Santa Barbara, CA.  - The Santa Barbara Conference & Visitors Bureau and Film Commission was honored that Santa Barbara was chosen as the destination for the highly anticipated Foundation Polo Challenge attended by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge on July 9, 2011 at the Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club. The charitable event raised significant funds for The American Friends of the Foundation of Prince William and Prince Henry as well as the Polo Training Center of Santa Barbara.

In contrast to the Duke and Duchess's high-priced charitable polo event, visitors to Santa Barbara may be surprised to learn that they can watch this classic sport at the Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club for just $10 or less. Appealing and affordable visitor experiences don't stop with polo; from sailing and art shows to outdoor adventure and eco-friendly trolley tours, Santa Barbara has troves of activities and attractions fit for the Royals and accessible to all. 

Here is a selection of Santa Barbara experiences that would especially entertain the Royal newlyweds. Happily, they are available to all who seek a Royal Summer holiday on The American Riviera®!  

They love polo! Prince William competed in the Foundation Polo Challenge, and you don't have to be a VIP to see the action from the front row. Stop by midweek games and practices for FREE, or don your summer best for tournament finals every Sunday for $10. SBPolo.com

They're seafarers! Surely Will and Kate would enjoy cruising the Santa Barbara coastline or boating to Channel Islands National Park, known as the "Galapagos of North America." You too can spot whales, dolphins and other marine wildlife aboard one of Santa Barbara's many charter boats. Explore all Santa Barbara's natural playgrounds with the Outdoor Recreation guide. 

They're young and in love! With a storied history of hosting 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 recipe for romance is seasoned with sparkling beaches, fine dining and world-class wines, luxury resorts and near-perfect weather. Visitors can live out their own love stories with special "Royal Summer" packages, valid through Aug. 31, 2011.

Kate is a culture vulture! With a Master of Arts from the University of Saint Andrews, the Duchess would be awed by Santa Barbara's arts-and-culture scene, offering one of the 10 best regional art museums in the country that's right: beaches, sunshine and Chagall) and more than 50 superb galleries. Get inspired with Santa Barbara's Arts & Culture guide. 

They're earth lovers! Will & Kate have been lauded for their environmental & 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 is dedicated to preserving its natural assets, and visitors can get in on the action, too. Visit GreenSantaBarbara.com to discover Santa Barbara's greener side.

Kate is a style icon! Santa Barbara's locally owned boutiques are well stocked with beach-chic style to accommodate Kate's many wardrobe changes. From luxurious basics to high-fashion ensembles, Santa Barbara shops are chock
full of fashion finds fit for the Duchess! Uncover Santa Barbara shopping secrets in "Shop, Shop, Shop" on TheSBPost.com.

They're at ease in the air! Get a bird's-eye-view of The American Riviera® like the Royal Couple did when they arrived to Santa Barbara by helicopter. Clearly comfortable in all types of flying machines, Prince William is a Royal Air Force helicopter pilot, and Kate is rumored to be interested in learning to fly planes. Surely they'd enjoy an aerial tour of Santa Barbara with Channel Islands Helicopters, and perhaps Kate would like to take a ride with one of the many flights schools based at newly expanded Santa Barbara Airport.    

Prince William is a footballer! While he may call the sport by a different name, 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.

For more Santa Barbara visitor experiences and "Royal Summer" special offers and packages, visit SBRoyalSummer.com.  For media information related to Santa Barbara's Royal Summer, visit SantaBarbaraCA.com/Media/RoyalSummer.

VISITOR INFORMATION

Santa Barbara is located just 92 miles north of Los Angeles and 332 miles south of San Francisco on the Pacific coastline. Visitors can arrive via scenic Highway 101, by Amtrak train or Greyhound bus, or by flying into Santa Barbara Municipal Airport or Los Angeles International Airport.

For travel and accommodation information and to request a free copy of the official Santa Barbara: The Magazine for Visitors, contact theSanta Barbara Conference & Visitors Bureau and Film Commission at 800.676.1266, 805.966.9222, tourism@santabarbaraca.com or santabarbaraCA.com. Visitor information is also available at the Visitor Information Center, 1 Garden Street (at Cabrillo Boulevard), Santa Barbara, CA 93101.

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