Southern California beaches are known for their large swell waves that make for good surfing, but swimming can be challenging to dangerous. Carpinteria State Beach is known as the safest beach on the West Coast because of the natural offshore breakwater that makes the surf gentle and prevents rip currents that plague many of California's scenic beaches. Carpinteria has the appeal of a great swimming beach within a small-town setting. Here in Santa Barbara County you have definitely gotten away from the big city of LA to the south.

The toast of Southern California beach towns is Santa Barbara, where the mountains meet the sea in an exquisite setting of palm trees, well manicured gardens and promenades, and stylish buildings that preserve the Spanish architectural heritage. Santa Barbara's affluence makes for fine dining. When I last dined at one of State Street's moderately priced restaurants, I enjoyed an excellent seafood dinner and had the opportunity to meet several well known pro football players at the next table.

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