Escape to Santa Barbara!

With its laid back vibe, classic Spanish architecture, and beautiful beaches, Santa Barbara reigns as queen of the American Rivera coast. Less than two hours north of Los Angeles, this beach town become a favorite destination for oenophiles, luxury lovers, and water sports enthusiasts.  Discover the secret that Angelinos have known for decades- a few days in Santa Barbara is the perfect distraction from reality.

The ultimate in Santa Barbara luxury can be found at Four Seasons Resort, The Biltmore. First built in 1927, this resort has been playing host to the rich and famous for decades from old Hollywood to new. Even Kim Kardashian and family stayed at the property the day before her ill-fated wedding.  The grounds surrounding the resort are essentially botanical gardens with palms, flowers, and a famous  Moreton Bay fig tree flourishing in the mild Mediterranean climate. Gorgeous handmade tiles adorn fountains and pathways around the resort but the most interesting tile are those on the roof which were created the traditional way, wrapping the clay to old around the roofers’ thighs.  Resort guests are given complimentary access to the Coral Casino Beach and Cabana Club which features a massive decked pool with sprawling view of Butterfly Beach which sits just a few steps below. In other words, the resort is as gorgeous as the city itself.
It is pretty hard to visit Santa Barbara and not have the urge to take advantage of the mild weather by doing something active. Bicycle rentals are popular and make for a great way to explore town. Surfing, paddle boarding, and kiteboarding are all part of the city’s culture and rentals are readily available. If you are looking for a unique outdoor experience, head offshore to Channel Islands National Park and go on a kayaking adventure through the park’s magnificent sea caves. Several local providers, such as Santa Barbara Adventure Company, will guide you around the coast of these uninhabited islands, educating you about the ecology, history, and underwater life of this unique island chain.

Santa Barbara County is filled with excellent wineries, including those that created the Pinot Noirs made famous by the movie, Sideways. Day tours of the Santa Ynez Valley are always a fun outing but if you want to stick to town, there are multiple wine rooms to choose from along the city’s Urban Wine Trail. Kalyra Winery, Oreana Winery, Santa Barbara Winery, and Cottonwood Canyon Winery all have tasting rooms off Anacapa Street, just blocks from the ocean and Stearns Wharf. Taste to your heart’s content and then bring a bottle down to the beach to toast a picture perfect Santa Barbara sunset.
Start relaxing today with a cheap flight to Santa Barbara!

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photo: caryd