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 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 AccommodationPendry West Hollywood
Sophisticated and playful in equal measure, this hotel is the epitome of laid-back California cool with a prime location on West Hollywood’s iconic Sunset Boulevard.
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View AccommodationThe Maybourne Beverly Hills
Located in the prestigious heart of Beverly Hills, mere moments from exclusive Rodeo Drive, The Maybourne Beverly Hills is a timelessly elegant Los Angeles hotel, defining luxury and fine service within sumptuous and comforting surroundings.
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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 AccommodationCarneros Resort and Spa
In the midst of the Carneros winegrowing region is Carneros Resort & Spa. Nestled amongst 28 acres of endless vineyards, farmland and apple orchards, Carneros cottages and homes take on a modern agricultural aesthetic to create a unique Napa retreat.
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View Accommodation
Auberge du Soleil
Auberge du Soleil is an elegant wine country inn nestled within a 33-acre sunlit olive grove on the slopes of Rutherford Hill and surrounded by vineyards. With its unmistakeable intimacy, Auberge is a Scott Dunn favourite.
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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 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 holiday home rental offers the space, flexibility, and independence to suit all family requirements.
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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.
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 ExperienceGuided Hiking in Yosemite National Park
Yosemite's Granite Cliffs and Giant Sequoias make for incredible hiking country. With easy to moderate options, experience this World Heritage Center with an expert private guide by your side to show you what you may not see with your own eyes.
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View ExperienceHelicopter Tour with Malibu Landing and Picnic
Fly over LA's iconic landmarks, including the Hollywood Sign and Beverly Hills, then land in Malibu for a private picnic with stunning views before returning to Burbank.
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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 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 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 centre can advise on activities & the newspaper will tell you what's going on from star-gazing to wildlife talks!
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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 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 ExperiencePrivate Horseback Beach Ride
Soak in breathtaking views as you embark on a guided horseback ride along Santa Barbara’s sun-drenched coastline.
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View ExperienceWarner Bros. Hollywood Behind the Scenes Tour
Warner Bros takes you “into-the-scenes” of your favourite 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+.
Call us on 212 372 7009 to start planning