The natural setting is irresistible. But behind the serene façade is a uniquely rich and vibrant history and cultural heritage, from the Indigenous Chumash to the Spanish colonial, Mexican and Yankee eras. Today, the architectural legacy, the diverse community of artists, scholars, and entrepreneurs, the museums, theaters, wine, food and festivals make Santa Barbara endlessly intriguing. This is a city of monuments and intimate moments, a city that invites reflection and further exploration.

This book is a tribute to all of what makes Santa Barbara so beautiful. With photographs and stories, it presents a view of all that's in plain sight, and also of the many hidden treasures that will reward the curious eye. With side visits to the neighboring communities of Montecito, Carpinteria, Goleta, and the wine country of the Santa Ynez Valley, this is an eloquent portrait of a world that is truly one of a kind.