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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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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Discover Santa Barbara: A Coastal Haven of Beauty and Adventure

Curated by
Gillian Spatz
Nestled along the stunning coastline of California, Santa Barbara beckons travelers with its unparalleled beauty and endless charm. From its pristine beaches and picturesque landscapes to its rich cultural heritage and vibrant culinary scene, Santa Barbara offers a unique blend of relaxation and excitement. Join us on a journey to explore this coastal haven, where each moment is filled with possibility and every corner reveals a new adventure. Whether you're seeking a romantic getaway, outdoor escapades or simply a tranquil retreat by the sea, Santa Barbara promises an unforgettable experience for all who wander its sun-kissed shores.

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.

Site Inspection: Hotel Californian, Santa Barbara

Curated by
Chanda Daly
Hotel Californian is a modern, Moroccan-inspired hotel located on State Street, only one block from the beach and two blocks from the Funk Zone. This is one of the larger hotels in Santa Barbara, featuring a rooftop pool with amazing mountain and ocean views, an onsite spa, several onsite restaurants, a very cool library bar with unique drinks and 121 rooms. They offer free bike rentals, as Santa Barbara is a great town to bike around with it being flat.

A Weekend in Santa Barbara

Curated by
Hannah Lely
Santa Barbara is a wonderful location on the California coast. It has amazing weather, plenty of activities and very nice luxury stays. Santa Barbara has something for every type of travel, from a family vacation to a bachelorette trip to a friends' getaway!

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

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.

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.

Wander & Pour Travel Co.
As travel industry professionals, entrepreneurs and busy moms, we believe that true luxury begins with protecting your time, well-being, and ensuring that every moment of your travel experience exceeds your expectations. Let us handle the details, so your plans unfold seamlessly.

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.

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.

Singular Sojourns
We've got a confession: we are utterly, hopelessly addicted to travel. It all started when our founder packed her bags and set off to explore the world, ending up living and working across six continents (have no worries, we’ve traveled to the 7th, too). From the otherworldly landscapes of Patagonia to the pulsing streets of Buenos Aires, we've collected stories, friends and an insatiable appetite for new experiences in 85 countries (and counting!).

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

Alyssa Gordon
Type-A planner whose appetite for travel is only rivaled by her love for her golden retriever, Kimchi. When not scoping out new restaurants, you can find this tech lover brainstorming new startup ideas over espresso martinis. A globetrotting, oenophile ball of positive energy who lives life to the fullest, one leopard print outfit at a time.

Carol Johnston
Hiking and nature enthusiast with a love of visiting wine regions around the world.

Lara Srinivasan
I plan like it is my own trip, because it kind of is. If you are happy, I did my job right.

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.