When it comes to spectacular California destinations to enjoy, those with a passion for everything from architecture and fine dining to delightful ocean views will find the best of the best in Santa Barbara. The combination of its Mediterranean-influenced style and beautiful beaches make Santa Barbara a place where it's easy to return year after year in pursuit of even more adventures. From wineries and museums to galleries and gorgeous views, Santa Barbara has a way of highlighting the ultimate in unforgettable moments. While this bustling locale is a great place to gather and enjoy time with friends and family, it's also a place where a more isolated stay can be enjoyed. When you're looking for off-the-beaten-path fun that keeps you immersed in the scenery but far from the crowds, consider adding the following stops to your must-try list of activities in Santa Barbara, CA.
It could be argued that there's no activity more isolated, independent, or thrilling than paragliding. When you're visiting Santa Barbara and looking for a place to enjoy this one of a kind fun make sure to book your time with Eagle Paragliding. Located at 415 W. Anapamu, Eagle Paragliding is staffed by trained professionals who are in the business of helping guests enjoy the adventure of a lifetime. There's something special about soaring above the terrain, taking in Santa Barbara from a bird's eye view. Eagle Paragliding offers one- and two-day training classes as well as certification for those looking to do this activity solo. There are also opportunities to take part in on-site clinics or partake in a tandem paragliding experience if preferred.
The waters that lap the Santa Barbara shorelines are enticing with good reason. Those visitors that are hoping to make the most of tranquil moments on the waves will love the opportunity to get out and spend an afternoon paddleboarding during a visit. Make your way to the Santa Barbar Sailing Center located just off the Santa Barbara Harbor next to the launch ramp when you're in the mood to reap the benefits of a paddle board rental experience. This premier provider of all things outdoor adventure offers paddle board rentals starting at $18 per hour or $72 for the entire day. If you're looking for some instruction, guided tours are available any time between 9:30 am and 4:30 pm daily. In addition to some incredible gear waiting to be enjoyed, a stop at the Santa Barbara Sailing Center makes it easy to reserve a kayak or boat as well.
If you're looking to savor a Santa Barbara sunset, but prefer the experience in a more isolated fashion, it's easy enough to book a private cruise on board a luxury yacht while you're in town. The Santa Barbara Sailing Center which provides guests with top-tier kayak, paddleboard, and boat rental options for the day is also a great place to reserve your chartered experience as the sun goes down. A U.S. Coastguard licensed captain will help you sail your way down the Santa Barbara coastline as you savor the sights, enjoy a handcrafted cocktail, and make the most of onboard dining services upon request. This experience promises to be as luxurious as imagined. Guests are invited to pick and choose between several sizes of yachts available for a private sunset cruise ranging from 27-foot vessels to those spanning up to 50 feet in length.
There's something about lacing up the boots and hitting the hiking trails that makes for a wonderful day immersed in the beauty of nature. For those guests to Santa Barbara looking to leave the cityscape behind and make the most of the great outdoors, a trip to Rattlesnake Canyon Park is a must. With easy parking available at nearby Skofield Park, visitors to Rattlesnake Canyon Park will first notice the wonderful collection of towering Oaks and Sycamores that dominate the landscape. Rattlesnake Canyon Park is a hiking-trail only destination, meaning your trek won't be interrupted by mountain bikes along the way. Hikers have the option of enjoying a 5-mile roundtrip route that takes them to Gibraltar Road. Along the way, expect to enjoy amazing views of Montecito, the islands, and Santa Barbara from an elevation of 2,475 feet.
Taking time to enjoy the beauty, fun, and isolated tranquility of time in Santa Barbara is sure to be an inspiring choice. When your travels bring you this way, let the team at Paradise Retreats take care of all your rental accommodation needs. We'll make sure to keep you close to the destinations you're excited to explore while providing the comfort, convenience, and luxury you deserve. Contact us today to learn more about our many properties and services and to begin planning your next California adventure.
