On a sunny, breezy morning in early May, I was having coffee in downtown Santa Barbara with a friend who had moved to this Central California Coast city for college and never left. It’s understandable.
With its Mediterranean climate, rich historical roots, distinctive architecture, stunning landscape, and burgeoning culinary scene, Santa Barbara is an upscale, desirable city.
We were discussing the city’s Earthquake Centennial and how the devastation in 1925 transformed Santa Barbara, now often described as The American Riviera.
Santa Barbara Reinvented
On June 29, 1925, a 6.3 earthquake destroyed much of downtown Santa Barbara. The city was rebuilt and reinvented as a dreamy Spanish village, characterized by the distinctive Spanish Colonial Revival architectural style that remains its hallmark today, featuring red tile roofs, white stucco walls, arched doorways, and courtyards. The mountains serve as a dramatic backdrop to the exquisite architecture.
The earthquake was a pivotal moment in the city’s architectural history. It also provided an opportunity for a few pioneering women, such as Julia Morgan (who designed Hearst Castle), to break barriers in the field of architecture. Their work on visionary designs helped define the city’s new look.
The region’s iconic landmarks, including Old Mission Santa Barbara and the Santa Barbara County Courthouse, were renovated. And new buildings, such as La Arcada Plaza (1926) and the Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara (1927) were established.
Santa Barbara continues to evolve into an idyllic seaside city, offering numerous ways to enjoy a coastal getaway.
Stroll Through Themed Gardens
Recently, I explored three of the city's many gardens, devoting most of my time to the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, which will celebrate its centennial in 2026. It's unique in that it's the first garden in the United States to focus exclusively on native plants. Nestled in the hillside, the 78-acre garden features meandering trails through a meadow, a redwood forest, a desert, an arroyo with ponds and streams, a wooded dell, manzanitas, and the backcountry, where playful structures made of natural materials invite exploration. I found a quiet spot by a whispering stream for my picnic lunch.
Within a 10-minute drive are two more gardens. The A.C. Postel Memorial Rose Garden in Mission Historical Park, best known as the Mission Rose Garden, sits across the street from Old Mission Santa Barbara. It has about 1,500 varieties of roses in flower beds, including the butter yellow rose, named after Julia Child, who spent her last years living in Santa Barbara.
The Alice Keck Park Memorial Garden is a cozy, neighborhood park with walking paths, a butterfly garden, a meadow, and a koi pond with ducks and turtles. I noticed a few people sitting on benches and reading.
Historical Highlights
Founded in 1786, Old Mission Santa Barbara (Queen of the Missions) is California’s 10th mission. On a self- or guided tour, see the mission, historic cemetery, and mausoleum, a nine-room museum of historical artwork and artifacts, and gardens.
Another iconic landmark is the Santa Barbara Courthouse, adorned with a distinctive clock tower, red tile roof, arches, hand-painted murals, and a sunken garden.
To learn about the city’s history, visit the Santa Barbara Historical Museum, where the signature installation—The Story of Santa Barbara—traces the timeline from the Chumash to the mid-20th century.
A Growing Culinary and Arts Scene
Buzzy restaurants can be found throughout the Santa Barbara South Coast, from Goleta to Summerland. The region boasts around 475 eateries, ranging from hole-in-the-wall taquerias and mochi donut shops in strip malls to Michelin-starred oceanfront fine dining establishments. A few standouts include The Ellwood at Goleta Beach in Goleta, The Lion’s Tale at Montecito Inn, and Clark’s Oyster Bar in Montecito.
Around 2013, the development of the artistic Funk Zone neighborhood—formerly an industrial district now known for its street murals and art galleries—brought more restaurants, including The Lark, an upscale restaurant, as well as wineries and breweries.
Of course, there are many terrific wineries throughout Santa Barbara County, but many of these wines can also be enjoyed in town. Santa Barbara Winery in downtown was the first and only tasting room for many years. But now the Urban Wine Trail features about 36 tasting rooms in downtown and the Funk Zone.
Enjoy Enchanting Accommodations
From cozy inns to luxury hotels, Santa Barbara offers an array of accommodations.
One of my favorite spots is the Alice in Wonderland-themed Cheshire Cat Inn, steps from downtown. It features two Queen Ann Victorians, a Coach House, and Craftsman cottages.
For a luxury stay, consider Hotel Californian near the beach and the Funk Zone. A property highlight is the Turkish-inspired spa.
A Delightful Escape
With its pristine beaches, historical sites, culinary experiences, and art scene, Santa Barbara is an alluring city sure to charm you. Find out more online at SantaBarbaraCA.com.
The 1925 earthquake destroyed much of downtown Santa Barbara, which was rebuilt and reinvented as a Spanish village.
The Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, which will celebrate its centennial in 2026, was the first garden in the U.S. to focus on native plants.