6. Santa Barbara, California

Only 90 miles stretch between Los Angeles and the tranquil seaside city of Santa Barbara, but somewhere in that distance the artificial gives way to the natural. From the lush hillsides with memorable vistas of the sea to the pristine shoreline, Santa Barbara possesses the beauty most Southern California beachside communities lack. Families looking for a place to play or couples planning a romantic vacation will each find what they seek here.

The miles of beach in Santa Barbara are all clean and begging to be walked. In fact, one can literally walk the shore right out of town at low tide. East Beach is Santa Barbara's most popular and the place to people watch on weekend afternoons. Those searching for a more secluded stroll should head south to the local resorts, which provide public access to their relatively empty beaches. These same beaches also afford a bounty of rocky tidepools, filled with seashells and starfish, for children to explore. Surfers will be stoked by the number of local hot surf spots, which range in difficulty from novice to expert.

When the sun sets, Santa Barbara offers more than adequate nightlife with numerous restaurants and entertainment venues. Some of these eateries line waterfront Cabrillo Boulevard, but most can be found on State Street, Santa Barbara's lively main artery. If you decide to catch a movie, you may choose from a number of cinemas; but no matter what is playing, go to the Arlington Theater, a restored, historic spectacle.

Day or night, remarkable times await you in this city on the sea.
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