Blog

December 17, 2024

Montecito's Newest Restaurants

"Montecito's culinary scene had a real boost this year with several new restaurants opening and more on the way. Here is our guide to the town's hottest new of...

By Randy Solakian Estates Group

December 17, 2024

Winter Break Activities for Kids

Looking for fun activities to keep the kids busy this holiday season? Here is our guide with the latest and greatest recommendations for Winter Break 2024 in S...

By Randy Solakian Estates Group

August 29, 2024

The Differences Between Buying A Second Home vs Investment Property

Embarking on the journey of purchasing an investment property or a second home in Santa Barbara is an exciting venture that many aspiring homeowners and season...

By Randy Solakian Estates Group

April 17, 2024

Santa Barbara Neighborhood Guide

With its stunning coastal beauty and mild Mediterranean climate, Santa Barbara is a dream destination for many. Its charming neighborhoods offer a variety of a...

By Randy Solakian Estates Group

March 22, 2024

7 Day Trips From Santa Barbara

Spring is here, and it is time to start planning family vacations and fun get-aways. While Santa Barbara is a world-class destination in its own right, the sur...

By Randy Solakian Estates Group

September 18, 2023

Faces of our Community: Mammoth Moving

Mammoth Moving and Storage is a full-service moving company based in Santa Barbara that provides services to or from any where in the world. Meet Meet Sean and...

By Randy Solakian Estates Group

July 31, 2023

NYT: What Is It About Montecito?

Are there Americans who don't have fantasies about a better life in California? About gold in the rivers, giant fruit in the yards and a hardcore, neon sunset ...

By Amy Larocca, New York Times

July 14, 2023

NYT: 36 Hours in Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara, with fewer than 90,000 people, barely makes it into California's 100 largest cities. But this coastal enclave has an outsize role in the state&r...

By New York Times

March 13, 2023

The Report 2023

By Randy Solakian Estates Group

January 12, 2023

Faces of our Community: SB Paella Catering

SB Paella Catering is a Santa Barbara-based, family operated catering business that serves delicious and authentic Spanish tapas and paella at private events b...

By Randy Solakian Estates Group

November 22, 2022

Giving Tuesday: Randy Solakian Estates Group Announces $10,000 Matching Grant to CEC

Triple Your Donation to Protect the Central Coast from Climate Chaos! For a limited time, triple your gift to the Community Environmental Council (CEC)! Than...

By Randy Solakian Estates Group

November 10, 2022

Faces of our Community: Yokwe Ceramics

Yokwe Ceramics are handmade, Japanese and Scandinavian-inspired pieces that incorporate natural forms and earth tones. Handmade with love in Santa Barbara, a p...

By Randy Solakian Estates Group

November 2, 2022

The Trend Report 2022

By Randy Solakian Estates Group

September 20, 2022

Faces of our Community: Cassie's Cardinals

Cassie’s Cardinals provides safe and reliable in-home care for families and corporations, including full and part-time babysitting, nanny placement, est...

By Randy Solakian Estates Group

September 5, 2022

11 Family-Friendly Activities in Santa Barbara

Life in Santa Barbara is never dull, with activities available from culture to sports. Whether you’re looking to fill a morning or a whole day, whether y...

By Randy Solakian

June 30, 2022

Faces of our Community: WH Body Refinery

WH Body Refinery is a dance-based fitness studio located in the San Roque neighborhood near downtown Santa Barbara. Meet Whitney Hoover, founder and instructo...

By Randy Solakian Estates Group

June 28, 2022

The Report 2022: Luxury Market Insights

By Randy Solakian Estates Group

June 21, 2022

Coral Casino Making a Comeback

Coral Casino Making a Comeback JUNE 21, 2022 | Reference Source Earlier this week, Coral Casino Beach and Cabana Club owner Ty Warner gave members an updat...

By Montecito Journal

May 31, 2022

How to Prepare Your Luxury Home for Sale

Real estate in the seaside communities of Montecito, Santa Barbara, and Hope Ranch are all incredibly valuable. These towns have reputations for luxurious beac...

By Randy Solakian

May 6, 2022

Faces of our Community: DÔEN

Meet Margaret and Katherine Kleveland, sisters, Santa Barbara natives, and founders of DÔEN, a fashion and lifestyle store that just opened its newest sh...

