W
AMERICAN RIVIERA
e always think of California beaches facing
west, but Santa Barbara’s East Beach and West Beach face south. What? The city of Santa Barbara is tucked away on the south side of a land mass that juts out into the sea, creating a lovely harbor and wonderful beaches—just not west facing. The Santa Barbara coastal area is as friendly as it is sophisticated. Dubbed the “American Riviera,” this section of California coastline contains not only the beautiful city of Santa Barbara, but fabulous hikes laced with waterfalls in the Los Padres National Forest and Santa Ynez Mountains, luscious vineyards, wellknown surf breaks, a
small, quaint towns that offer great views, food, and shopping. If you’re looking to relax by the sea in a laid-back beach town, you will find it here. If you’re
MARK WEBER/COURTESY OF VISIT SANTA BARBARA
renowned university, and
looking for fine wine tasting, art galleries, and the opera, you will find them here. If you are looking for camping sites with memorable hiking trails, you will find them here. Downtown Santa Barbara is just one gem along this beautiful section of coast just an hour north of Los Angeles, and a world away. As the average daily temperatures generally vary by only 15 degrees throughout the year, this section of California coast is clearly a year-round destination. The warmest temps and driest conditions can be found from July through September, and this time of year also draws the most visitors. If you want to avoid the busiest summer months, plan a trip in the spring when you will MANAMANA/SHUTTERSTOCK
On Cabrillo Boulevard a restaurant occupies the building with the familiar lighthouse that is adjacent to Stearns Wharf, State Street, and the popular Funk Zone.The Mural Room of the c. 1929 Santa Barbara County Courthouse (right), featuring artwork by Dan Sayre Groesbeck, was used for thirty years as the county supervisors’ assembly room.
find the gardens in full bloom, and often have hiking trails with viewing spots on the bluffs all to yourself. An added bonus, the gray whales, visible from the shoreline, will be heading north in March and April. While the winter season does include rainy days, it also Fall/Winter 2020
ODYSSEY 3