Long regarded for its Spanish architecture, year-round sunshine
and picturesque vineyards, Santa Barbara has been dubbed the American Riviera.
Hollywood stars have been coming to the area—enclosed by the Pacific Ocean to
the west and the Santa Ynez Mountains to the east—since the 1920s. Golf is a
relatively new diversion, but there are some first-class tracks.
Golf
The Billy Bell-designed Sandpiper Golf Club is a terrific test
with inspiring views of the Pacific. Directly inland is Glen Annie Golf Club, a
Robert Muir Graves design in the foothills. Graves and Damian Pascuzzo designed
La Purisima Golf Course, one of the best courses in the state. The Alisal Guest
Ranch & Resort’s Ranch Course is another Bell layout, limited to members and
guests of the hotel.
Accommodations
The Four Seasons Biltmore Hotel, an oceanside Spanish gem, has
been Santa Barbara’s destination resort for movie stars since 1927. JFK and
Jackie chose Charlie Chaplin’s landmark Montecito Inn for their honeymoon.
Farther north, the contemporary Bacara Resort & Spa is noted for its
terrific spa, ocean views and current Hollywood clientele. Set in the solitude
of wine country, the rustic 10,000-acre Alisal is a popular family resort with
an Old West flavor.
Dining
For seafood lovers, there’s Santa Barbara’s Brophy Bros. Clam Bar
& Restaurant, for its fabulous harbor views and great clam dishes. Miro at
the Bacara Resort also has great views to go along with its first-rate spa
cuisine. Downey’s boasts grilled duck with cabernet sauce and Carpenter Ranch
squab. Sue Grafton, whose alphabet mysteries are based in a fictionalized Santa
Barbara, recommends Wine Cask, a local institution.
Activities
The area’s vineyards are must-visits. Highlights include Fess
Parker Winery & Vineyard in Los Olivos and Kalyra Winery in Santa Ynez.
Whale watchers can ride the 88-foot Condor Express to view Pacific Grays, giant
Blues and friendly Humpbacks. History buffs will enjoy the Santa Barbara
Mission, while shoppers will delight in State Street. And don’t forget the
area’s beaches (this is California, after all).
