California is a growing hot-bed for green living, but it could be argued that green never looked so lush as it does in Santa Barbara.
Where to Stay
The Santa Barbara Biltmore sits at the ocean's edge. Self-guided maps are available for the hotel's botanical garden, which teems with rare fauna and flora. Rooms reflect the property's Spanish Colonial heritage (starting at $550). La Marina, the hotel's fine-dining restaurant, has arguably the best view in town: book a window seat before sunset to enjoy nature's show over the Pacific Ocean.
Where to Eat
The Wine Cask is an intimate, fine-dining experience in one of the most stunning dining rooms on the west coast; the hand-stenciled, wood-beam ceiling nearly steals the show. The restaurant serves simple, Californian cuisine paired with local wines.
Bouchon is a casually elegant restaurant that specializes in fresh, local ingredients, including fish from the Santa Barbara Channel and meats from local ranches.
What to See and Do
Santa Barbara has a little something for everyone: great shops, outdoor adventures, art galleries... but Santa Barbara is most treasured for its regional ingredients, locally-caught seafood and locally-grown produce. From wine tastings to culinary tours, we recommend checking out what's fresh now with the Get Fresh on the American Riviera Culinary Travel Planner.
