With its year-round Mediterranean-like climate, its extraordinary stretch of rugged coastline and its idyllic setting between the steeply rising Santa Ynez Mountains and the magnificent Pacific Ocean, it’s not hard to understand why Santa Barbara is widely considered to be the ‘The American Riviera’. While the city lies less than 100 miles from the vast metropolis of Los Angeles, it differs greatly from its massive neighbour to the south. Its broad pristine beaches, renowned wineries, and its relaxed atmosphere afford residents and visitors the kind of laidback lifestyle one would expect from a small coastal town combined with the shopping experiences, dining opportunities and all the amenities of a large city. Don’t miss the Spanish Mission Church, El Presidio State Historic Park, Butterfly Beach and Santa Ynez wine tasting.