Santa Barbara. California

Santa Barbara is a city on the central California coast, with the Santa Ynez Mountains as dramatic backdrop. Downtown, Mediterranean-style white stucco buildings with red-tile roofs reflect the city’s Spanish colonial heritage. Upscale boutiques and restaurants offering local wines and seasonal fare line State Street. On a nearby hill, Mission Santa Barbara, founded in 1786, houses Franciscan friars and a museum.

Between the diverse and dramatic landscapes and the mild climate that makes it possible to play outside anytime of year, it’s an epic place to get your adventure on—especially if you’re drawn to the ocean.