Why go?

Between the Pacific Ocean and Santa Ynez Mountains just off Route 101, this chic Californian city’s seductively warm climate and easy spirit make it a key stopping point during iconic road trips, while its accessibility and charm deem it a worthy add-on to longer sojourns in the Golden State. Oenophiles should visit for the California Wine Festival running from 16 to 18 July – one of the largest outdoor wine festivals in the state.

What to do

Part of Mexico until 1850, Santa Barbara’s Spanish heritage remains tangible in the city’s architecture; in particular, the Old Town oozes genuine historic culture. Take a tour round the Santa Barbara Old Mission, santabarbaramission.org, established in 1786 as part of the Spanish Franciscans’ push to spread Christianity to the area’s Native American Chumash tribe. The Historical Museum, sbthp.org, further downtown, is made for history buffs. On nearby strelitzia-enveloped State Street, the city’s main thrall, the Santa Barbara Museum of Art, sbma.net, showcases a strong American collection, which includes Edward Hopper and Georgia O’Keeffe as well as works by Picasso. Temperate weather throughout the year means that those looking for something more adventurous can take full advantage. The splendid array of city beaches is a good place to start; besides Stearns Wharf and the harbour, West Beach is great for kayaking and surfing – Santa Barbara Adventure Company, sbadventureco. com, can set you up with all you need, as well other activities including horseriding. A hike in Mission Canyon (a short distance north) is enhanced by a break at the Botanic Garden, sbbg. org, where you’ll find glorious native redwoods. And try Condor Express, condorexpress.com, for whale watching. Remember, you’re in wine country now so don’t miss the beautiful Sunstone Vineyard, sunstonewinery.com, around a 30-minute drive north in the Santa Ynez Valley.

Where to stay

In the heart of the Old Town, Belmond El Encanto, belmond.com, offers five-star bungalows and suites set within three hectares of lush gardens with a highly recommended restaurant. Think calm, cool, clean white linens, rich wood and soft accents with splendid views of the city and ocean beyond. Four Seasons The Biltmore, fourseasons.com, around 8km south of the city on Butterfly Beach, is a great luxe option in Spanish hacienda style. Head north, past the University of California’s campus town, Isla Vista, for Bacara Resort & Spa, bacararesort. com, a beachside haven with excellent golf options close by. And for a hideaway, San Ysidro Ranch, sanysidroranch.com, where Vivien Leigh married Laurence Olivier, is a tranquil choice.

Where to eat and drink

Eating here is all about seasonal, fresh produce. On the waterfront, the Shellfish Company, sbfishhouse. com, which was once a buying station for fresh Santa Barbara fish and shellfish, is the place for local seafood – try the signature Dungeness crab. Julienne, brings a touch of European fine dining to proceedings. Working with regional producers, it serves supper only five nights a week to ensure the freshest of ingredients on its ever-changing menu. The all- American version, The Lark, thelarksb.com, has great outdoor dining and a drinks list that supports artisan producers. For Mexican, grab a chile verde burrito at Los Arroyos, losarroyos.net, a great-value, tasty option. And while there are wine bars aplenty in this part of the world, Les Marchands, lesmarchandswine.com, is a top pick, with a solid collection of local bins served alongside delicious charcuterie and bread platters.

Time running out?

A squizz around a farmer’s market to stock up will stand you in good stead for picnics on the wide stretch of East Beach. Markets run in different locations across the city throughout the week so you’ll not miss out. sbfarmersmarket.org

Travel Information

Travel Information

Currency is the US dollar. Time is eight hours behind the UK. Travel time is about 14 hours from London. The cost to carbon- offset is £18.96, visit climatecare.org

Getting There

United Airlines flies to Santa Barbara Municipal Airport via Los Angeles or San Francisco. united.com
Amtrak Pacific Surfliner and Coast Starlight trains cover California as well as cities like Portland and Washington. amtrak.com

Resources

The local tourist board has hot city tips, santabarbaraca.com, while Visit California provides details on how to get the best out of your time across the state. visitcalifornia.com