San Diego Things to Do

Santa Barbara is often referred to as the “American Riviera.” It gets this designation because of its coastal beauty, its rolling chaparral mountains, and for the Spanish-colonial style architecture that pervades the cityscape. It’s a small town, with beauty at every turn, a healthy nightlife kept alive by the neighboring university, and with a median air temperature of 72 and strict zoning laws, it can get expensive to live here. Neighboring Montecito is one of the richest neighborhoods in the nation, with Santa Barbara being a close second. This doesn’t mean, however, that it should be struck off the list. There are many things to do in Santa Barbara that don’t break the bank – here are some that will have the least impact upon your wallet.

Santa Barbara is often referred to as “The American Riviera”. This designation comes from its unrivaled location along California’s southern(ish) coast, its proximity to the mountains nestled behind it, and its spectacular ability to lie on the edge of a continent next to the Pacific ocean all the while maintaining a mean annual temperature of 72 degrees Fahrenheit.

After the wine-lover movie Sideways debuted, the humble corner of California known as the Santa Ynez Valley received some much deserved attention for being a charming area full of rolling golden hillsides and the home of wineries that produce such names as Firestone, Jaffurs, Sanford, and Hitching Post. Just over the hills from Santa Barbara, these little villages are a perfect escape from those who wish to see some of California’s beautiful inland countryside, without having to travel too far north to Napa and Sonoma. And though small, there is always a lot going on in this little nook.

It has been said of Santa Barbara that if you’re scribbling down a list of To-Do things, it’s better to make them in pencil rather than in pen. This is because of the American Riviera’s location on the map. This petite paradise is a gorgeous little stretch of land, just removed from the LA sprawl.

Summertime in California? Could the days get any better? With June gloom gone and away, the days are bright, filled with sunshine and the smell of the ocean breeze. In Santa Barbara, there’s plenty to do, most of it outdoors, and with summer comes Santa Barbara’s own Concerts In The Park.