Although Santa Barbara is an atypical coastal town, it offers the typical Southern California variety of outdoor activities, from surfing to whale-watching.

Beaches // Everywhere...along the waterfront
Santa Barbara's most popular beach, East Beach, is a pristine stretch of blindingly white sand framed by postcard quality palm trees, surrounding hills and nearby harbor. For less crowded beachcombing, try nearby Leadbetter Beach, or further up the road, isolated Arroyo Burro (known to locals as Hendrys Beach) where dog lovers bring their pets to frolic in a no-leashes-needed surfside dog park. Even more isolated is Butterfly Beach, tucked away in a cove beneath the high-toned Biltmore Hotel in Montecito.

Hiking //
From the Mesa to the Santa Ynez Mountains, the unique geography of Santa Barbara provides amazing opportunities to see panoramic views and abundant wildlife. Hiking guides and maps are easily obtained at any local bookstore, well-equipped newsstand, or selected stores in tourist-heavy locations such as downtown. Examples include the Douglas Family Preserve, a great off-leash open space that often serves as the backdrop for numerous weddings, and East Camino Cielo Road off of Highway 154, which has several spots one can park and find a little trail to hike on, or even just sit and enjoy the view.

Wine Tasting //
If you come in early and have Friday to explore, this would be a fun way to explore the Santa Barbara back country and Santa Ynez Valley. There is a great collection of wineries to enjoy. however, please note, and be safe. The region takes responsible consumption very seriously, and since the February 2008 launch of the CHP Disignated Driver Program, DUI checkpoints have been frequent. Consider hiring a limo or signing on for a wine tour.

Wine Tours //
Daily wine tasting excursions depart from most area hotels, and you can pick from several different approaches.

Rent Bikes // Wheel Fun Rentals // 23 East Cabrillo Blvd
Rent a bike, or a multi person surrey, by the hour and ride along the water's edge. There are bike paths that you can take all the way from the Bird Preserve to Ledbetter Beach.

Walking Tour of SB //
Find some free parking on the side streets from Cabrillo Boulevard after passing State Street (i.e. on Bath Street and Yanonali St). Then walk on the sidewalk or the beach to State Street. At the intersection of Cabrillo Boulevard and State Street you will find the pier which will give you great views of the city. After walking on the pier, take State Street up past the train station. Shops and restaurants line up State Street up and down providing a great visitor experience. Take a left on Carillo St and go one block and then take a left on Anacapa St. This should get you to the Santa Barbara Courthouse (details above underWhat to See), and the pleasant views from its tower. Next, walk up the street to Anapamu St and take a left. This will put you back on State Street. If you're not tired yet you can keep walking up State Street to Mission St and take a right. If you follow the street to Laguna St and take a left and after three blocks take a right on Los Olivos. This will get you to the Santa Barbara Mission. After visiting the the mission and the delightful rose garden in front of the Mission, you can walk back to Cabrillo Boulevard or just take the shuttle back to the waterfront. Some of the local downtown hotels even rent bikes to guests, so check out to see if there might be one for you to borrow and make it a bike tour!

SEEING HERE

SATURDAY 10 JULY 2010