By Randy Solakian Estates Group

May 5, 2022

5 Ways to Get Outdoors in Montecito

Due to its natural beauty and glimmering community, Montecito and the rest of Santa Barbara County has been nicknamed “The American Riviera.” Mon...

By Randy Solakian Estates Group

April 19, 2022

7 Reasons Why People Love Living in Hope Ranch

Hope Ranch Homes for Sale are within a private community in Santa Barbara, California. The neighborhood often flies under the radar of the international commun...

By Randy Solakian Estates Group

April 7, 2022

The Report 2022: Luxury Market Insights

THE REPORT 2022 Executive Summary Global wealth rises by double-digits in 2021. Data from Wealth-X shows that the world’s wealthy population — th...

By Randy Solakian Estates Group

April 6, 2022

What to Expect From Luxury Real Estate in Santa Barbara in 2022

The word “unprecedented” has become ubiquitous when describing the nation’s real estate market. Economists seem to be running out of superlat...

By Randy Solakian Estates Group

March 24, 2022

Faces of our Community: Kismet Montecito

Kismet is a boutique located in Montecito's Upper Village that offers intimate indulgences and fine jewelry to celebrate timeless femininity. Meet Lindsey Ecke...

By Randy Solakian Estates Group

March 15, 2022

What to Know Before Relocating to Montecito

Montecito is the epitome of luxury and one of the most desirable towns to raise a family. It is home to some of the most notable people in the world including ...

By Randy Solakian Estates Group

March 13, 2022

Thrillist's Best Restaurants in Santa Barbara

March 7, 2022 | By Danielle Bauter, and Leila Najafi Thrillist once again has turned the spotlight on Santa Barbara to feature some of the best dining options ...

By Randy Solakian Estates Group

March 13, 2022

Thrillist's Best Things to Do in Santa Barbara

Published February 25, 2022 | Written by By Danielle Bauter, and Leila Najafi Thrillist features the top 20 Reasons to drive to Santa Barbara from Los Angeles ...

By Randy Solakian Estates Group

March 4, 2022

A California Home Outside Santa Barbara Lists for $21.5 Million

Wall Street Journal | Written by Libertina Brandt | Reference Source A postmodern home outside Santa Barbara, Calif., is hitting the market for $21.5 million, ...

By Randy Solakian Estates Group

February 1, 2022

Faces of our Community: Whitcraft Winery

Whitcraft Winery A long-standing member of the Santa Barbara winemaking community, Whitcraft Winery is obsessed with producing the highest quality wines. Si...

By Randy Solakian Estates Group

January 20, 2022

Faces of Our Community: Devon Remade

Meet Devon Watkins Reinauer of Devon Remade: Q: How did you start your business? A: I have worked in the fashion industry my whole career, but at the star...

By Randy Solakian Estates Group

January 13, 2022

San Ysidro Ranch named one of Vogue Magazine's Most Romantic Getaways

Written by Elise Taylor | Vogue Magazine | Reference Source Vogue Magazine has named San Ysidro Ranch as one of the world's most romantic hotels. The local gem...

By Randy Solakian Estates Group

December 21, 2021

Faces of our Community: The Tennis Shop of Montecito

The Tennis Shop of Montecito Meet Tony and Libby Hammond, Owners ofThe Tennis Shop of Montecito. Q: Why did you start your business? A: We were both tennis...

By Randy Solakian Estates Group

December 16, 2021

Travel & Leisure Names Santa Ynez Valley One of the 50 Best Places to Travel in 2022

Travel & Leisure named California's Santa Ynez Valley one of the 50 best places to travel in 2022 Santa Ynez comes in at #38: Two hours from L.A., the Sant...

By Randy Solakian Estates Group

December 15, 2021

Santa Barbara Area Schools

Are you planning to relocate to the Santa Barbara area? Or do you already live in this Southern California community and want to move to a different home that ...

By Randy Solakian Estates Group

December 9, 2021

Faces of our Community: Bettina

Faces of our Community Bettina is a cozy neighborhood restaurant serving naturally-leavened, Neapolitan-style pizza made with seasonal California ingredients. ...

By Randy Solakian Estates Group

December 2, 2021

Faces of our Community: Bibi Ji

Faces of our Community Located on State Street in Downtown Santa Barbara, Bibi Ji offers residents and visitors an approachable and modern twist on traditional...

