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Three Days Are Not Enough!
Santa Barbara Experiences to Pique the Royals’ Passions
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (Prince William and Kate Middleton) will visit Santa Barbara as part of their trip to California, July 8-10, 2011. Their short itinerary leaves them little time to explore The American Riviera®, and most visitors would agree that three days are not enough! From polo and sailing to young love and fine arts, Santa Barbara has troves of activities and attractions would certainly pique the Royals’ passions.
Here are just a few Santa Barbara experiences that may inspire the newlyweds to make a vow to return!
- Prince William is an avid polo player and will mount up for The Foundation Polo Challenge, an exclusive charity polo match that he and Kate will attend on July 9, 2011 at the Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club. The Polo Club’s stunning grounds and thrilling matches are open to non-members and visitors every Sunday during summer months. With a $10 admission fee, spectators donning their summer best fill the sunny grandstand or picnic along the sidelines.
- Known to be seafarers, surely Will and Kate would enjoy a cruise along the Santa Barbara coastline on a catamaran or a ferry ride to Channel Islands National Park, known as the “Galapagos of North America” for its 150+ endemic species and protected lands. Close to shore and out to sea, they’d spot whales, dolphins, sea lions and other marine wildlife aboard one of Santa Barbara’s many sailboat and charter operations. For more way to explore Santa Barbara’s great outdoors, check out our Nature Enthusiasts’ itinerary.
- They’re young and in love! With a storied history of iconic romances (including the nuptials of Sir Laurence Olivier, Clark Gable and Rock Hudson and the honeymoon of JFK and Jackie O), Santa Barbara’s aphrodisiac credentials are tried and true. Known around the world for its incomparable natural beauty, Santa Barbara’s recipe for romance is seasoned with sparkling beaches, fine dining and world-class wines, romantic luxury resorts and near-perfect weather. Read about the city’s seductive settings in the “Amour on The American Riviera®.”
- Kate Middleton graduated with a Master of Arts from the University of Saint Andrews, and she would be awed by Santa Barbara’s arts-and-culture scene. This small city offers art-lovers one of the ten best regional art museums in the country (that's right: beaches, sunshine and Chagall), distinguished galleries at all three of the area's colleges and more than 50 inspired, private galleries. Explore Santa Barbara’s cultural offerings in our Arts & Culture guide.
- Get a bird’s-eye-view of The American Riviera®. As a Royal Air Force helicopter pilot, Prince William would surely enjoy an aerial tour of Santa Barbara with Channel Islands Helicopters. Kate is rumored to be interested in learning to fly; perhaps she would like to take a ride with one of the many flights schools based at newly expanded Santa Barbara Airport.
- Kate is known for her effortlessly chic yet understated fashion sense, and Santa Barbara’s locally owned boutiques are well stocked with beach-chic style to accommodate her many wardrobe changes! From DIANI’s selection of luxurious basics and to dressed and ready’s high-fashion ensembles, Santa Barbara's shops are chock full of fashion finds fit for the Duchess! For more Santa Barbara shopping secrets, read “Shop, Shop, Shop” on TheSBPost.com.
- Both Will and Kate have been lauded for their environmental and wildlife conservation efforts; perhaps they chose to visit Santa Barbara for its “Ecotopian” reputation? Known as the birthplace of the modern environment movement in the U.S. and home to the original Earth Day celebration, this city boasts myriad non-profits dedicated to preserving Santa Barbara’s natural assets. Visit GreenSantaBarbara.com to explore the “greener” side of Santa Barbara.
- Even though he calls it football, Prince William is known to be an avid soccer player, and University of California at Santa Barbara (UCSB) is “soccer heaven.” If the newlyweds were here during UCSB’s fall/winter soccer season, surely they’d watch the Gauchos dismantle the competition at Harder Stadium.
