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Santa Barbara
Scenic slice of coastal California known for its perfect beaches, laid-back vibe and Insta-worthy sunsets.
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Best Places to Stay in Santa Barbara

Curated by
Gianna Quattrini
Though I've visited Santa Barbara many times, in January of 2023, I did a formal site inspection of the best places to stay in Santa Barbara. Whether you're seeking luxury and relaxation or more of a city environment, these fantastic options have you covered.

Escape to the American Riviera: Santa Barbara, California

Curated by
Jennifer Lopez
Santa Barbara is perfectly situated on the Central Coast, about two hours north of L.A. It feels like a world apart, sitting between the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Ynez Mountain range. Santa Barbara is known as the American Riviera for its temperate Mediterranean climate, beautiful coastline and top-notch food and wine scene. Visitors will enjoy the many cultural spots, outdoor activities, excellent shopping, wine tasting and delicious and diverse cuisine that Santa Barbara has to offer.

Weekend Guide to Santa Barbara

Curated by
Gianna Quattrini
I've visited Santa Barbara nearly 10 times and each time I visit, I love it more and more. Delicious wine, an abundance of restaurants, a fun/walkable downtown with lots of charm and close proximity to beautiful beaches- it has something for everyone.

6-Day Road Trip on California's Pacific Coast Highway

Curated by
Katherine Flynn
The best way to experience California is on the road along highway 101. Starting in LA with stops along the way and completing north of SF, this road-trip itinerary includes where to stay, eat and visit. Luckily this trip is doable year-round but my recommendation is late spring or early fall to avoid summer heat and tourists. From wineries to oysters on the water to boutique hotels, I hope this day-to-day guide will be an inspiration for your next CA road trip.

How to Spend the Weekend in Santa Barbara

Curated by
Suzanne Lee
Living in Southern California, Santa Barbara is one of my favorite places to visit. It’s both laid back and luxurious with something for everyone. From Los Angeles, it’s an easy (and scenic) hour and a half drive or you can take the Amtrak, which will drop you right in the heart of downtown Santa Barbara.

Overnight Stay in Santa Ynez Wine Region

Curated by
Carol Johnston
The Santa Ynez wine region can easily be added to extend a trip to Santa Barbara. While there are also many superb day trips to this region that begin and end at your Santa Barbara hotel, this guide is for an overnight trip (assuming you are within an hour or two of Santa Ynez to begin). You can easily extend this trip for a few more days, as there are many additional wineries, parks, and olive tasting places to visit. The nearby Danish village of Solvang can also be added.

Swanky Santa Barbara

Curated by
Jenna Evans
Stunning scenery, sandy beaches and sparkling sunsets ✔
Spanish influence and Mediterranean weather ✔
Laid-back, friendly locals and positive vibes ✔
Rolling vineyards and picturesque tasting rooms ✔
Stylish restaurants, casual taquerias and chic cocktail lounges ✔
Yeah... this Central California coastal oasis has everything for the perfect long-weekend escape. So much so, it's been shrewdly coined the American Riviera. I curated a detailed little itinerary so my clients could soak up Swanky Santa Barbara, and now, you can too!

Family-Friendly Escape to Santa Barbara, California

Curated by
Wander & Pour Travel Co.
The perfect mix of sun, sand, good food, stunning hotels and kid-friendly activities make Santa Barbara the perfect destination for young families. Always putting forth a laid-back, chill vibe California is known for, here you'll always be met by welcoming locals who can't wait to share their slice of paradise with you.

Luxury Getaway to Santa Barbara, California

Curated by
Taylor Votaw
From classic coastal luxury to the secluded American Riviera, Santa Barbara not only offers incredible choices of high-end resorts and villas, it also boasts a carefully selected amount of luxury restaurants, bars, boutique shopping and activities. From the exclusive Rosewood and Belmond Hotel Groups to Acme Hospitality and Luxury Yacht charters, this celebrity-infused town is one of the most expensive cities in Central California. With its lush greenery, white-sand beaches and old Spanish and Mediterranean-style architecture throughout, it seems as though the sun is shining year around in this idyllic town.

Guide to the Best California Vineyards and Wineries

Curated by
Singular Sojourns
California, renowned for its picturesque landscapes and world-class wines, offers an extensive array of vineyard experiences across its numerous appellations. Here is the ultimate starter guide to exploring the best California vineyards the state has to offer, as well as the unique characteristics of each wine region.
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Gianna Quattrini
An East-Coast transplant now residing in Santa Monica, CA. Born with a passion for connecting people, places and things! I love discovering the best places to stay, eat, drink and explore. Boutique, budget hotels to five-star luxury resorts and unique experiences, I’ve researched and booked it all.

Jennifer Lopez
Passionate traveler and expert trip planner on a mission to explore the world and help you do the same.

Katherine Flynn
California-born and raised, I split my time between LA and the Bay Area. From Mendocino to Big Sur, the CA coastline is my happy place, especially when a weekend is spent at a waterfront boutique hotel catching the sunset and stopping at my favorite restaurants and wineries. My focus on details and budget as an event manager, combined with my love of researching and exploring new destinations, has given me the perfect tools to plan your next getaway.

Suzanne Lee
I'm from New York and currently based in Los Angeles but spend most of my free time exploring new places around the world. I'm always looking toward my next trip and will hop on a plane at a moment's notice. I'm obsessed with Italy where I recently became a dual citizen.

MaryAlexa Divver
Beach, mountains, food and shopping – in no particular order. Lover of all things adventure, sun, snow and new experiences. Currently calling Brooklyn home.

Hannah Lely
Traveling is my ultimate hobby and has brought so much joy into my life. It has always been my goal to get people to enjoy it as much as I do! I live for the next destination and to see all the memories created along the way.

Jenna Evans
Detail oriented spreadsheet enthusiast. Atlanta-based personal servant to two Golden Retrievers. I like taking naps, trips and pics.

Chanda Daly
I'm a travel addict and culture enthusiast! I have a passion for immersive experiences, and I strive for purposeful travel. Additionally, I enjoy indulging in wellness retreats, where I can prioritize self-care, relaxation and rejuvenation.

Gillian Spatz
Southern US city dweller, antique lover and global explorer who treasures finding the comforts of home in new places.

Vanessa Tripp
I'm a passionate traveler who believes in exploring the world firsthand. Alongside my family, I embark on adventures whenever possible, soaking in diverse cultures and experiences.

Aimee Suthann
A Californian who loves the beach, indulging in tacos and all things wellness. Whenever I travel, my first destination is a local cafe for an espresso.

Taylor Votaw
I am a true Santa Barbara County local and specialize in hotels, vacation rentals and concierge services in town. I'm also experienced in luxury and boutique hotels, trip planning and custom itineraries, food and wine experiences and romance and honeymoon getaways, all over the world. I live for curated experiences, aesthetically pleasing bars and restaurants with top-notch service and white sandy beaches.