By Randy Solakian Estates Group

November 18, 2021

Faces of our Community: Protea Gifts and Goods

Faces of our Community | Protea Gifts and Goods Meet Mary Willer and Jenna Motola of Protea Gifts and Goods. Q: Tell us a bit about your business. A: Prot...

By Randy Solakian Estates Group

November 6, 2021

Tasting your way through Julia Child’s Santa Barbara

Written by Julie Tremaine, SF Gate | November 6, 2021 | Reference Source With the documentary "Julia" due to be released on November 12, Julie Tremaine from th...

By Julie Tremaine, SF Gate

November 4, 2021

Santa Barbara County Wins Wine Region of the Year in Wine Enthusiast’s 2021 Wine Star Awards

Written by Matt Kettman, Wine Magazine | November 4, 2021 | Reference Source Santa Barbara County has won Wine Region of the Year in the Wine Enthusiast's 2021...

By Matt Kettman, Wine Mag

November 2, 2021

Faces of our Community: Loria Stern

Faces of our Community Loria is a chef, baker, gardener and artist who loves creating delicious and healthy foods using local, seasonal and highest quality ing...

By Randy Solakian Estates Group

November 2, 2021

Santa Barbara Is Quietly Becoming California’s New Must-Taste Destination

Written by Julie Tremaine | Forbes, Travel Contributor | October 30, 2021 Santa Barbara has been making headlines in the culinary world. The region has finally...

By Julie Tremaine, Forbes Travel

October 30, 2021

A Look at Wealth 2021: Real Estate’s New Power Players

Released annually, “A Look at Wealth” is a supplement to The Report, which combines wealth data from Wealth-X, WealthEngine and The Institute for L...

By Coldwell Banker Global Luxury

October 29, 2021

Halloween Events in Santa Barbara | 2021

Halloween is back in 2021. Whether you are looking for a fun place to take the kids or an adults only event, we've got you covered. Read on to learn about the ...

October 28, 2021

Santa Barbara Is The Most Exciting Wine Destination In The U.S.

Written by Kim Westerman, Senior Contributor, Travel Section | Forbes | October 28, 2021 | Reference Source Forbes names Santa Barbara the most exciting and co...

By Kim Westerman, Forbes

October 24, 2021

SeaLegs Santa Barbara to open next summer at Goleta Beach

SeaLegs Santa Barbara to open next summer at Goleta Beach by Madison Hirneisen | October 24, 2021 SeaLegs is set to open next Summer at Goleta Beach in the fo...

By Madison Hirneisen, Santa Barbara News Press

October 21, 2021

Faces of our Community: California Dermatology Group

Faces of our Community Meet Dr. Aegean Chan and Dr. Mark Burnett, California Dermatology Group Q: How long have you been practicing medicine? A: Both my p...

By Randy Solakian Estates Group

October 14, 2021

Faces of our Community: William Laman

Faces of our Community William Laman William Laman Furniture.Garden.Antiques was established in 1995 by the Hall of Fame and internationally recognized interio...

By Randy Solakian Estates Group

October 7, 2021

Faces of our Community: Claiborne & Lime

Faces of Our Community Claiborne & Lime Meet Laura Mormann and Antoinette Watson Q: Tell us a bit about your business. A: Claiborne & Lime is a hosp...

By Randy Solakian Estates Group

September 29, 2021

Santa Barbara County Picks Up First Two Michelin Stars

Santa Barbara County Picks Up First Two Michelin Stars Congratulations to Sushi Bar | Montecito and Bells Los Alamos For the first time ever, two Santa Barba...

By Randy Solakian Estates Group

September 23, 2021

Santa Barbara's First Annual Burrito Week

Santa Barbara's First Ever Burrito Week From September 23 to 29, 17 burritos across town will be available for $7 Santa Barbara is home to countless restauran...

By Indy Staff

September 23, 2021

Haute Living's Guide to Santa Barbara

Laura Schreffler, Haute Living's Travel writer, has taken on Santa Barbara with a guide of where to sleep, eat, wine and dine while staying on the American Riv...

By Randy Solakian Estates Group

September 23, 2021

Faces of our Community: Montecito Fire Department

Faces of our Community Montecito Fire Department Interview with Christina Favuzzi, Public Information Officer What does the Montecito Fire Department do for ...

