Condé Nast Traveler readers ranked Santa Barbara among the best cities in the United States in the publication’s 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards. For those of us who call this beautiful community home or have visited, this recognition is a reminder of how much there is to appreciate here.
Known as the American Riviera, Santa Barbara brings together a coastal setting, Mediterranean-like climate, and the distinctive beauty of Spanish Colonial Revival architecture. It’s hard to begin to describe Santa Barbara’s appeal – ocean, mountains, beauty. We find the pleasure of living here comes from the small moments: walks, an afternoon spent exploring local shops, wine tasting or enjoying a long dinner at our incredible restaurants.
The recognition has also caught the attention of Secret Los Angeles, which highlighted Santa Barbara’s place on the list. Santa Barbara was the highest-ranked California destination in this year’s small-city category.
Local Santa Barbara Favorites Worth Celebrating
The accolades extend to many of the places that make the Santa Barbara area so enjoyable. Visit SantaBarbara.com’s guide to Santa Barbara award-winning hotels, restaurants, and attractions for inspiration for a special evening or a weekend close to home.
Among the highlights are Caruso’s at Rosewood Miramar Beach, recognized with a Michelin Star and Michelin Green Star, and The Stonehouse at San Ysidro Ranch, a longtime Wine Spectator Grand Award recipient. The guide also celebrates Santa Barbara County’s wine region and outdoor experiences with Santa Barbara Adventure Company, including guided excursions to Channel Islands National Park and the Gaviota Coast.
Making Santa Barbara Home
Choosing a home in Santa Barbara begins with understanding how you want to live. Proximity to the waterfront, space to gather, a garden to tend, or convenient access to favorite destinations can each shape what the right property looks like.
At Knight Real Estate Group, we take the time to understand those priorities. Our work combines local market knowledge, attentive client advocacy, and the legal training and insight that founder Kelly Knight brings to the buying and selling process. We help clients consider the details carefully so they can move forward with confidence.
Whether you are considering a move to the area or preparing for your next chapter in Santa Barbara, Montecito, or Hope Ranch, we welcome the opportunity to help.