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Tagged �The American Riviera,� this vacation destination is only a brief 1.5 hour drive from Santa Clarita. Choose from waterfront activities such as parasailing and beachcombing, or head inland to visit a miniature horse ranch, ostrich farm, and the charming Danish town of Solvang. The list of adventures is endless and we�ve highlighted just a few of the experiences you don�t want to miss.

We've picked out a few highlights, but be sure to visit the tourism websites provided for a comprehensive list of great things to do.


Santa Barbara
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TO DO

Santa Barbara Zoological Gardens
805-962-6310
In the summer, week-long Zoo Camp is offered for kids from age 3 through seventh grade. Kids will learn about everything from insects to lions as they traipse around the zoo studying creatures and exploring careers of zookeepers and vets. Education Dept., 805-962-5339 Don�t miss the Kiddie train and carousel.
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Santa Barbara Botanic Garden
805-682-4726
Wander the five miles of fragrant paths that meander through sixty-five acres of California flora, with panoramic views of the Pacific. Here you�ll find eight different habitats from the desert to the redwood forests.
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Santa Barbara City College Lifescape Gardens
805-965-0581x2244
Set on a bluff overlooking the harbor lies an array of ornamental and edible plants used by students of the Environmental Horticulture Department of the college. On weekends, it is open to the public. For the most picturesque view of the South Coast, stop at the Lifescape's Chumash Point or the adjacent Castillo Overlook.
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Santa Barbara Orchid Estate
805-967-1284
Stroll through the lovely grounds of one of the world�s foremost collectors and propagators of orchids. Located just 500 feet from the Pacific Ocean, visitors are always welcome.
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Santa Barbara Maritime Museum
805-962-8404
Adults will be intrigued by the scale model of a Santa Barbara Channel oil rig, but the kids will love the opportunity to test their knot-tying skills, play games and try on costumes in the children�s discovery section of the museum. Everyone will love �driving� an ROV (remotely operated vehicle) in a tank on the outside patio.
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Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History
805-682-4711
Check out the full-size mammoth on display this summer and the skeleton of a 72-foot blue-whale. Explore one of the largest collections of Chumash material in the world, the planetarium, the Spacelab and the nature trails winding through eleven shaded acres. One day may not be enough time to discover the secrets of this interactive museum.
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Santa Barbara Museum of Art
805-963-4364
Every Sunday free family-oriented festivals are held offering performances of music, dance, and theatre. Kids get an opportunity to make their own masterpiece and families can tour the exhibitions, listen to stories or watch a film.
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Santa Barbara Arts and Crafts Show
805-897-1982
Held every Sunday along Cabrillo Blvd. East of Stearn's Wharf. About 250 Santa Barbara County residents artists display their work of original drawings, paintings, graphics, sculpture, crafts and photography. Take home an original.
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Southcoast Railroad Museum
805-964-3540
All aboard! Ride a miniature train on this 1/3 mile track around the museum grounds. Check the web site for free dates. For something truly different, provide your own power for a handcar ride offered on the third Saturday (August 16) of every month. Check out the model railroad exhibit in HO-scale and tour the 1901 depot complete with freight office and waiting room.
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Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club
805-684-6684
Spend a Sunday afternoon watching one of the oldest team sports in the world, or sign up for a polo or riding lesson.
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Painted Cave-Santa Barbara State Parks
(Search: Painted Cave)
805-899-1400
Discover the religious paintings on the walls of this sandstone cave in the hills above Santa Barbara.
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Great Parks
Take advantage of the wonderful breezes in Shoreline Park (above Leadbetter Beach) for great kite flying. Kids can climb in the mouth of a whale or a haunted castle in Alameda Park (1400 Santa Barbara Street). Hop aboard a vintage carousel or climb on a partially submerged whale in Chase Palm Park (Cabrillo Boulevard across from East Beach).

Great Beaches for Families
East Beach, Carpinteria Beach, and Goleta Beach are said to be the best for families, offering close proximity to food, fun, parking and water.

