What’s New in Santa Barbara for 2022

Wednesday, Jan 19, 2022 0

Travel planning is bouncing back in 2022, and we’re here to share how the Santa Barbara South Coast can make it to the top of your clients’ list for places to see in the new year. Santa Barbara is an unbeatable destination for all kinds of adventures, from enjoying beachside brunch and bubbles to kayaking alongside playful sea lions at sunset in the harbor. There’s always something new to share with first time visitors or to inspire a return visit from those who already know our coastal enclave well.

LODGING UPDATES

Introducing the newly rebranded Riviera Beach House, formerly known as Hotel Indigo. Riviera Beach House blends historic splendor with sophisticated design and offers artful lodging for style-minded clientele. As Santa Barbara’s closest hotel to the Amtrak train station, MOXI, and the Funk Zone, with public bus and trolley stops at the front door and an effortless walk to the beach and Stearns Wharf, Riviera Beach House is the perfect car-free choice.

150 YEARS OF STEARNS WHARF

A cherished local landmark, Stearns Wharf is more than a scenic lunch spot or sightseeing photo op, it’s a structure that changed the face of Santa Barbara. 150 years ago, Santa Barbara was an isolated pueblo. Surrounded by mountains and ocean, there were no roads into town as there was no railroad. When John Peck Stearns built the wharf in 1872, he not only opened the door to large-scale commerce and trade; he introduced Santa Barbara to the rest of the world.

In honor of this iconic structure’s 150th anniversary, Stearns Wharf merchants will hold Wharf Wednesdays on the first Wednesday of each month, now through October 2022. There will be anniversary specials, a bit of history and lots of family-friendly activities. The commemoration will culminate with a special celebration, complete with fireworks, in October.

ARTS & CULTURE

Through Vincent’s Eyes: Van Gogh and His Sources will have its West Coast debut in Santa Barbara February 27 – May 22, 2022. Organized by the Santa Barbara Museum of Art (SBMA) and in partnership with the Columbus Museum of Art, this experiential showcase seeks to immerse viewers in the visual imagination of Vincent Van Gogh, one of the most idolized artists in the world.

Later on, the Santa Barbara International Film Festival returns March 2 – 12, 2022 to roll out the red carpet for Oscar contenders and the industry’s best. Film lovers are invited to gather for 11 inimitable days of film screenings, celebrity tribute events, panel discussions and star-studded parties.

SIP AND SAVOR IN SANTA BARBARA

The culinary scene never sleeps in Santa Barbara, so check out these new must-try restaurants popping up this year, and also mark your calendar for Taste of Santa Barbara, May 15 – 22, 2022. This city-wide event, in partnership with the Julia Child Foundation and the Santa Barbara Culinary Experience, will showcase the best of Santa Barbara’s hospitality and tourism community with special events that bring the best of the wider food world to Santa Barbara. Visitors will also enjoy curated offers from Santa Barbara area restaurants, hotels, bars, wineries, and retailers.

Whether you’re making it a Dry January, steering clear of day drinking, or abstaining from alcohol altogether, you don’t have to miss out on tasty concoctions and local specialty drinks when visiting Santa Barbara cocktail bars and restaurants. Mocktails are the name of the game in 2022!

UPCOMING SHOWS

Don’t miss out on our next trade show or event. Follow both Visit Santa Barbara and Senior Travel Trade Manger Jocilyn Schumacher on LinkedIn to stay up-to-date on the latest destination happenings.

Visit California Outlook Forum
February 13-15, 2022
San Francisco, CA

Select Traveler Conference
March 28-30, 2022
Cheyenne, WY

GTM West
May 2-4, 2022
Tucson, AZ

IPW
June 4-8, 2022
Orlando, FL

TRAVEL ADVISOR TOOLKIT

Understanding the depth and breadth of every destination you sell can seem overwhelming. To make planning easier, we’ve built a comprehensive Travel Advisor Toolkit, where you’ll find downloadable resources such as destination overview one-sheets, links to photo and video assets, sample itineraries, and much more.

We are proud to offer travel agents and advisors the Santa Barbara Travel PRO interactive training program. This newly developed program takes you through an introductory course on all things Santa Barbara. Once completed, not only will you become certified as a Santa Barbara Specialist, you’ll also gain exclusive access to images, videos, and sales collateral to help you better sell and promote the Santa Barbara South Coast to your clients.

HOW CAN I HELP?

The Visit Santa Barbara sales team is a complimentary one-stop resource for support and inspiration. Our local expertise combined with marketing tools and services will help you maximize your communications and impact to your attendees throughout the planning and execution of your program. Please contact me for personal insight and assistance for creating a memorable event in The American Riviera^®.