Adventure touring in Santa Barbara

Wildfires aside, Santa Barbara is one hot destination these days. It's handy to major urban areas (less than a tank of gas away from Los Angeles/Long Beach, and an easy drive south from the Bay Area along scenic Highway 101). And yet it feels exotic, like some lovely fugitive from California's early Spanish Colonial period, with all those red tile roofs, courtyards, and adobe-style buildings.

For laid-back travelers, there's shopping along lively State Street, strolling along Sterns Wharf, and a charming mission atop a hill to roam. And if you're looking for active sports, local outfitters are ready to guide you on a variety of new active adventures to inspire, invigorate, and educate.

BlueLine Paddle Surf (www.bluelinepaddlesurf.com) is the area expert in Stand-Up Paddle Surfing, and now provides instruction and rentals. In addition to high-end bike equipment rentals with delivery service, Santa Barbara Bikes To-Go (www.sbbikestogo.com) offers personalized bike tours for cyclists of every level—local wine and food can be easily incorporated into itineraries. Vino Vaqueros (www.vinovaqueros.com) blends gourmet food and local wine with horseback riding on a variety of exclusive guided, customized treks in wine country and coastal settings.

So think about Santa Barbara for a long weekend getaway. It's as laid back or action-packed as you want.

Deal alert: This summer, Tydes (Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara’s new signature restaurant) will offer daily “Sunset Suppers,” a three-course prix fixe menu for $49 per person; www.fourseasons.com/santabarbara.


Details: For lodging, dining, and events, go to Santa Barbara CVB, click here.
PHOTO CREDIT: BLUELINE PADDLE SURF