The Sideways Tour
Follow the path of Miles & Jack in the 2004 Academy Award-winning film, Sideways.

Savor the Flavors of Santa Barbara
Choose from several different travel packages that allow you to experience Santa Barbara County through your taste buds. Seafood, wine, and fresh produce are all indigenous to the area.

Santa Barbara Pistachio Company
800-896-1044
Take an informal tour of a real working pistachio ranch in the hills of Santa Barbara County. Stop in the restaurant for a bite to eat, then pick up some pistachios in the store to take home. Call ahead for the tour. Open weekdays. Located on Hwy 33 about 1.5 hours out of Santa Barbara.
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Santa Barbara Trolley Tours
805-965-0353
Park your car for your visit and explore Santa Barbara with this fun mode of transportation. One price includes on/off privileges throughout the day. The trolley stops are convenient to shopping, dining, and attractions including Butterfly Beach, Mission Santa Barbara and Andrea Clark Bird Refuge.
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Cloud Climbers Jeep Tours
805-965-6654
Grab the family and jump into a 6-passenger jeep for a backcountry adventure of the Santa Barbara hills. You’ll get a birds-eye view of Santa Barbara and an opportunity to hike through the sandstone cliffs. Your narrated tour comes complete with a professional driver, water and soft drinks, blankets, and first aid kit.

Blue Edge Parasailing
805-966-5206
Kids as young as five love soaring through the air on this 8-10 minute ride over the Pacific. Takeoffs and landings are soft and dry. Located on Stearns Wharf. Reservations recommended but not necessary.
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Spitfire Aviation, Inc.
805-967-4373
You choose your flight path for this hour-long scenic tour�the coastline, mountains or Santa Ynez Valley. Limited to four passengers.
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Ojai Angler
800-572-6230
Everyone gets to try their hand at bass and fly fishing on Lake Cachuma with Marc Mitrany, who regularly appears on the Outdoor Channel�s Worldwide Fishing Guide TV Show. Marc knows the secret coves to find those legendary large mount bass.
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Skater�s Point
805-897-2650
The skateboarder in the family will love this state-of-the-art facility. Located on Cabrillo Blvd, south of Stearns Wharf.
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Santa Barbara Adventure Company
805-452-1942
Sign the family up for a day of fun kayaking, mountain biking, rock climbing, or surfing.

DINING

Jeanine's Bakery
1253 Coast Village Road, Montecito
On the main drag in Montecito (near the Montecito Inn) is this delightful little cafe' serving delicious breakfast, lunch and espresso.
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31 West
Chef Michael Reardon prepares the best Santa Barbara County has to offer in a relaxed and sophisticated setting. A house favorite, Ricotta Gnochi in a fresh tomato sauce melts on your palette.
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Wine Cask
Indoors you'll find a stately fireplace and gold-leafed ceiling. Yet just as lovely is the courtyard where moonlight and candlelight combine with the soothing sounds of a bubbling fountain to create the perfect romantic environment. Entree's like Seared Sea of Cortez Scallops in a sunchoke puree with wild mushrooms make this a favorite dining experience. (Now also located in Fess Parker's Wine Country Inn in Los Olivos.)
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Kid-Friendly Dining
This web site will help steer you into the right direction for choosing food you love where the restaurants welcome your children. It includes great options such as Palace Grill, a Cajun favorite of Kevin Costner, Geena Davis & Michael Keaton, or California Pizza Kitchen, offering every kid�s favorite food.

