Activities in The Santa Barbara Area

The Arlington Theatre resides in the center of downtown’s main drag and evokes another era, complete with Mission Revival architecture and red seats s

An open-air used bookstore set in the frame of a traditional (though roofless) house.

Sample the freshest area produce and meats, including wild boar and colorful local heirloom tomatoes, escargots, pepper-crusted venison.

Considering the small waves and cool climate, Butterfly Beach isn’t exactly a destination for surfers or sunbathers, but the palm-lined stretch of sho

Taste the latest vintage of organic wines.

Part cheese shop and part lunch stop, C'est Cheese sells more than 100 varieties, as well as artisan goods such as jams, olive oils, salumi

Flirty tops by Nanette Lapore, Isabella Fiore bags, and other women’s favorites.

In Ventura, the center leads full-day kayaking tours of the islands, where dolphins and sea caves await. $180 per person; rentals $35–$55 per day

Just offshore from developed SoCal lie the Channel Islands, five of which are protected as a national park. Fewer than 30,000 people actually leave th

This family-run vineyard founded in 1983 specializes in Riesling and Pinot Grigio.

Known for its fresh, high-quality baked goods and inventive breakfast dishes, D’Angelo is situated on a side street near downtown Santa Barbara, not f

Where It Is: Sometimes called “the North American Galapagos,” this chain of eight islands lies 150 miles off the coast of southern California, roughly

You’ll find everything from collectables to fine jewelry at this shop, which specializes in Danish and European imports.

Here, rugged mountains make up a beautiful backdrop against the 1,100 acres of lush green grapevines.

Pick up a warm fleece jacket before you go at Ventura’s Great Pacific Iron Works, a.k.a. the Patagonia mother ship.

The 18-mile Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes Complex hosts hikes where guides point out the various habitats (dunes, sands, and wetlands) as well as plants and

The candy shop is famous for its house-made Danish milk and dark chocolates. Order them by the box—or the pound.

This tour operator offers 60-minute cruise tours of California's Channel Islands. They'll take you to Anacapa Island and ferry you back when you’re th