Santa Barbara is commonly referred to as the American Rivera due to its rich Spanish heritage, cobblestone pathways, red tile roofs and distinctive architecture. This beachside city is located within the hub of California's Coastal County, approximately 78 mi (126 km) northwest of Los Angeles. Santa Barbara is recognized as an attractive tourist destination due to its warm climate and breathtaking natural beauty. Carpinteria State Beach and El Capitan State Beach both feature world-class surfing and swimming opportunities as well as regular visits by seals and sea lions. Additional animal encounters in their natural environment are provided by the Santa Barbara Zoo. The city's most noted landmark is Stearns Wharf. Serving freight and passenger shipping needs since 1827, the wharf was built on the longest deep-water pier in the county and currently boasts a wide variety of restaurants and merchants. An abundance of sightseeing services offer various tours for visitors throughout the year, exploring Santa Barbara's varied landscapes natural environment.