TO STAY

Hotel Andalucia
The newest, and only luxury boutique, hotel in Santa Barbara, it's located steps from Paseo Nuevo and serves up sophisticated yet casual dining in 31 West, offering extraordinary wine country cuisine. The rooftop pool provides views of the Pacific Ocean, Channel Islands, and the Santa Ynez Mountains.
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Four Seasons Biltmore
This exquisite resort is accessible from the south end of Montecito Village, and just completed an extensive renovation. With luxurious bedding, attentive service, and details that must be experienced, "The Biltmore" (as locals know it) is a favorite of locals for Sunday brunch or a reclusive getaway. The Spa provides a couple's retreat like none other: a private suite with a view of the Pacific Ocean, fireplace, jetted tub, treatment tables, in-suite dining, and separate bath with shower.
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The Simpson House Inn
Tucked amid a lush English garden with flowing fountains, a fairy tale cottage awaits you. Rose petals leading to your Jacuzzi tub for two, a personalized welcome cake, or a fire awaiting you in your cottage fireplace--if you can dream it, the staff here can pull it off for you. Plan to enjoy the lavish evening Mediterranean hors D�oeuvres buffet featuring local Santa Barbara wines.
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Circle B Guest Ranch
805-968-3901
Are we there yet? �Yes!� will be your answer. Great fun doesn�t mean you have to travel a far distance. At this ranch you can choose to stake your claim for a week in one of their beautiful cabins or just drop in for a spell and enjoy horseback riding or a family-style meal of BBQ tri tip and theatre. If you are a guest of the ranch, you�re invited to do some exploring, hike the area, challenge one another to a game of billiards, or just dip into their pool. Need a massage after that long morning trail ride through the mountains and over the streams? No problem.
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El Capitan Canyon
805-685-3887
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Cedar cabins supplied with plush amenities such as down duvets, Jacuzzi tubs, on-site spa services, and healthful meals (cooked by someone else) are what many tired mommies have in mind when Dad says, �Let�s go camping!� The cabin is complete with a kitchenette, convenient for storing s�mores supplies to use with the private fire pit just outside the door. This property's cleanliness and attention to detail put it up there with a high-end resort hotel.
Saturday evenings will be filled with the sounds of blues, jazz or bluegrass music during El Capitan�s Summer Concert Series. Sitting service is available, as are guided hikes on Sunday morning, stargazing, horseback riding, beach cruising bikes and storytelling. If something�s forgotten, no problem. You can probably pick it up at the Canyon Market. All these conveniences are tucked in the Los Padres National Forest and only a five-minute walk to beautiful El Capitan State Beach. If you want tranquility, request a cabin at the far end of the campground, next to the creek.

Oh, yes. If you are looking for a more rustic approach to camping, there�s always the comfy Canvas Safari Tents, but you�ll have to walk to the nearby bathroom and shower facilities.

Rancho Oso Guest Ranch & Stables
805-683-5685
Is the Circle B and El Capitan a little too plush for you? Perhaps you and the family want to rough it this summer in a covered wagon? If that�s a little too harsh, how about a cabin complete with bedding, but minus the private bath? This real west experience is not soon to be forgotten. Whether you and the kids want to hit the trails of the back country or spend the night, you�re certain to bring home great memories.
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Family Vacation Center
805-893-3123
This may be something to check out if you are looking for a week long, all-inclusive getaway for the family. Children partake in activities supervised by college kids while the adults are free to explore Santa Barbara on their own or stay at the Center and enjoy grownup activities.
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Solvang

America�s Denmark. A kid�s paradise. Both are apt descriptions of the little Old World Danish Village hidden in the Santa Ynez Valley, just forty miles north of Santa Barbara. An oversized shoe, glider rides, miniature horses, ostriches, and rows of bakeries and candy shops delight the young and the young at heart. Stroll through Solvang or rent a surrey and pedal your way around town. Stop at the Visitor�s Center on Mission Drive (near Olsen�s Bakery) for details.
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TO DO

Pacific Conservatory of the Performing Arts
805-922-8313
This open-air theatre is a popular attraction to visitors of Solvang.
Various Locations

