Santa Barbara

Backed by mountains, Santa Barbara blends coastal charm with wild abundance. Offshore waters brim with whales, super pods of dolphins, and seals, while seabirds wheel overhead. Inland, canyons and forest trails lead to hidden waterfalls and sweeping views of the Pacific. It’s also the gateway to one of America’s best-kept secrets—the Channel Islands—where rugged cliffs, kelp forests, and endemic wildlife feel a world away from the mainland.