Your free time in Santa Barbara - Scott Dunn suggests
Santa Barbara is the 'American Riviera' with a beautiful sunny climate and Pacific Ocean breeze. Get out on the water by catamaran, see whales and dolphins around the Channel Island National Park and cycle along the palm-lined promenade on a cruiser.
Area
California
Type
Community & Culture
Grade
Standard
Who
Adults
Teens
Difficulty
Leisurely
Duration
Full Day
Get out on the water with the Santa Barbara Sailing Center on kayaks or Catamarans, or take a trip out to the Channel Islands with its unique flora and fauna best seen by boat or kayak. For whale and dolphin watching trips, we recommend Condor Express for twice daily summer trips from the wharf. Cycling is the favourite way to get around, and bikes can be found at Wheel Fun (22 State St) where you can choose from classic cruisers to mountain bikes. Or for lazy beach days head to Arroyo Burro (Hendy's Beach) near the junction of Cliff Dr and Las Positas Rd, with free parking and a restaurant.
Recommended Hotels Nearby
A selection of luxury hotel options in the area, handpicked and recommended by our travel specialists.
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View AccommodationPost Ranch Inn
Perched 1200 feet up on a ridge overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Post Ranch Inn is an architectural gem, and seamlessly blends understated rustic luxury, immaculate cuisine and astounding service.
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View AccommodationThe Redwoods in Yosemite
Nestled among the giant redwood trees, stay in your own log cabin in Yosemite's Wawona area. Peaceful, private and authentic, the self-catered homes are located on private property within the National Park.
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View AccommodationEl Encanto
A historic Mediterranean-style Santa Barbara retreat with romantic bungalows, spa, coastal dining, and easy access to beaches, wine country, and the Channel Islands.
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View AccommodationFour Seasons Napa Valley
As Napa’s first resort set within a world-class vineyard, the Four Seasons Napa Valley offers a seamless and integrated grape-to-glass experience, along with glorious views, well-appointed accommodation, superb dining, two pools, spa, and fitness room.
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View AccommodationThe St. Regis San Francisco
Located in San Francisco's trendy SoMA district, St Regis San Francisco is a luxurious city hotel with a contemporary edge. Boasting stylish interiors and well-appointed lavish suites, the St Regis is perfect for families exploring the city by the bay.
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View AccommodationThe Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel
Situated atop a 150-foot bluff overlooking a superb surf beach, the elegant Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel offers a peaceful sanctuary with impeccable service and superb facilities only a 10-minute drive from exclusive Laguna Beach.
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View AccommodationCarmel Valley Ranch
Carmel Valley Ranch is nestled between the Santa Lucia Mountains and the leafy vineyards of Carmel. An ideal base to explore the Carmel and Monterey region, the resort offers both a superb chance to relax and explore.
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View AccommodationHotel Californian
Enviably located just steps from the beach, Hotel Californian is a celebration of Spanish Colonial architecture and modern style and design. Featuring a rooftop pool with panoramic ocean views, there's no better place to experience the American Riviera.
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View AccommodationHotel Casa del Mar
Once an opulent beach club for Hollywood stars of the 1920s, Casa del Mar oozes old school glamour and relaxed sophistication. Sitting on the golden sands of Santa Monica beach, the hotel has uninterrupted ocean views and a delightfully decadent décor.
More Experiences in This Area
Discover more things to do in the area and chat to our specialists about crafting these experiences into your tailor-made holiday.
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View Experience
Yosemite Hiking Excursion
This morning, explore Yosemite's Mariposa Grove on a private guided hike. Marvel at giant sequoias on a tailored 4- to 5-hour trek or shorter 2-hour walk. Learn their ecology, capture stunning photos, and enjoy lunch back at your hotel afterward.
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View ExperiencePrivate Joshua Tree Hike
Explore Joshua Tree’s wild beauty on a 1-6 mile off-trail adventure. Hike through canyons, towering rocks, and surreal vistas while your guide shares history, geology, and wildlife insights—plus optional rock scrambling!
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View ExperienceBeachside Horseback Ride and Scenic Picnic Lunch
Soak in breathtaking views as you embark on a guided horseback ride along Santa Barbara’s sun-drenched coastline.
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View Experience
Beekeeping Experience at Carmel Valley Ranch
Embark on a VIP apiary tour in Carmel Valley, donning beekeeping gear to explore a hive of 60,000 Italian honeybees. Learn about their social structure, sample fresh honey, and take home a special gift.
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View ExperiencePrivate Surfing Lesson
Learn to surf along the California coast with a private expert instructor. Master wave timing, pop-ups, paddling, and ocean safety, leaving confident and ready to ride like a pro!
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View ExperienceNewport Beach Private Sailing Charter
Set sail from Newport Beach for a half-day sailing adventure. Help hoist the sails, explore Laguna Beach's secluded coves, swim, and enjoy marine life sightings, before returning to the marina.
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View ExperiencePrivate Insider Architecture Tour
Dive into Palm Springs' mid-century modern scene on a private tour. Explore iconic homes, admire interiors, and learn about architects like Wexler and Frey. See outdoor art and celebrity estates on this insider’s journey!
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View ExperiencePrivate Santa Monica & Venice Beach Tour with Picnic
Explore LA with a journalist guide! Bike through Venice Beach, enjoy a picnic in Santa Monica, and take a scenic coastal drive to hidden landmarks, colorful murals, and stunning ocean views.
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View ExperiencePrivate Sailing Charter: Sausalito to San Francisco
Set sail on a private 3-hour charter from Sausalito to San Francisco, enjoying stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, and the city's iconic skyline.
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View ExperiencePrivate Lake Tahoe Boat Tour
Enjoy a private 27-foot luxury boat tour of Lake Tahoe with a guide. Explore Tahoe City, Emerald Bay, and Camp Richardson, plus enjoy hiking, local culture, and scenic views before returning to your hotel.
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View ExperienceExplore San Francisco in a Private Cable Car
Take a private sightseeing tour aboard the Powell-Hyde streetcar, enjoying stunning views of San Francisco's landmarks, from Coit Tower to Lombard Street, with a local guide.
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View ExperienceDisneyland Private VIP Tour
Experience the magic of Disneyland with a VIP guide, skipping queues and customizing your day! Meet Disney characters, enjoy top attractions, and access exclusive parade and show viewing areas.
Call us on 212 372 7009 to start planning