Quicksilver Miniature Horse Ranch
805-686-4002
Kid-sized horses stand contentedly behind white railings, thoroughly enjoying the attention they enjoy from kids of all ages. The ranch breeds and raises horses, but is kind enough to open to the public Thursday through Monday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Rides are not available.
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Ostrich Land
805-686-9696 (no website)
Located on the way from Hwy 101 into Solvang, you�ll find ostriches and emus awaiting young visitors. Emu food is available for purchase, as are ostrich eggs and feather dusters. A fun stop along the highway.
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Llama Ranch
805-735-3577
View these unique and curious animals from the Indies at the Flying V Ranch in Buellton. The one-hour tour will allow you to go inside the llama pasture and is fine for small children. There is a small fee. Call 24 hours in advance.
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Windhaven Glider Rides
805-688-2517
Choose a 15-minute scenic flight at 2500 feet or a 35-minute mile-high flight. Either way, bring your camera because in this two-seater glider you�ll experience Santa Ynez Valley as the birds do. No age restrictions.
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Cloud Climbers Jeep Tours
805-965-6654
See the �Santa Barbara� section of this article.

Golf
Choose from four golf courses, three eighteen-hole or one nine-hole, all within a short distance of Solvang.

Cachuma Lake Recreation Area
805-686-5050 Reservations M-F
805-686-5055 Reservations weekends
Enjoy a guided wild life cruise aboard the 24-passenger Ofsprey, rent a motor boat or paddle boat, or do a little fishing in one of the best fishing �holes� in So. California. Because the lake is a domestic water supply, swimming or sports that include body contact with the water are not allowed. Choose from � mile to four mile hiking trails, visit the Nature Center or camp in a Yurt. The web site offers excellent information including details on fishing and rentals.
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Nojoqui Falls
805-934-6123
While you�re in the area, take the short hike to Nojoqui Falls, just off Hwy 101. A 10-minute walk on this canyon trail will reveal a refreshing waterfall.

Hans Christian Andersen Park
Located on the outskirts of town, provides a children�s playground, horseshoe pits, tennis courts, and picnic areas.
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Wineries
You've seen "Sideways," so you're aware they are known for their outstanding Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. But did you know that the Santa Barbara wine country encompasses almost 18,000 acres? Check the web site for detailed information. Cloud Climbers Jeep Tours offers wine tours or rent a bicycle and pedal your way around the vineyards. Detailed information including a pdf version of the wine map and companies providing tours of the area are available on line.

Morrell Nut and Berry Farm
805-688-8969
1980 Alama-Pintada Road
Kids love picking their own raspberries and blackberries! Jams and cobblers are also available. In October and November, you'll find some of the best sun-dried walnuts you've ever tasted right here. Call ahead to avoid disappointments.
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Hans Christian Andersen Museum
805-688-2052
1680 Mission Drive
You'll have the opportunity to view rare first editions of "The Ugly Duckling" and "Thumbelina," Hans owns hand-cut papirklip designs, and traditional Danish children's folk art for sale.
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Santa Ynez Historical Museum
805-688-7889
3596 Sagunto
Over thirty carriages, wagons, stagecoaches and buggies are on display as well as guns, saddles, and Chumash Indian implements.
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Mission Santa Ines
805-688-4815
The first European settlement in the Santa Ynez Valley and one of the 21 missions, you'll find a peaceful courtyard and a museum filled with arrowheads, firearms and 18th & 19th Century vestments.
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DINING

Olsen's Danish Village Bakery
805-688-6314
1529 Mission Drive (between the Visitor's Center and Paula's Pancakes)
Named "one of the best in the West" by Sunset Magazine, you'll find delectable butter cookies and fresh breads to munch in the shop or take home. Forget to bring something home for the neighbor who watched your house while you were away? No problem. They ship!
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Paula's Pancake House
805-688-2867
1531 Mission Drive
This local's favorite serves up warm Danish pancakes or traditional breakfast and lunch items. Don't miss the fresh squeezed orange juice. This place is family-friendly and the kids will be entertained by the enthusiastic, costumed servers.
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WHERE TO STAY

