Santa Barbara Cruise Port

Otherwise known as “The American Riviera,” Santa Barbara is a seaside port town on the lower end of the Central Californian coast. About 80 miles north of Los Angeles and about 5 hours drive from San Francisco, Santa Barbara and the neighboring Santa Ynez Valley make excellent day trips or vacations in themselves for those that want to experience the best of California beaches, fantastic local wines, and rustic luxury. While the “funk zone” houses more than a dozen critically acclaimed wineries, the numerous spas, high-end boutiques, and Michelin-rated restaurants fill State Street (the main drag in town), while others still grab a surfboard or kayak and hit the water. Ultimately, though, the main charm of the city lies in walking the palm-tree and eucalyptus-lined streets, enjoying the incredible sunshine and weather.