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
Grade
Standard
Who
Adults
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 favorite 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 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 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 AccommodationSolage, Auberge Resorts Collection
Located in the heart of wine country, Solage sits on 22-acres of Napa countryside. Boasting a modern farm aesthetic, it's recommended for families and couples looking for a chic retreat, where award-winning food, and health & wellness are high priority.
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View AccommodationCavallo Point Lodge
An award-winning escape, Cavallo Point Lodge is a luxury San Francisco hotel located at the base of the Golden Gate Bridge in one of America’s most popular National Parks.
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View AccommodationTrinidad Retreats Vacation Homes
For those looking for a home from home experience along California’s glorious northern coastline, close to Redwood National Park and great beaches, a vacation home rental offers the space, flexibility, and independence to suit all family requirements.
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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 AccommodationPendry San Diego
The Pendry opened in early 2017 in San Diego's lively downtown Gaslamp Quarter, quickly gaining a reputation as one of the best new hotels in Southern California. It is ideally located for exploring this sunny and vibrant city.
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View AccommodationCALIFORNIA HOTEL
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 AccommodationMontage Laguna Beach
The Montage at Laguna Beach is one of those places where you feel as if you have arrived - the service is immaculate, the ocean views to die for, and the artistic community of Laguna Beach just the place for boutique, gallery browsing and fine dining.
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 ExperienceYour free time in Yosemite - Scott Dunn Suggests
Walking and biking are the most popular ways to see Yosemite, with self-guide trail maps issued at the entrance. Wardens at the visitors center can advise on activities & the newspaper will tell you what's going on from star-gazing to wildlife talks!
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View ExperienceUniversal Hollywood VIP Experience
Star treatment awaits the fortunate few on this exclusive guided behind-the-scenes tour, revealing world class production facilities & movie sets normally closed to the public and enjoying front-of-line access to all rides, attractions & gourmet lunch.
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View ExperienceMonterey Aquarium - The US #1
Monterey's aquarium is located on the former site of a sardine cannery; much more than a collection of glass tanks, 200 gallons of seawater provide homes to sea life from kid-tolerant starfish to friendly penguins, sea turtles and hammerhead sharks.
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View ExperienceExplore Alcatraz Island
Journey to Alcatraz Island to visit the world-renowned Cellhouse on a self-guided audio tour
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View ExperienceBeach Bike Tour in Santa Monica & Venice Beach
Take in the ocean breezes, visit the historic Venice Canals, ride through Marina del Rey, take pictures with the Art Walls, and explore Muscle Beach. The sunny California weather makes this tour a fun and beautiful experience for culture enthusiasts!
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View ExperienceCycle over the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito
Hire a bike and cycle over the iconic Golden Gate Bridge from Fisherman's Wharf to charming Sausalito, perched on the hillside between the Bay and the Marin Headlands, or for the really energetic keep pedalling to Tiburon for lunch at Sam's!
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View ExperienceWarner Bros. Hollywood Behind the Scenes Tour
Warner Bros takes you “into-the-scenes” of your favorite shows at the world’s busiest motion picture and TV studio. From Batman to Argo, to The Big Bang Theory to Friends, the studio will show you how the magic is made. The tour is 3 hours for 8yrs+.
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View ExperienceHollywood Hills Private Hiking Tour
Go hiking in Hollywood Hills with a private guide. Be starstruck by the Hollywood sign, explore the Griffith Observatory and be inspired by beautiful views of the City of Angels, from the skyscrapers to Beverly Hills and beyond.
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View ExperiencePrivate Horseback Beach Ride
Soak in breathtaking views as you embark on a guided horseback ride along Santa Barbara’s sun-drenched coastline.
Call us on 212 372 7009 to start planning