Santa Barbara

Just an hour and a half's drive north of Los Angeles and a five hour drive south of San Francisco, Santa Barbara is situated along the west coast and California's famed Pacific Coast Highway.  With nearly year-round sunshine and stunning views of the Santa Ynez mountains and Pacific Ocean, Santa Barbara is one of the most beloved destinations in the U.S.  
 
Rich in history and sophistication, this coastal town boasts glorious beaches, boutique shops, art galleries, delectable cuisine, premier golf and blissful spas.  Due to its ideal setting, it also provides the perfect environment for sailing, horseback riding, mountain biking and hiking.

Language: English (official), Spanish

Currency: US Dollar

Climate: Warm weather in Santa Barbara, averaging around 22ºC (71ºF) all year round.

Culture: The city has grown in recent decades and has turned into a resort town favoured by business people and celebrities. Filmmakers operated out of Santa Barbara even before they settled in Hollywood. In 1925 authorities decided, in the wake of an earthquake that destroyed much of the town, to rebuild it in Spanish colonial style.

Places to visit: Channel Islands National Park, Chumash Painted Cave State Historic Park, Santa Barbara Mission.