Overview

Just two hours from LA, this once sleepy California town has been dubbed the "American Riviera." Its coastal beauty, year-round sun, mountainous backdrop, and Spanish/Mexican history attract wealthy residents and plenty of eager tourists. Characteristic of the area are adobe-style houses and old-world architecture � evidenced in the Santa Barbara Courthouse � which also serve to keep the area's Spanish heritage alive. A landmark structure, Santa Barbara Mission (1786), boasts the name "Queen of the Missions" for its stately bearing and longevity. Aside from architecture, visitors enjoy strolls along picturesque State Street and the scenic waterfront, which features Stearns Wharf, the oldest operating wharf on the West Coast. For a town its size, Santa Barbara offers numerous cultural attractions as well: museums, art galleries, outdoor cafes, botanical gardens, and theaters. Even a well-received annual film festival celebrates and continues the city's cinematic history. In addition, the town is home to UCSB, an esteemed branch of the University of California.

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