The city calls itself the American Riviera, and if you travel to Santa Barbara you'll see why: This central coast city, which sits on an idyllic stretch of coastline and is sheltered by the foothills of the Santa Ynez mountains, has a Mediterranean-like climate and a civility that feels downright European. In fact, it once was European: the Spanish settled the city in the 1600s, and the Mission Santa Barbara is still one of the city's most treasured landmarks. Given the city's sophisticated charm—and high prices—many celebrities have made a Santa Barbara visit over the years, from Charlie Chaplin, who built a hotel, to Oprah Winfrey, who has a house nearby.
Things Not to Miss in Santa Barbara
Read our Santa Barbara travel guide to explore this jewel on the Pacific, and be sure to visit some of the most popular attractions, including:
• Mission Santa Barbara
• El Presidio State Historic Park
• Tasting Santa Ynez wines
• State Street
• Lotusland
• Butterfly Beach
• Santa Barbara Zoo
When to Go to Santa Barbara
Luckily, there is not a lot of variation in temperature over the course of the year, so any day can be a gorgeous day in Santa Barbara. But here are some factors to consider:
• The Santa Barbara travel season peaks in summer, both in terms of crowds and prices. July through September will have the warmest temperatures for swimming, while June can be iffy, thanks to the higher chance of fog (locals call it June Gloom).
• Early fall can bring summery swimming weather, and the prices drop a bit, too, making it a good time to visit. The only weather risks come from the falls of Santa Ana and "sundowner" winds, which can be strong.
• Winter and early spring carry the highest likelihood of rain and cooler temperatures—sometimes it's downright chilly at night—but the season also has the lowest prices.
RECOMMENDED LINKS
-
10 Perfect Last-minute Labor Day Weekend Destinations
If you haven't yet planned a trip for Labor Day, don’t despair. You still have plenty of options. Whether you’re craving a quiet day on a pink-sand... Read More
-
Uber Is Doing Wine Tours Now and Vineyard Hopping Has Never Been Easier
You don’t need to be in France or Italy to taste amazing wine. Sure, a wine tour in Tuscany is never a bad idea, but sometimes funds and vacation days... Read More
-
31 Things to Do in Santa Barbara
Cities are always searching for new ways to improve or expand, yet with Santa Barbara’s year-round mild weather, gleaming Spanish colonial buildings,... Read More
-
Oprah Winfrey Reveals Her Home Is One of Those Affected by Deadly California Mudslides
Oprah Winfrey‘s 65-acre Santa Barbara, California, estate is among the many homes damaged by the deadly flash floods and mudslides that ravaged the... Read More
-
Harrison Ford Went Into Action Hero Mode to Rescue a Woman From a Car Crash
This story originally appeared on People.com. Harrison Ford is channeling his inner Han Solo.The actor, 75, rushed to the rescue of a woman who crashed... Read More
-
Southern California Heat Wave Brings Fire Danger With It
The temperatures are soaring in southern California.With no hint of fall weather in sight, the mercury is on the rise from Los Angeles to San Bernardino... Read More
-
Rob Lowe Looks So Happy to Spot Great White Sharks While Paddleboarding
Chris Traeger would be so proud.Rob Lowe showed no fear as he and his son spotted two great white sharks on a paddleboarding excursion in Santa Barbara,... Read More
-
All the Places in the U.S. Where You Can Go to College for Free
This story originally appeared on Money.com. You’ve probably seen headlines recently about free public college programs in New York and Tennessee.... Read More
-
Where to Find the Best Ice Cream Across the U.S.
This story originally appeared on Food and Wine. Whether it's a Good Humor bar or $10 sundae, Americans love ice cream — and fantastic parlors... Read More
-
Ellen DeGeneres Lists Her Stunning Santa Barbara Estate for $45 Million
This story originally appeared on People.com.Ellen DeGeneres‘s Santa Barbara home will have your jaw on the floor — and not just because of the eight... Read More
-
Summer Solstice Celebrations Around the World
In ancient times, people celebrated the longest day of the year with festivals and rituals. Today, the celebrations are less prominent.But that doesn’t... Read More
-
A 60-mile Fault Underneath California Could Be a Source for New Earthquakes and Tsunamis
Scientists are paying more attention to a fault underneath Santa Barbara, California. The 60-mile Ventura-Pitas Point has some people nervous about... Read More
-
L.A.'s Legendary Magic Castle Will Open a Second Location This Year
Los Angeles’s legendary private club for magicians is opening a second location later this year. The Magic Castle will open a satellite magic castle in... Read More
-
VIDEO: Five Things to Do in Santa Barbara
Taking a trip to the American Riviera? Fun things to do in Santa Barbara are easy to find year-round, thanks to the region’s consistently pleasant... Read More
-
The Perfect Three-Day Weekend in Santa Barbara
There's a reason Santa Barbara's been called the American Riviera. Pleasant temperatures year-round, sunny beaches, and gorgeous Spanish... Read More
