The Channel Islands National Park is known as the Galapagos Islands of North America. It is home to over 100 species of flora and fauna unique to the five volcanic islands. The marine sanctuary has endless magical sea grottos in which seals, sealions, dive-bombing brown pelicans, cormorants, and gulls like to play.

Suitably named, the Santa Barbara Scenic Drive is a 25-mile route that can take you from an hour to an entire day. It encompasses the must-see sights of the area. From the harbor, you can idly watch the busy fishermen bringing in their daily hauls. Wander out to the breakwater, and you’ll capture the vantage of the city set against the backdrop of the towering Santa Ynez mountains in your mind’s eye. 

Belmond El Encanto Hotel

Base yourself at the Belmond El Encanto Hotel that lies on the verdant hillside overlooking the Pacific Ocean’s shores. The century-old Spanish Colonial-style craftsman bungalows sit proudly over seven terraces within the hotel’s lush garden that is dotted with fragrant fruit trees. Climbing wisteria and tropical flowers surround the lily pond that takes center stage. The hotel is the secretive hideout retreat for the elite stars of the silver screen. Damien Hirst created a silkscreen with butterfly wings in diamond dust that hangs in the lobby, and in the dining room hangs Charles Arnoldi’s dramatic abstract painting.