By Randy Solakian Estates Group

September 16, 2021

Beachside Glamping in Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara County's El Capitan Canyon is a 350-acre sustainable nature-lodging resort that sits on a beautiful stretch of coastline set among oak and sycamo...

By Jenna Sauter, Phoenix Magazine

September 16, 2021

Hope Ranch Lifestyle Guide

Hope Ranch Lifestyle Guide What buyers can expect when they move to this special Santa Barbara enclave. Photo Credit: Santa Barbara Independent Located in ...

By Randy Solakian Estates Group

September 9, 2021

Faces of Our Community: Leonard Unander Associates

Faces of Our Community Leonard Unander Associates "Family owned and operated, recognized for our impeccable planning process, and strong sense of integrity,...

By Randy Solakian Estates Group

September 1, 2021

Market Update Summer 2021

Summer 2021 Market Update Santa Barbara - Montecito - Hope Ranch June 1, 2021 - August 31, 2021 The strong seller's market continued throughout the summer. L...

By Randy Solakian Estates Group

August 31, 2021

Santa Barbara’s Freshly Renovated Cabrillo Pavilion Ready to Welcome New Restaurant

Joshua Molina, Noozhawk Staff Writer | Reference Source August 29, 2021 | 10:30 p.m. Reunion Kitchen + Drink putting finishing touches on space inside histori...

By Joshua Molina, Noozhawk

August 24, 2021

Faces of Our Community: Whistle Club

Faces of Our Community Whistle Club Rebecca Whistle Club showcases a tightly curated assortment of women’s apparel, accessories and gifts from a thoughtf...

By Randy Solakian Estates Group

August 20, 2021

Michelin Guide Adds Three Santa Barbara Restaurants to List

Matt Kettmann, Santa Barbara Independent | Reference Source Thu Aug 19, 2021 | 12:23pm Three more Santa Barbara Restaurants were listed on the globally renown...

By Matt Kettmann, Santa Barbara Independent

August 16, 2021

Santa Barbara Lifestyle Guide

Santa Barbara Lifestyle Guide A complete guide to life in one of California’s most desirable cities. Located just north of Los Angeles, Santa Barbara is ...

By Randy Solakian Estates Group

August 13, 2021

Renewal at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art

Charles Donelan, Santa Barbara Independent | Reference Source Every museum tells a story; great museums tell many of them. The Santa Barbara Museum of Art begi...

By Charles Donelan, Santa Barbara Independent

August 12, 2021

Faces of Our Community: House Rupert

Faces of Our Community House Rupert Bailee Roberts Central Coast Staging Elevating your spaces so that buyers see their future in your home. For the best fi...

By Randy Solakian Estates Group

August 12, 2021

Rare Amur Leopard Cub Born at Santa Barbara Zoo

By Ryan P. Cruz, Santa Barbara Independent | Reference Source Wed Aug 11, 2021 | 2:00pm Ajax, Santa Barbara Zoo's Amur leopard, gave birth to ...

By Ryan P. Cruz, Santa Barbara Independent

August 6, 2021

Old Spanish Days - Fiesta, Santa Barbara

History of Fiesta Compiled and Edited by Paul G. Sweetser, Old Spanish Days | Reference Source Fiesta Backgrounds Santa Barbara has long prided itself o...

By Paul G. Sweetser, Old Spanish Days - Fiesta

August 5, 2021

Mid-Year Santa Barbara Market Update

Mid-Year Santa Barbara Market Update BY KELLY HERRICK | AUGUST 5, 2021 | REFERENCE SOURCE A five-bedroom, nine-bathroom home on Channel Drive sold for $...

By Kelly Herrick, Montecito Journal

July 30, 2021

The 13 Best Restaurants in Santa Barbara

By Fiona Chandra, PureWow | Reference Source From casual seafood shacks, to high-end Japanese omakase, Santa Barbara has a wide variety of excellent restaura...

By Fiona Chandra, PureWow

July 29, 2021

Faces of Our Community: Maison K

Faces of Our Community Maison K Kimberly Phillips Hayes Maison K is a destination lifestyle boutique where people feel transported to a lovely, harmonious an...

By Randy Solakian Estates Group

July 28, 2021

Market Update Q2 2021

The competitive market we saw during Q1 2021 continued through Q2 2021 with a significant decrease in days on market and an increase in median sales price. The...

