Exploring Santa Barbara: The American Riviera

After five incredible days using Oceanside as our home base, it was finally time to continue our journey up the California coast. The past few days had been filled with relaxation, beach walks, and great food, but the road was calling again. Our next stop: Santa Barbara. Leaving Oceanside, we merged onto the legendary Pacific Coast Highway, a road that had already given us unforgettable memories back in 2015 when we drove from Los Angeles to San Francisco. The winding coastal road, with its breathtaking ocean views and rugged cliffs, instantly transported us back to that trip. The sound of waves crashing against the shoreline, the salty sea breeze filling the car, it all felt so familiar yet so new.

This post is part of a multi-part travel series from our Southwest USA Road trip
For the other parts click here

Exploring the History of Santa Barbara

We made our way through Malibu, passing stretches of golden beaches where surfers rode the morning waves. Further north, the landscape transformed into rolling hills covered in vineyards and citrus groves, a sign that we were approaching the heart of California’s Central Coast.

Santa Barbara is often called the "American Riviera" for its Mediterranean-like climate and stunning Spanish architecture. The city has a deep and fascinating history, dating back to the Chumash people, who lived here for thousands of years before the Spanish arrived in the 18th century. The Spanish influence is still strong, visible in the city’s white stucco buildings, red-tiled roofs, and the iconic Santa Barbara Mission. As we pulled into town, we headed straight for one of Santa Barbara’s most famous landmarks: Stearns Wharf. Built in 1872, it’s the oldest working wooden wharf in California and offers spectacular views of the coastline and the Santa Ynez Mountains.

 

A Sunset Stroll on Stearns Wharf

Stearns Wharf was a perfect place to stretch our legs after the drive. Walking along the wooden planks, we passed small shops selling seashell souvenirs, local artwork, and saltwater taffy. The pier had a relaxed yet lively atmosphere, with families, couples, and fishermen all enjoying the late afternoon sun.

We grabbed a table at one of the seafood restaurants right on the pier, but only had coffee, while watching the sun set over the Pacific. It was one of those simple but perfect moments that make road trips so special.

After coffee, we lingered on the pier, watching the fishing boats bob in the harbor. There were quite a few people there, and lots of activity on the sea. With the salty ocean breeze and casual atmosphere, Santa Barbara was already proving to be a highlight of our journey.

A Night Out in Downtown Santa Barbara

As night fell, we decided to explore downtown Santa Barbara. The heart of the city is State Street, a lively thoroughfare lined with charming boutiques, restaurants, and historic buildings. At night, the area has an almost European feel, with its twinkling lights and Spanish-style courtyards.

We strolled through Paseo Nuevo, an open-air shopping plaza designed to blend seamlessly with the city’s historic architecture. It was beautifully decorated with string lights, making it a magical place to wander. Live music drifted from a nearby bar, adding to the relaxed and inviting atmosphere. Feeling the need for something sweet, we stopped at a local gelato shop and sat outside, people-watching as we savored every bite. Santa Barbara’s nightlife isn’t about big crowds or loud clubs—it’s about enjoying good food, good company, and the warm coastal air.

After a full day of travel and exploration, we made our way back to our hotel, ready to rest up for the next leg of our journey. Santa Barbara had welcomed us with open arms, and we couldn’t wait to head out for Los Angeles for the final part of our trip.

To be continued...