Some places are exciting, but others feel magical. They can be a combination of all things. One is Santa Barbara, California.
The most famous thing that people know about Santa Barbara is the beaches, and they don’t lie. As far as the eye can see are pure white sand beaches and clear blue water. They look so pristine that it’s hard to imagine that other people have been going there for hundreds of years.
The weather is perfect for the beach too. It rarely rains and never snows, so you don’t have to worry about that running your day. Yet it remains cool enough not to make the heat unbearable.
Sometimes you don’t even need to bring anything when you go there. You can just stare at the waves washing on shore for hours. Occasionally you might find dolphins and other fishes swimming around.
Of course, you don’t just need to watch. The beaches are perfect for sailing and swimming if you want to feel the breeze on your face.
Along those beaches, you can find Stearns Wharf, one of the oldest piers in the US. It is still in use, but there are plenty of shops and restaurants for you to see along its boardwalk.
If you’re not a fan of the beach, it’s not a problem. There are plenty of quaint little towns brimming with culture and life for you to enjoy. There isn’t much in the way of skyscrapers, but instead, you have small villas that are straight out of a history book. They’re built from white bricks that make them glow in the sunlight and look as pure as snow.
Towns like this are perfect places to have a photo op or ride a bike through. The lifestyle is slow-paced and gentle, ideal for people who just want to stop and smell the flowers.
With them comes the addicting smell of Mexican food everywhere. As a former part of Mexico, it’s no surprise that the people maintain some of the cuisines. You’ll find plenty of tortilla bread and other snacks to munch on here.
Beyond the beaches, nature is all around you in Santa Barbara. There are plenty of natural parks to admire Channel Islands National Park and Santa Barbara Botanic Gardens. They are nestled within the shadow of Santa Ynez mountain, and this 2000-foot mountain can challenge climbers.
These places give you a chance to get close to nature and remember what it is like to get away from busy towns. To just be able to get a breath of fresh isn’t just relaxing, it’s reinvigorating and healthy, and it can make all the difference for your well-being.
All-in-all, Santa Barbara isn’t a bad place to live, not by any stretch.