Royal Scandinavian Inn
805-688-8000
This hotel is family friendly and provides the things tired parents and active kids need: an outdoor swimming pool and spa, on-site restaurant, and complimentary coffee served in the lobby every morning. Solvang's only full-service hotel, the lobby is richly decorated with warm wood paneling and a stone fireplace, and the newly renovated rooms are cheery and spacious.
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Lompoc

Driving through the valleys of Lompoc, you'll be treated to the site of acres of flowers, with their peak season June through August. These flowers are mostly grown for seed and shipped throughout the world. (Visit the website for updated flower reports before heading out.) Also known as the City of Murals, you'll find close to sixty murals painted on buildings throughout the city.
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Flower Tours
The abundance of flowers in the fields is dependent upon the prior year's seed production. Check the Lompoc Chamber website for updates before heading out. The flowers can be best viewed by proceeding west on Ocean Avenue to Bailey, then right on Bailey to Central. Continue going back and forth between Central and Ocean Avenues as you travel west. Continue westward to Artesia and return to North H on Ocean or Central Avenue.

Flower viewing etiquette: Stay on the roads and do not enter the flower fields. If you do stop your vehicle for a photo, please leave enough room for others to pass. You are welcome to enjoy the flowers, but please do not pick them.

Return to Freedom American Wild Horse Sanctuary
805-737-9246
A 310-acre safe sanctuary for wild horses and burros, you are welcome to visit on select dates for a 90-minute tour which accommodates small children. You can also sign up for a special Wild Horse Walking Adventure on those dates at 3:00 pm, which is for those 13 and over. There is a minimum donation required. If you care to drive down to the property, you may be lucky enough to spot the horses in the hills, but they can be pretty difficult to find. This sanctuary is home to Spirit, inspiration and model for the Dreamworks 2002 film, Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron.
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Jalama Beach
Some of the best wind surfing in Southern California can be found at Jalama Beach. Don't want to partake? Watching the colorful sails can be a delightful scene while enjoying a picnic or dining alfresco at the Jalama General Store & Grill.
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Santa Maria

Known nationwide as the barbeque capital of the world, just stop along Main St. on any weekend and choose from oodles of restaurants serving up the favorite cowboy meal. Check the Santa Maria web site for dining ideas and menus before heading out.
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Parks & Beaches
Pony rides (weekends), playground, disk golf, and picnic grounds await young visitors at Waller Park (300 Goodwin Road, 805-934-6211). Feed the ducks and geese in Preisker Park (2301 Preisker Lane, 805-925-0951x410).

Rancho Guadalupe Dunes Preserve
805-343-2052
Hike or four-wheel it around these incredible 600 acres of dunes, some of which are 500 feet high. Stop in at the Visitor Center Thursday through Sunday for information on the dunes and the Lost City of DeMille, the set of The Ten Commandments, still buried in the dunes today.
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Boomers
805-928-4942
Raceway go-karts, miniature golf, bumper boats and video games.
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YMCA Skateboard Park
805-937-8521
Quarter pipes, half pipes, boxes, rails, jumps, hills and a vertical ramp are available to challenge the skater in your family.
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Paul Nelson Aquatic Center
805-925-0951x352
516 McClelland Street
Special children's wading pool with frog slide and mushroom shower will cool off your little ones.
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Central Coast Sports Arena
805-739-0920
937 S. Thornburg, Gate 7
Public skating sessions for roller hockey and roller skating.
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Santa Maria Valley Discovery Museum
805-928-8414
Kids can crawl through an "ocean tunnel," climb aboard a life-size John Deere tractor, try their hand at Morse Code, "act" in the puppet theatre, and make funny faces in front of the fun house mirrors.
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Santa Maria Museum of Flight
805-922-8758
There's lots to see here for the budding pilot including a Bowers Flybaby, 1929 Fleet Model 2, a McDonnel/Douglas F-4S Phantom and more.
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