Santa Barbara is a sure bet if you’re after slow living, Mediterranean weather, and outdoor activities.
Its laid-back approach to life is usually what captures your heart first—but that’s just the tip of the iceberg. If you appreciate Spanish colonial architecture, mornings spent hiking and afternoons spent in tasting rooms, and plenty in the way of fine dining and fine arts, Santa Barbara is hard to beat. I haven’t even mentioned the ocean and the city’s many beaches yet, either.
The catch is that Santa Barbara is not a budget destination. Even if you find an affordable hotel and stick to casual dining, you’re sure to spend a pretty penny in one of the area’s many boutique shops and galleries…