Santa Barbara: The American Riviera
Strolling through Santa Barbara transports you to the winding streets of Andalusia. Each corner greets you with whitewashed walls, colorful tiles, and elegant archways along California’s coast. After its dramatic rebirth following the 1925 earthquake, much of downtown was rebuilt in the Spanish Colonial Revival style, creating a timeless cohesion that still enchants visitors today. Spend an afternoon here, and you will see its “American Riviera” moniker come vividly to life.
Tips
- Walk or bike along State Street to take in the shaded and pedestrian-friendly promenade. Pop into charming shops and boutiques, or relax at a café and enjoy some people-watching.
- Stop by Paseo Nuevo for a sweet treat at Tondi Gelato–so good that you will want to come back for more.
- Head to the pier to catch the ocean breeze and watch the sunset paint the coastline.
