Santa Barbara, California

It’s no accident travelers have called Santa Barbara “The American Riviera” since the 1800s. But a stunning coastline framed by mountains is just the beginning of the city’s story. Red-tile roofs, Spanish architecture and palm-lined boulevards create a setting both timeless and quintessentially Californian. The downtown is a lively, walkable core filled with boutiques, museums, restaurants, and immersive experiences. It offers seamless exploration, from the newly buzzy ARTS District and historic Presidio Neighborhood to the Funk Zone and waterfront. New eateries and tasting rooms pair Old World flavor with contemporary flare. Sweeping, sun-kissed beaches, wilderness trails, and blufftop rambles beckon further afield. Conservation is the Santa Barbara ethos, from the Santa Barbara Channel Whale Heritage Area (one of two in the U.S., named for biodiversity and sustainability) to Santa Barbara Botanic Garden’s native plant stewardship (celebrating its centennial this year)—as might be expected from the birthplace of Earth Day.