Welcome to Santa Barbara—The American Riviera®. Plan your trip, find restaurants, things to do, wine tasting, shopping, outdoor activities and more.

Located on a pristine stretch of California’s central coastline, Santa Barbara brings together the Golden State’s Spanish influence, laid-back vibe, and upscale sensibility in a way few places can. Here are some ideas to help you make the most of your visit to The American Riviera®.

Things to Do In Santa Barbara. Experience everything Santa Barbara has to offer, from art and culture and outdoor recreation to world-class food and wine scene with hundreds of restaurants to choose from and dozens of vibrant events.

Santa Barbara doesn’t skimp on the fun, especially when it comes to attractions and entertainment. From world-renowned gardens and unforgettable animal encounters to energizing live music and hands-on classes and tours , visitors …

Wander the streets of uptown and downtown Santa Barbara, where you’ll find boutiques, trusted name-brand stores, locally owned restaurants and cafés, and a generous dose of culture. Stroll through one of California’s oldest outdoor arcades, Paseo de la Guerra .

From the basketry and boat-building techniques of the Chumash Indians, to the Spanish Colonial influence that can be seen around every corner, and the first days of filmmaking, Santa Barbara’s history is vast and truly unique.

Santa Barbara’s scenery and location are sensational. The city is perfectly situated at the base of the Santa Ynez Mountains, which uniquely run east-to-west before cascading into the Pacific, hence Santa Barbara’s other name, The American Riviera®.

Each month Santa Barbara's calendar of events is bursting with events, festivals and enough excitement to make you want to stay an extra day, or two.

WELCOME TO DOWNTOWN SANTA BARBARA. The focal point of any trip to Santa Barbara is the downtown area, characterized by unique shopping, great food and distinctive architecture. Whether it’s your first visit or your fifth, you’re sure to find …

One of the simple pleasures of Santa Barbara is its proximity to the ocean. With miles of sun-drenched and sandy coastline, you’ll have trouble picking which of its pristine beaches to visit first. From surf-friendly waves to gentle ocean waters, a day spent at any of these Santa Barbara beaches makes even a perfect day that much better.