Whether you’re looking for wine, history, or just fun on the beach, Santa Barbara is a convenient base for your perfect California vacation. The city bears the mark of the Spanish missionaries who once called it home, from the original Mission Santa Barbara to the stucco walls and red roofs of the buildings in the central city. The beach is classic California cool – sandy, breezy and full of laid-back local surfers.

Venture outside the city for another view of Santa Barbara, where a day trip will bring you to the Santa Ynez wine country. Here, you can make your own tasting tour at local wineries and feast on farm-to-table cuisine at the farms themselves. Make sure not to miss the quirky town of Solvang, where Danish tradition meets model village to create one unforgettable experience.