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Belmond – El Encanto
HOLLYWOOD GLAMOUR IN A MODERN CLASSIC
Perched high in the Santa Barbara hills, this iconic hideaway offers the best views of the American Riviera
Spread across seven acres of secluded gardens, El Encanto opened in 1918 and has been part of Santa Barbara’s social scene ever since. The resort is gleaming and glamorous, yet relaxed and low key. The kind of place that invites you to recline poolside, breathe in the ocean air, and sip a glass of crisp local wine.
Location highlights:
Most visitors come to Santa Barbara to relax along the beach. But when they don’t have their feet in the sand, you’ll find them trying on the latest fashions on State Street, gazing at watercolors in the Santa Barbara Museum of Art and getting in touch with nature at the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden. Families are most likely picnicking in the Santa Barbara Zoo or spotting marine life on a whale watching cruise. After a grueling day of “relaxing,” retire to the luxury resort of your choice – San Ysidro Ranch and the Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara are two indulgent options. For a delicious daytrip, consider signing up for one of Santa Barbara’s best wine tours, many of which stop in the Santa Ynez Valley.
There are four major beaches in Santa Barbara: Leadbetter, Arroyo Burro, West and East. While Leadbetter has the harbor, Arroyo Burro is best for travelers with dogs and West Beach is home to the fireworks on the Fourth of July, East Beach is the best stretch to catch some rays without being mobbed by crowds. What’s more, it’s considered one of the best California beaches home to some of the best Santa Barbara hotels.
The shoreline may still fill up more on the weekends, but East Beach is a bit more removed from State Street and the downtown area than the other beaches, offering more space to stretch out or take a walk along the sandy shores. You may have to protect yourself from the occasional rogue volleyball though, as there are more than a dozen sandy courts here.
Locals and visitors agree East Beach is the best strand of ocean in Santa Barbara, with its clean sands and fairly inexpensive parking ($2 per hour or $12 maximum for the day). Recent visitors also noted it’s a great family-friendly spot, with room to spread out.
East Beach is situated along East Cabrillo Boulevard, near the Santa Barbara Zoo, and is reachable by the MTD shuttle. The beach welcomes visitors from sunrise to 10 p.m. daily. You can rent stand-up paddleboards and other gear from local shops and use them at East Beach. For more information on this beach as well as others, check out the city’s website.
it’s considered one of the best California beaches
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