By Randy Solakian Estates Group

July 22, 2021

A Santa Barbara Weekend Escape

A Santa Barbara Weekend Escape Discover two chic destinations to check out this summer Written by Editors of DuJour | Reference Source ROSEWOOD MIRAMAR B...

By Editors of DuJour, DuJour

July 19, 2021

California Listings

California Listings Shakes Up Southern California's Real Estate Marketplace With Spring 2021 Launch New Real Estate Supersite Reinvents Not Only How Buyers ...

By California Listings

July 15, 2021

Faces of Our Community: Satellite

Faces of Our Community Satellite Drew Cuddy Satellite is a Farmer to Table / Farmer to Glass Restaurant & Wine Shop. We’re Focused on Conscious, Qual...

By Randy Solakian Estates Group

July 14, 2021

Santa Barbara County Moves to Increase Large-Scale Solar Operations

Santa Barbara County Moves to Increase Large-Scale Solar Operations Zoning Laws Would Need to Be Changed and Vacant Land Found Credit: Courtesy By Nick We...

By Nick Welsh, Santa Barbara Independent

July 13, 2021

Home Prices Rise Faster in Car-Dependent Areas

Home Prices Soar In Car-Dependent Markets Compared To Transit-Accessible Neighborhoods July 13, 2021 Proximity to work and/or public transportatio...

By Randy Solakian Estates Group

July 13, 2021

The 5 Best Restaurants to Pair With a Santa Barbara Wine Country Getaway

The 5 Best Restaurants to Pair With a Santa Barbara Wine Country Getaway California's Central Coast is calling. By JEREMY REPANICH, Robb Report | Referenc...

By Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report

July 13, 2021

9 Santa Barbara Wineries That Are Worth the Drive From LA

9 Santa Barbara Wineries That Are Worth the Drive From LA You don’t have to go far for good wine. By Julie Tremaine, Thrillist | Reference Source Publ...

By Julie Tremaine, Thrillist

June 30, 2021

Coast & Olive’s Local Focus at the Montecito Inn

Coast & Olive’s Local Focus at the Montecito Inn By Rebecca Horrigan, Santa Barbara Independent | Reference Source After 30-Plus Years of Owning the...

By Rebecca Horrigan, Santa Barbara Independent

June 24, 2021

Faces of Our Community: Brighten Solar

Faces of Our Community Brighten Solar Marine & Jeremy Schumann We bring aesthetic solar solutions that offer forward-thinking clients a profitable inves...

By Randy Solakian Estates Group

June 24, 2021

Electrifying Santa Barbara

Electrifying Santa Barbara All-Electric Goal by 2030 Credit: Fisher and Paykel By Dee Carawan, AIA | Reference SourceWed Jun 23, 2021 | 8:14pm The Sant...

By Dee Carawan, AIA; Santa Barbara Independent

June 16, 2021

What the End of the State Tier System Means for Santa Barbara County Businesses and Mask Mandates

By Jade Martinez-Pogue, Noozhawk | Reference Source Santa Barbara County's local public health officer order expired Monday and on Tuesday, Public He...

By Jade Martinez-Pogue, Noozhawk

June 16, 2021

Billionaire MacKenzie Scott Donates $20 Million to Santa Barbara City College

By Giana Magnoli, Noozhawk | Reference Source Billionaire MacKenzie Scott announced $2.7 billion in charitable donations Tuesday, including $20 million to Sant...

By Giana Magnoli, Noozhawk

June 11, 2021

Faces of Our Community: The Efficiency Project

Faces of Our Community The Efficiency Project Alia Glasgow and Casey Geeb The Efficiency Project was founded by us... sisters, Alia Glasgow and Casey Geeb (yea...

By Randy Solakian Estates Group

June 10, 2021

Yes, Real Estate Prices Are Soaring, and No, It’s Not a Bubble

Yes, Real Estate Prices Are Soaring, and No, It’s Not a Bubble Stricter lending standards have reduced risk in the market. By Peter Coy, Bloomberg Bu...

By Peter Coy, Bloomberg Businessweek

June 9, 2021

Save the San Marcos Foothills

WE DID IT!!! Randy Solakian Estates Group is proud to support the conservation of this important community asset. Our community has reached the $18.6M milest...

