Santa Barbara, "The American Riviera"

Santa Barbara has been considered “The American Riviera” for over a century, which lends great cachet as a classic resort destination.  Meeting attendees enthusiastically anticipate events in this picturesque city of signature red-tile roofs, whitewashed adobe buildings, lush gardens, and pedestrian-friendly, palm-lined boulevards.  The Santa Barbara South Coast’s stunning landscapes, picture perfect architecture and cultural riches combine to create a diverse line-up of enticing experiential offerings for groups and individuals.  When the focus is on business, the majority of our meeting hotels and venues boast natural light with outdoor dining and networking spaces that ensure attendees enjoy the year-round Mediterranean climate.  Outside of the ballroom, Santa Barbara also excels in offering a huge variety of free-time and team-building activities.   Meeting planners will find an oasis of wellness and outdoor recreation, infused with world-class food and wine in a destination large enough to provide a variety of amenities yet small enough to offer individualization of your programming to suit your specific meeting goals.    

The Santa Barbara South Coast is located 90 miles north of Los Angeles and 300 miles south of San Francisco, allowing easy drivability from most California cities.  Santa Barbara Airport recently welcomed Southwest Airlines and daily service to and from Sacramento, Oakland, Denver, and Las Vegas.  SBA is also served by American, United, and Alaska Airlines with non-stop service from Chicago, Dallas, Phoenix, Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego.  In addition, Amtrack conveniently stops in the heart of downtown.   Once in Santa Barbara, attendees will find the city highly walkable, with ample ebikes, UBER, and LYFT service available. 

The Santa Barbara South Coast specializes in meetings, incentives, and conferences from 10 to 1000 attendees.  Planners can choose from luxury properties managed by Ritz-Carlton, Belmond, Rosewood, and Kimpton to Hyatt, Hilton, Marriott, Ramada, and Best Western branded hotels, as well as unique independent properties and historic inns.  Our alternative meeting and event spaces embrace the region’s rich cultural heritage. The variety of aesthetics and settings is a creative director’s dream—think elegant private estates, historic theaters, verdant vineyards, rustic ranches, deluxe catamarans, waterfront golf courses, lush polo fields, a zoo with a view and paseos galore.  

 The American Riviera boasts both mountains  and ocean, which translates into a plethora of outdoor adventures on land and at sea.   Popular activities include hiking, biking, sailing, kayaking, surfing, exploring Channel Islands National Park, golfing, and foodie / culture tours.  More than 250 wineries present a variety of premium tasting experiences, be it in the vineyards or sleek modern tasting rooms in downtown Santa Barbara.  In a destination surrounded by bountiful natural beauty it follows that Santa Barbara is also a signature wellness destination, with everything from pampering spa treatments and beach yoga to outdoor adventures and mindfulness activities. 

The Visit Santa Barbara Sales Team offers you a one-stop resource for all your planning needs.  We specialize in connecting planners and their specific needs to the best -suited properties and experiences in Santa Barbara.  We also gladly offer financial incentives to help your bottom line for both site inspections and consumed definite programs.  Contact our sales team directly at 805-966-9222 or GroupSales@SantaBarbaraCA.com.  Or start planning your event today at MeetInSB.com.