Experiencing The American Riviera - Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara is one of the most beautiful cities in the Unites States
. Given its temperate Mediterranean like climate the whole year through, it is often called the American Riviera after the French and Italian Riviera.The city is located on the east-west trending section of coastline and is situated between the steeply rising majestic Santa Ynez Mountains and the sea which lends it a breath taking beauty. It is a two hour drive from Los Angeles and also is home to the world renowned Stearns's Wharf which is located on the city harbor.
Apart from this, this mesmerizing city also has an abundance of world class golf courses, exotic and distinguished wineries and a haute cuisine and set of boutiques. Given the beautiful year round temperate climate, City provides plentiful opportunities for sports and recreation.
Santa Barbara traces back its history to nearly 13000 years ago when the area was inhabited by the Native American people called the Chumash who lived chiefly in the central and southern coastal regions of California. The land was first discovered by the Portuguese explorer, Joao Cabrilho in 1542. At that point of time, there were nearly eight to ten thousand Chumash residing in the area. He sailed through the Santa Barbara Channels and reached the city.
The city was named Santa Barbara by Sebastian Vizcaino in 1602, after he survived a storm in the channel which also happened to be the eve of the feast day of the saint. Over the years, the area was ruled by the Spanish, the Mexicans and finally it was overtaken by the Americans. The Spanish built its Mission in the city and also constructed many buildings which form part of the historical legacy of the city and its surrounding regions.
City has a strong Spanish influence in terms of its socio-economic and cultural life. For major part of the history, the people either spoke their local dialect or Spanish. But after its inclusion in the United States of America, English speaking population has grown.
It is not only a beautiful place to inhabit but it is also home to some of the best industries and educational institutions. With her beautiful beaches, majestic mountains and a vibrantly colorful culture, the city has developed in to a prime resort destination which attracts visitors from far and wide. There are hotels and resorts which offer world class accommodations and facilities for fine dining in the true spirit of hospitality.
One cannot really miss the wine country if one is visiting Santa Barbara. It is just minutes from the city and located in the valley of the beautiful Santa Ynez Mountain Valley, it is one of the major tourist attractions in the state.
City has scope for both air, land and water sports and outdoor enthusiasts can really enjoy hiking, trails through the mountains and vineyards and can also go for sports like parasailing and kayaking. The pristine beaches of Santa Barbara are a temptation to even the most conservative traveler. One can laze around the beach and enjoy the moderate climate at any given time.
Apart from the places of tourist significance, Santa Barbara is also largely popular for its night life and the buzzing and booming hospitality industry. There is an abundance of sea food, organically produced food grains and vegetables and also the presence of the nearby wineries which has resulted in the growth of restaurants and hotels in the area. According to the Santa Barbara Dining Guide, there were 674 restaurants in the area in 2008.
Thus it can be safely said that the American Riviera is indeed a place next only to paradise because of its beautiful weather, a fine culmination of varied cultures, different cuisines and the hospitality which is famed all over the world.
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