Santa Barbara conjures up images of stunning beaches, million-dollar ocean front properties, and Oprah sightings. It can be all those things and more.

Soak up the charm offered in these four beachside town hangouts in SoCal, whether you prefer shopping, dining, or exploring.

Capitol Studios is a mecca for the hottest acts in the business. The iconic tower is an instantly recognizable SoCal landmark.

He was an artist but didn’t know he was creating an historic piece of work, which over the next 30-plus years would become the Watts Towers of Simon Rodia.

Southern California is historic for many things — the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, the gnarly surf culture, and the iconic Route 66 just to name a few. Tourists may venture here for the wonderful world of Disney or to experience the beauty of a SoCal beach. But older cities with plenty of history are definitely the way to go for a more immersive trip. Rich in history and fun, these old towns of SoCal will give you a glimpse into the past.

If you are fortunate to be in Los Angeles and are inclined to explore, you have a variety of different cultures right at your fingertips. The diverse Los Angeles culture is vibrant and inclusive and SoCal visitors can get a taste of its international flavor just by walking the bustling streets. Never been to China? No problem. We’ll bring China to you. Chinatown is located in downtown Los Angeles and has been since the 1800s. With the shops, the language, the smells and the sights, it is easy to believe you’ve flown thousands of miles, rather than a driven a short distance.

When it comes to sunsets, Southern California boasts some of the best, especially this time of the year From the peaks of the Palisades to the dunes of Dana Point, there are countless places to catch the last bits of a spectacular SoCal Sunset. But what’s better than gazing at the glow of the setting sun than doing it with your special someone? Here, we’ve curated a list of locations that we not only consider fantastic for sunset viewing, but some of the most romantic, too. So as we inch closer to Valentine’s Day, pick your destination and dash out with your darling to one of these top spots.