By Randy Solakian Estate Group

June 1, 2021

Montecito Real Estate Market in 2021

Like most of the country, Montecito experienced a strong seller’s market throughout most of the last year—spurred on by low mortgage interest rates...

By Randy Solakian Estates Group

May 27, 2021

Why the Real Estate Market Continues to Explode

David Pogue, Sunday Morning | Reference Source David Pogue looks at what has been fueling the exploding real estate market.

By David Pogue, Sunday Morning

May 26, 2021

Faces of Our Community: House of Honey

Faces of Our Community House of Honey Tamara Kayne House of Honey is a boutique interior design studio based in Los Angeles and Montecito, CA. Our firm&rsquo...

By Randy Solakian Estates Group

April 24, 2021

Oprah Winfrey to Deliver Commencement Speech at UC Santa Barbara

Lily Hopwood, Santa Barbara Independent | Reference Source After an in-person graduation processional, commencement for the UC Santa Barbara class of 2021 will...

By Lily Hopwood, Santa Barbara Independent

April 22, 2021

Rosewood Miramar to host Earth Day cleanup

Grayce McCormick, SB News Press | Reference Source Looking for a way to give back to our community on Earth Day? Join the Santa Barbara Channelkeeper and Ros...

By Grayce McCormick, SB News Press

April 20, 2021

Santa Barbara County Advances to Orange Tier of Reopening

Written by Jade Martinez-Pogue, Noozhawk | Reference Source Santa Barbara County advanced to the orange tier on Tuesday, after more than one month in the red t...

By Jade Martinez-Pogue, Noozhawk

April 17, 2021

The Inn at Zaca Creek in Santa Ynez Valley embraces its Wild West roadhouse past

Written by Julie Tremaine, SF Gate | Reference Source When Jim Buell built Zaca Creek in the early 1960s, it was the kind of place where you could ride your ...

By Julie Tremaine, SF Gate

April 16, 2021

The World’s 9 Most Expensive Home Listings Currently on the Market

Written by Shivani Vora, Architectural Digest | Reference Source Is a 64,000-acre Texas ranch replete with wildlife the home of your fantasies or is y...

By Shivani Vora, Architectural Digest

April 9, 2021

Ty Warner spends $119.5 M to Build the Finest Private Club in the United States

MONTECITO, Calif., April 9, 2021 /PRNewswire | Reference Source The essence of life on the American Riviera is captured by the unrivaled amenities, service, di...

By PR News Wire

April 7, 2021

Santa Barbara Unified Schools to Reopen Full-Time in Person

Delaney Smith, Santa Barbara Independent | Reference Source The Santa Barbara Unified School District will reopen its schools full-time, after a year of a hybr...

By Delaney Smith, Santa Barbara Independent

April 1, 2021

Santa Barbara Brings Drive-In Screenings, Virtual Panels to Annual Fest

Scott Feinberg, The Hollywood Reporter | Reference Source The iconic Santa Barbara International Film Festival was one of the last major in-person gatherings b...

By Scott Feinberg, The Hollywood Reporter

March 19, 2021

The Santa Barbara Guide

Goop |​​​​​​​ Reference sourceSanta Barbara—less than 100 miles from L.A. up the PCH—is one of the best things about Southern California. We visit as much as p...

By Goop

March 10, 2021

Montecito’s Reaction to the Spotlight? Chill.

By Manny Fernandez and Priya Arora | Reference SourceOn a sun-soaked strip of shops and restaurants in one of the most high-end places in America, the only sig...

By Manny Fernandez and Priya Arora, New York Times

January 14, 2021

The Best Places to Live By the Beach in the U.S.

By Devon Thorsby, U.S. News | Reference Source Where to move for sun and sand. For people who aren’t big fans of frigid winters or sweltering summers, c...

By Devon Thorsby, U.S. News

October 20, 2020

The 20 Best Places to Live in the U.S. for the Weather in 2020

By Devon Thorsby, U.S. News | Reference Source Avoid the extremes in these metro areas. The weather in your area can be a major factor in how much you enjoy ...

By Devon Thorsby, U.S. News

April 28, 2020

Different Worlds Separated by a Scant 95 miles

Reference SourceLos Angeles is baffling in its sprawl, while Santa barbara, a beach town, is easier to take in.The whirlwind pace of my yearlong trip around th...

By Sebastian Modak, New York Times