Experiencing the American Riviera - Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara is one of the most beautiful citiesin the United States of America, English speaking
in the Unites States. Given its temperatepopulation has grown.
Mediterranean like climate the whole year through,Santa Barbara is not only a beautiful place to
it is often called the American Riviera after theinhabit but it is also home to some of the best
French and Italian Riviera.industries and educational institutions. With her
The city is located on the east-west trendingbeautiful beaches, majestic mountains and a
section of coastline and is situated between thevibrantly colorful culture, the city has developed in
steeply rising majestic Santa Ynez Mountains andto a prime resort destination which attracts
the sea which lends it a breath taking beauty. Cityvisitors from far and wide. There are hotels and
is a two hour drive from Los Angeles and also isresorts which offer world class accommodations
home to the world renowned Stearns's Wharfand facilities for fine dining in the true spirit of
which is located on the city harbor.hospitality.
Apart from this, this mesmerizing city also has anOne cannot really miss the wine country if one is
abundance of world class golf courses, exotic andvisiting Santa Barbara. It is just minutes from the
distinguished wineries and a haute cuisine and setcity and located in the valley of the beautiful
of boutiques. Given the beautiful year roundSanta Ynez Mountain Valley, it is one of the major
temperate climate, Santa Barbara providestourist attractions in the state.
plentiful opportunities for sports and recreation.Santa Barbara has scope for both air, land and
Traces back its history to nearly 13000 years agowater sports and outdoor enthusiasts can really
when the area was inhabited by the Nativeenjoy hiking, trails through the mountains and
American people called the Chumash who livedvineyards and can also go for sports like
chiefly in the central and southern coastal regionsparasailing and kayaking. The pristine beaches of
of California. The land was first discovered by theSanta Barbara are a temptation to even the
Portuguese explorer, Joao Cabrilho in 1542. Atmost conservative traveler. One can laze around
that point of time, there were nearly eight to tenthe beach and enjoy the moderate climate at any
thousand Chumash residing in the area. He sailedgiven time.
through the Santa Barbara Channels and reachedApart from the places of tourist significance,
the city.Santa Barbara is also largely popular for its night
The city was named Santa Barbara by Sebastianlife and the buzzing and booming hospitality
Vizcaino in 1602, after he survived a storm in theindustry. There is an abundance of sea food,
channel which also happened to be the eve of theorganically produced food grains and vegetables
feast day of the saint. Over the years, the areaand also the presence of the nearby wineries
was ruled by the Spanish, the Mexicans and finallywhich has resulted in the growth of restaurants
it was overtaken by the Americans. The Spanishand hotels in the area. According to the Santa
built its Mission in the city and also constructedBarbara Dining Guide, there were 674 restaurants
many buildings which form part of the historicalin the area in 2008.
legacy of the city and its surrounding regions.Thus it can be safely said that the American
Santa Barbara has a strong Spanish influence inRiviera is indeed a place next only to paradise
terms of its socio-economic and cultural life. Forbecause of its beautiful weather, a fine culmination
major part of the history, the people either spokeof varied cultures, different cuisines and the
their local dialect or Spanish. But after its inclusionhospitality which is famed all over the world.