Santa Barbara is often referred to as the American Riviera because of its unique gentle climate on the California coast. Riviera is an Italian term dating back to the Middle Ages for the coast of Liguria. The two divisions of the original Riviera, both of which border the Ligurian Sea are the French Riviera on the Southern Coast of France, and the Italian Riviera as part of the coast of Italy.
The American Riviera in Santa Barbara is a very unique community within Santa Barbara.
The Santa Barbara Riviera can be found above Alameda Padre Serra Drive, below Mountain Drive and Mission Ridge Road, west of Sycamore Canyon, and east of Mission Drive. Many of the homes here, because of their higher elevations, offer incredible views overlooking the City of Santa Barbara to the Pacific Ocean.
The Santa Barbara Riviera bridges a two-mile span that separates the Mission and Sycamore Canyons and for the past 65 years has been known to the Santa Barbara locals as the Riviera due to its resemblance to slopes along the Mediterranean coasts of France and Italy. Santa Barbara Riviera residents enjoy spectacular views of the City, mountains, the Pacific Oceans, and the Channel Islands. The Santa Barbara Riviera is an array of curving streets, beautiful landscaping, and gorgeous properties. This topography is relatively steep, and not easily accessible by biking or walking.
