The Arlington Theatre resides in the center of downtown’s main drag and evokes another era, complete with Mission Revival architecture and red... Read More
An open-air used bookstore set in the frame of a traditional (though roofless) house. Read More
Sample the freshest area produce and meats, including wild boar and colorful local heirloom tomatoes, escargots, pepper-crusted venison. Read More
Considering the small waves and cool climate, Butterfly Beach isn’t exactly a destination for surfers or sunbathers, but the palm-lined stretch of... Read More
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, and various... Read More
Taste the latest vintage of organic wines. Read More
Flirty tops by Nanette Lapore, Isabella Fiore bags, and other women’s favorites. Read More
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 Read More
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 the... Read More
This family-run vineyard founded in 1983 specializes in Riesling and Pinot Grigio. Read More
Known for its fresh, high-quality baked goods and inventive breakfast dishes, D’Angelo is situated on a side street near downtown Santa Barbara,... Read More
Where It Is: Sometimes called “the North American Galapagos,” this chain of eight islands lies 150 miles off the coast of southern... Read More
You’ll find everything from collectables to fine jewelry at this shop, which specializes in Danish and European imports. Read More
Here, rugged mountains make up a beautiful backdrop against the 1,100 acres of lush green grapevines. Read More
Pick up a warm fleece jacket before you go at Ventura’s Great Pacific Iron Works, a.k.a. the Patagonia mother ship. Read More
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... Read More
The candy shop is famous for its house-made Danish milk and dark chocolates. Order them by the box—or the pound. Read More
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&rsquo... Read More
Charles Banks and business partner Stanley Kroenke, perhaps best known for Screaming Eagle, own this 600-acre winery north of Santa Barbara in the hill... Read More
Of the 24 hiking paths that crisscross the valley, the 6_-mile Last Chance Trail, which winds through the forested Santa Paula Canyon, is the most... Read More
Hike the trails in this national forest. Read More
Try a yoga-basics class at this downtown studio. Read More
Eat local by booking one of these guided tours that lead the culinarily curious to fresh foods at the farmers’ market, fishermen’s market, C... Read More
Pilgrims, gurus, and yogis have been drawn to these chaparral-covered hills for years. To see why, follow Reeves Road to the serene Meditation Mount... Read More
The 1807 adobe Mission Santa Inés is one of 21 Spanish missions in California. Stroll through the rose-and-oleander garden. Read More
Nancy Michali trained at San Francisco’s renowned Tanta Marie culinary school before opening the Ojai Culinary Studio in a wood-floored house. The... Read More
This olive farm near town offers tours, free samples, and bottles of orange- and rosemary-infused oils. Read More
The Sunday market features organic produce, as well as artisanal soaps, candles, honey, and breads. Read More
Handmade furniture and a great selection of local jewelry. Read More
Stop by this beautifully rustic winery, with its more than 300 acres of vineyards. Read More
Check out the Japanese teahouse and wander through the 65 acres of over 1,000 species of plants and flowers. Read More
The elaborate architecture is equal parts alcazar and Palazzo Vecchio. The view from the clocktower stretches from the Channel Islands to the Santa... Read More
Catch up on early California history at the beautiful, centuries-old Santa Barbara Mission. Read More
Six blocks from the town courthouse, this weekly market is the perfect place to watch gray-haired hippies, dreadlocked surfers, and well-heeled natives... Read More
To avoid crowds at the Last Chance Trail, opt for the Shelf Road Trail, with its dramatic valley views. Read More
The school is located a block from prime paddleboarding territory on East Beach. Read More
Head to the spa for a grape seed–extract massage. Read More
Sip six of this setup’s best wines, take in the view from one of the picnic tables, play a game of chess on the life-size chessboard, or walk... Read More
