Americas

Spanish Influence in Santa Barbara, California

Santa Barbara – nicknamed the American Riviera – has always been one of my favorite places to escape LA, known for its Spanish Colonial Revival architecture, natural beauty, and food and wine scene. Whether you are driving or taking the convenient Pacific Surfliner train, and it offers plenty of beauty, which is likely why so many celebrities (Oprah Winfrey, Gwyneth Paltrow, Prince Harry & Meghan) have settled there and nearby Montecito. I usually take time to visit nearby Ojai as well. The city calls itself the American Riviera, and if you travel to Santa Barbara you’ll see why: This central coast city, which sits on an idyllic stretch of coastline and is sheltered by the foothills of the Santa Ynez mountains, has a Mediterranean-like climate and a civility that feels downright European. In fact, it once was European: while the city’s history began around 13,000 years ago with the arrival of Native Americans, the Spanish settled the city in the 1600s, and in 1786, the Franciscan order founded Mission Santa Barbara with the city was under Mexican rule for 24 years before becoming a U.S. territory in 1846. The cultural impact is forever woven into the fabric of the city, and celebrated annually for Old Spanish Days Fiesta in August. It is also home to the University of California, Santa Barbara, so there is a good balance of locals and students in this town of roughly 88,000+ people.

WHEN TO GO

Luckily, there is not a lot of variation in temperature over the course of the year, so any day can be a gorgeous day in Santa Barbara. But here are some factors to consider:
• The Santa Barbara travel season peaks in summer, both in terms of crowds and prices. July through September will have the warmest temperatures for swimming, while June can be iffy, thanks to the higher chance of fog (locals call it June Gloom). 
• Early fall can bring summery swimming weather, and the prices drop a bit, too, making it a good time to visit. The only weather risks come from the falls of Santa Ana and “sundowner” winds, which can be strong.
• Winter and early spring carry the highest likelihood of rain and cooler temperatures—sometimes it’s downright chilly at night—but the season also has the lowest prices.

STAY

Be aware, that Santa Barbara is a very pricey place to stay. If you are going to do a longer stay, I would suggest a vacation area OR staying in a surrounding area. There’s no shortage of elysian Santa Barbara hotels in both the seaside city and its idyllic surrounding areas of Montecito and the Santa Ynez wine country, or even Ojai if you want to go further. The central California region, after all, has been a popular getaway since the early 1950s—its abundance of sunshine, Mediterranean climate, and sprawling Pacific Ocean views made it a magnet for well-to-do honeymooners, road-trippers, and celebrities during the booming post-war era. Soon, the area gained the nickname of the “American Riviera” (a nod to the French coastal region idealized by vacationers of every era, everywhere). 70 years later, and the area’s popularity proves perennial: Santa Barbara a must-stop for those cruising down the Pacific Coast Highway, Los Angeles weekenders, and, well, anyone who desires to live out a California fantasy. So, for those planning—or just daydreaming—about a trip, here are our favorite Santa Barbara hotels in the city proper and its surrounding areas.

  • Rosewood Miramar Beach
  • Ritz-Carlton Bacara
  • Belmond El Encanto
  • San Ysidro Ranch
  • Palihouse Santa Barbara
  • Kimpton Canary Santa Barbara
  • Santa Barbara Inn
  • The Leta
  • Hotel Californian
  • Drift Santa Barbara
  • Four Seasons The Biltmore Santa Barbara (*This location has closed)

TIP: Santa Barbara hosts several festivals and must-see events throughout the year, including the famed Santa Barbara International Film Festival. Before your trip, make sure to check the local calendar so you can either snag tickets to the event, or avoid it if you prefer to skip the crowds.

THINGS TO DO

Visit the Santa Barbara Tourism for plenty of ideas and information, to fully explore this jewel on the Pacific, and be sure to visit some of the most popular attractions. Personally, I fully chill out, bike the waterfront, spa, yoga or surf, maybe do a sail (book an Airbnb experience or mini cruise), visit a vineyard or two, and eat all of my favorites. Some other popular stops include:

FOOD

There is SO much great food in Santa Barbara, from seafood to Mexican. I frequent many places for fresh cerviche and tacos whenever I am there. Here are are some of Eater’s essential stops, a list of favorite taco spots and a few of my regular stops include Mony’s Mexican Food (I always stop for tacos, they have the best sauces), Los Agaves or Corazon Cocina or Los Arroyos for cerviche or other classic Mexican food, and Hook & Press Donuts.

TRIPS NEARBY

  • Ojai
  • Carpinteria
  • Solvang
  • Santa Ynez Valley
  • Further Out: If you plan to road trip North, Pismo Beach, San Luis Obispo (where the fabulous Hearst Castle is located, and the quirky Madonna Inn), and Paso Robles (more wine country) can make for a nice drive.

Old Spanish Days Fiesta in August

Every August, the City’s annual Fiesta, or “old Spanish days”, that has been a tradition for 95 years. Spanish and Mexican culture and heritage are a huge part of SB history (all of California and around the Southwest really, and mine). It runs three days and kicks off with a huge parade (apparently one of the biggest equestrian events with over 600 horses), which the entire city gets behind. I made sure to visit an exhibit at the local historic society to learn more, and enjoy the many events, which include music, dancing, time-honored traditions, authentic cuisine, and so much more.

Carrie x

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