecture, world-class wines, fresh seafood and more, the region beckons with a timeless allure.

Flights & Transportation

Santa Barbara Airport (SBA) has nonstop flights from Dallas, Denver, Las Vegas, Los Angeles Oakland, Phoenix, Portland, Sacramento, San Francisco and Seattle, which provide plentiful connections for travellers. For those flying into Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), the Santa Barbara Airbus is an easy transfer option. Or skip the drive by taking Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner or Coast Starliner trains. Santa Barbara’s walkable streets make car-free trips a pleasure. Santa Barbara is an essential overnight stop for Highway 1 road trips.

State Street Promenade

The Sate Street Promenade, a new 10-block pedestrian corridor closed to car traffic, has revitalized downtown. A festive, European atmosphere pervades the city, with outdoor restaurants, bars, markets and music in the streets.

Visit Santa Barbara

Through Visit Santa Barbara’s Third Night Free hotel promotion, lodging properties, from economy and mid-tier to luxury resorts, are offering a third nigh free with a purchase of a two night-stay.

Hotel Happenings

• The Steward, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, opens May 29. The 87-suite boutique hotel set on nearly 5 acres is rooted in stewardship of the land, with sustainable practices, lavish gardens and new Terra restaurant.
• Drift Santa Barbara, a 45-room modern boutique hotel opened downtown in February 2023, along with Dawn and Dusk eateries.
• Major hotel renovations in 2023 include: Kimpton Canary (spring TBD); The Leta, Tapestry Collection by Hilton in Goleta (late 2023); and Courtyard by Marriott Santa Barbara (opened December 2022).
• The Ritz-Carlton Bacara celebrates Apres Sea, a new instant classic tradition with cocktails in the renovated Hibiscus Lounge, naturalist-guided sunset walks and woothing wraps.
• Rosewood Miramar celebrates women authors with bar menu, “Chronicles of Cocktails: Volume ll”

Culinary & Libations

• The Santa Barbara South Coast has 15 restaurants in the recent MICHELIN guide, including two one-star restaurants and one Green Star for sustainability.
• The region has 10 new or soon-to-open Mexican eateries, including Augie’s, Corazon Comedor, Taqueria La Unica, Maiz Picante, Azul and vegan Rascal’s.
• Existing new eateries include Spanish-influenced Gala; Tyger Tyger, Southeast Asian street fare; Broad Street Oyster Company. Featuring sea urchin-topped lobster rolls; I’antica Pizzeria de Michele (pf “Eat, Pray, Love” fame).
• The South Coast has 10 new and upcoming wine-tasting rooms, many along the Santa-Barbara Urban Wine Trail. Highlights: Longoria Wines, the Bacara Wine Tasting Room, La Leiff Wines, The Society at Hotel Californian. Coming later in 2023: Sunstone Winery in the Funk Zone.

Al Fresco & Family Adventures

• Butterflies Alive!, a dazzling immersive butterfly experience, retunes to the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History May 27 – September 4.
• Polo season at Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club runs May 7 – October 15. Its new restaurant, Fieldside Coastal Steakhouse, opened February 1.
• UCSB North Campus Open Space, a vast 136-acre coastal wetlands area featuring habitats ranging from a slough and grasslands to ocean bluffs, has new visitors’ kiosks, a new parking lot and hiking trail.
• Grace Fischer Foundation’s Inclusive Arts Clubhouse is a new place for children of all abilities to make art and music.

Wellness & Retail Therapy

• Summerland’s Sacred Space, a beloved spiritual arts boutique, has new owners and will host events.
• Celebrity fashion designer Catherine Gee opened a new boutique downtown.
• Palma Colectiva, a new downtown healing art collective, offers ceremonies, workshops and retail.

Arts & Culture

• After 60+ years of anticipation, Bellosguardo, a historic 1930s villa overlooking Santa Barbara’s East Beach, opens for limited tours in 2023.
• Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel” The Exhibition at Old Mission Santa Barbara runs May 26 – September 4.
• Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara reopened in January after an announced permanent closure.

Events & Festivals

Upcoming events: I Madonnari (May 27-29), Taste of Santa Barbara (May 15-21), Santa Barbara Lavender Festival (June 24), 99th annual Old Spanish Days Fiesta (August 2-4).

For more information, please visit santabarbaraca.com.

Visit Santa Barbara: Karna Hughes