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Here’s where to go and what to do in this coastal paradise.
Lillian Graves
As a travel writer, people sometimes ask me about my favorite destination.
Credit:Lillian Graves
Newcomers might find themselves asking, “Is this place real?”
Get some lifestyle inspiration in Summerland.
Start your morning in Summerland, a 15-minute drive south of Santa Barbara on Highway 101.
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Have lunch in Montecito.
From Summerland, travel a few miles north to Montecito, a gorgeous town with less than 10,000 residents.
It’s adjacent to Santa Barbara and will likely have youoohingthe moment you arrive.
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Start on the southern end atPierre Lafond & Co.to browse the gourmet food items and cookbooks.
You’ll wonder whether you’ve been transported to the Mediterranean.
(The expensive salad is worth the price for this experience alone.)
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Dip your toes in Butterfly Beach.
After saying goodbye toSan Ysidro Ranch, take a slow drive through downtown Montecito.
Say hello to theChannel Islandsin the distance and keep an eye out for dolphins and whales.
Peter Blottman Photography/Getty Images
Explore State Street and the courthouse.
Peter Blottman Photography/Getty Images
Its time to head into downtown Santa Barbara for some culture.
you’re free to also join a free guided tour that takes place at 2 p.m. daily.
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This downtown, traffic-free hub for walkers, bikers, and skateboarders is lined with Spanish Colonial Revival architecture.
Go wine tasting in the Funk Zone.
Next up is Santa Barbaras eclectic Funk Zone.
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NearbyHotel Californianalso offers a tasting room called The Society: State & Mason, where you might people-watch.
Or, simply walk around and look for street murals and contemporary art studios.
Stroll along East Beach.
Lillian Graves
