2 California towns crack new list of best cities in the US

California’s smaller cities just scored a major travel-world bragging right — with two Golden State destinations landing among the 10 best small cities in a new national ranking.Santa Barbara grabbed the No.5 spot, while Healdsburg came in at No.

8 in Conde Nast Traveler’s latest Readers’ Choice Awards, putting the two California towns ahead of a string of better-known destinations across the country.And they offer very different versions of the California getaway.The biggest news, opinion and culture shaping California right now.

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Never miss a story Santa Barbara brings the seaside glamour.Set between the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Ynez Mountains, the Central Coast city is known for its Mediterranean-like climate, Spanish Colonial Revival architecture and laid-back atmosphere, a combination that has earned it the nickname the “American Riviera.”Its coastal setting is a major draw, but the city’s appeal goes beyond the beach.

White stucco buildings, red-tile roofs, mountain scenery and more than 300 days of temperate, sunny weather give Santa Barbara a distinctly relaxed feel, while its location offers an escape from the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles.The city has an estimated population of 86,422 and a median household income of $106,182, based on recent US Census Bureau figures.Healdsburg, meanwhile, offers a distinctly wine-country experience.The Sonoma County town has transformed from a sleepy community into a culinary and wine destination, yet it has retained a more relaxed character than neighboring Napa Valley.Its historic downtown and plaza are packed into an easily walkable area filled with galleries, shops, restaurants and wine-tasting rooms.The local food scene leans heavily on the surrounding region, with everything from Pacific Coast seafood to produce from nearby farms.Visitors can...