Local Attractions

Dining

Dining in Santa Barbara is an experience like no other. The dining scene here combines several delectable elements: an extraordinarily beautiful setting; an emphasis on the very freshest local ingredients; world-class training, expertise, and dedication to excellence among the county’s chefs; and the variety of fare, from Santa Maria style barbecue to Santa Barbara Wine Country gourmet to peerless nouvelle cuisine. Mixed together, these ingredients have made Santa Barbara nationally famous as a dining destination.

Wineries

Internationally respected wine guru Robert Parker has declared that within the next decade, Santa Barbara’s Wine Country will “rule America.” It’s that good. It’s also still largely undiscovered, although its starring role in 2004 Oscar®-winning film Sideways changed that somewhat (download a self-guided tour map of the actual filming locations). The fact is that this wine country is uncrowded, sophisticated without being pretentious, and spectacularly beautiful.

Outdoor Activities

Santa Barbara is a truly year-round destination for active visitors. The weather here is so perfect virtually all year long that you have the option of outdoor recreation any day you choose. And the county’s hugely varied topography ranges from warm, clean sand and ocean waves to rugged mountains and wilderness areas. In Santa Barbara, you are within minutes of world-class venues for surfing, kiteboarding, scuba diving, hiking, rock climbing, hang-gliding, and much, much more.

Points of Interest

Santa Barbara has a number of sights that are historically and culturally significant. They are appropriate for both families and individuals of all ages.