Santa Barbara

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.