Santa Barbara

Known internationally as “The American Riviera,” world-renowned Santa Barbara offers a combination of climate, culture, recreational activities and cosmopolitan atmosphere unequalled in North America. Nestled against a backdrop of the dramatic Santa Ynez Mountains, and with the dazzling Pacific Ocean at its feet, this enchanted town of approximately 90,000 fortunate residents emanates a distinctly Mediterranean ambiance enhanced by its temperate weather, Spanish-influenced architecture, fine dining, nearby wine country, and the diversity and sophistication of its locals and visitors alike.

Culturally rich, Santa Barbara hosts its own symphony orchestra, ballet and theater troupes, historical and art museums, and both public and private universities and colleges. Golf, tennis, hiking, bicycling, swimming, sailing and surfing are just a few of the activities this recreational paradise has to offer, in addition to a nearly endless selection of shopping, art galleries and restaurants.

Santa Barbara’s annual, week-long “Old Spanish Days” Fiesta, as well as its Summer Solstice Celebration and International Film and I Madonnari Festivals celebrate the vivid, internationally-influenced lifestyle for which this dynamic community has gained worldwide acclaim.

For more information on Santa Barbara, visit www.santabarbaraca.com, and www.santabarbaraca.gov.

Hope Ranch

Although the history of Hope Ranch dates back at least 6,000 years to the time when this was home to the first Native Americans living here, this upscale community’s modern history began in the mid-1800’s when it was named for government agent Thomas Hope.

Today, this verdant 2,000 acre enclave of gently rolling topography, stunning landscaping and magnificent ocean views hosts just under 700 residences; many of them luxurious estates perched on dramatic bluffs and with access to a private beach. Hope Ranch is known for its cornucopia of recreational facilities, including polo and soccer fields, baseball diamonds and tennis courts, as well as the exclusive La Cumbre Golf and Country Club with its impressive course built around beautiful Laguna Blanca.

Also known as an equestrian playground, and with an active Riding Trails Association, the Ranch hosts over 20 miles of equine trails traversing the public areas and leading to the beach. The Earl Warren Showgrounds, famous for its horse showing facilities, is a mere five minutes away.

Santa Barbara’s world-class shopping, dining, cultural and recreational amenities are all within a few minutes drive.

Montecito

One of the most prestigious and exclusive communities in the United States, Montecito is renowned as a favored residential and vacation retreat of the well-known and the well-heeled. Its impressive, often extraordinary homes and estates include many significant for their history, architecture or notable owners.

From its breathtaking stretch of the Pacific Ocean, to its private estates nestled in the foothills of the Santa Ynez Mountains, this 8-square mile enclave is home to approximately 10,000 year-round and part-time residents. Visitors from all over the world come to enjoy its world-class Four Seasons Biltmore Resort and Spa and the acclaimed San Ysidro Ranch.

Immediately adjacent to Santa Barbara, Montecito hosts two lovely and intimate commercial hubs -- Upper Village and Lower Village; each one offering discriminating shops and restaurants. The community’s two public and five private schools, as well as its private Westmont College are ranked among the finest learning institutions in California. In addition to its beautiful beaches, Montecito offers two public parks, three private golf courses and a private tennis club.

Summerland

A sort of Bohemian soul is manifest in the relaxed, beach-friendly lifestyle of this former religious colony and one-time mini-oil boomtown immediately south of Montecito and Santa Barbara. Once hosting over a dozen producing oil wells as well as soap and cigar factories, the quaint town’s main street, Lillie Avenue, is now home to an enticing array of unique shops featuring antiques and designer accoutrements destined for the finest homes in L.A., Montecito and Santa Barbara.

This laid-back town of only 1,500 residents also offers flip-flop and family-friendly restaurants, and a beautiful beachside park complete with expansive lawns, play areas and direct access to the beach. Summerland is home to artists, writers and part-time residents seeking a cozy cottage or spacious getaway nestled on a hillside overlooking the Pacific Ocean and Channel Islands.

Carpinteria

A relaxed and charming small town ambiance makes this close-knit community of approximately 15,000 people a great place to call home and a delightful place to visit. Unlike other towns of its size that must rely on a single enterprise -- such as residential, agricultural, business or tourist endeavors -- Carpinteria incorporates all of these things to maintain its place as a vibrant and truly self-sustaining community. Its charming downtown core offers a diverse selection of restaurants, shops and small businesses, while its residential choices fill the spectrum, from modest bungalows, to beachside condominiums and multi-million dollar estates.

Running the entire length of the town, Carpinteria’s versatile and much-loved beach is a true year-round playground for children and adults alike. Actually two contiguous beaches – Carpinteria City Beach and Carpinteria State Beach & Park – the expanse of sun, sand and surf offers something for everyone. In addition to its beautiful beach, the community is home to nearly a dozen public parks and a wonderful community pool.

Balancing recreation with education, Carpinteria is proud of the schools in its respected Carpinteria Unified School System, and hosts two prestigious private schools – Cate and Pacifica Graduate Institute.

For more information on Carpinteria, visit www.carpinteria.ca.us or www.carpchamber.org.

Santa Ynez Valley

World-class wineries, seas of verdant vineyards, sprawling ranches and six small, quaint towns comprise the Santa Ynez Valley – prized by locals and visitors alike for its rural-agricultural heritage combined with its sophisticated “wine country” ambience.

A scenic half-hour drive from Santa Barbara, the valley made famous by its renowned thoroughbred horse ranches and, most recently, by its exceptional wines and the movie Sideways, is also loved for its eclectic assortment of people. Walk into one of the area’s many excellent restaurants, for example, and you might be greeted by a diverse mix of ranchers, cowboys, winemakers and stylish city-dwellers.

In spite of its relaxed atmosphere, the Santa Ynez Valley hosts a vast array of opportunities for the active lifestyle. Golf, biking, hiking and horseback riding are all easily accessible, as is fishing at nearby Lake Cachuma. The area’s rich past comes alive at its history museums and the 1804 Mission Santa Ines, and its vibrant cultural calendar is always brimming with choices.

The Santa Ynez Valley offers a wide range properties -- from the tidy cottages in the picturesque Danish community of Solvang and the art gallery, restaurant and wine tasting room-rich village of Los Olivos, to multi-million dollar ranch estates.

More information on the Santa Ynez Valley, its communities and world-class wineries is available at www.syvva.com and www.sbcountywines.com.