Vacationing to Santa Barbara
On A Tighter Travel Getaway Budget.

Santa Barbara is a prized vacation destination. And a visit to this coastline Riviera won’t break the bank. From the shoreline to its sister-communities to the Santa Ynez mountains, there’s plenty do enjoy and experience on a tight travel budget. Santa Barbara California is a picturesque sanctuary of sights, ocean adventures, off the beaten path-hikes and outdoor recreation amidst an area rich in history and tradition.

For families, romantic couples and vacationers of all ages…size this up. Over 100 miles of prime California coastline, 300+ days of annual sunshine, hike-friendly mountains, skateboard parks, museums, arts and galleries, inland lakes, world class restaurants and endless shopping.

Santa Barbara is pedestrian friendly; the city is linked by a trolley and shuttle system enabling quick and convenient access to museums, galleries, zoos, parks, restaurants, attractions, beach activities and hotels. There is a bevy of affordable hotels within blocks from the beach and the action. And of course there is a wide selection of luxury full-service hotels and resorts. Click here to view Santa Barbara hotel options that fit your vacation style and budget.

Rural Countryside Adventures
A day’s venture safari-style into the Santa Barbara area more rural settings deliver fun, relaxation and tranquility. Travel just 29 miles northeast from town lies a rich wine country with enough farms to quality for animal kingdom.

How about some eye-candy for children? At Quicksilver Miniature Horse Ranch they can watch tiny 34-inch horses prance around grassy meadows on this 20-acre facility which has one of the largest displays of the small horses in California.

Tucked along Alisal Road just outside Solvang is Nojoqui Falls, a 100-foot cascading bridal veil waterfall. It is a stunning backdrop for a lunch-break picnic and a peaceful stroll down a creek line under a canopy of huge oak trees.

Aspiring artists might enjoy a quick visit to the historic Painted Caves which depicts the life and ancient times of the Chumash Indians. Located just off San Marcos Pass on Painted Cave Road, a short hike leads to the caves. There are also local hiking trails that connect throughout the Los Padres National Forest.

For the little kids, the big kids and the kid in you, visit Little Orphan Hammies. When potbelly pigs for pets went out-of-style, this five-acre pig heaven stepped in and gave these orphans a stylized home. Upon appointment only, get up close and personal with about 100 pigs that each have its own private painted residence with glamorously funny names, It’s conveniently located within a Solvang residential area.

Ocean, Beach & Sand
Santa Barbara offers 18 sparkling beaches, an expansive playground of beach recreation, swimming, kite boarding, scuba diving, whale watching, parasailing, sail boating, fishing, kayaking and sunset cruising. Boasting one of the largest sailing fleets worldwide and the nation’s top sailing school, you can rent small craft to large yachts.

Try Carpinteria State Beach Park about 12 miles south of Santa Barbara. You’ll discover over 4,000 feet of pristine beach oceanfront with overnight camping, awesome surf-fishing and tide pooling recreation. Checkout the Carpinteria Seal Sanctuary where you can watch hundreds of the fuzzy mammals frolicking along the shoreline. Also visit Carpinteria Salt March Nature Park where 200 species of resident and migratory birds live and fly along this path.

Mountains & Wine Country
The Santa Ynez Mountains offer a plethora of biking, hiking excursions, hang gliding and rock climbing adventure. Talk about a biker’s convenience, test the La Cumbre Peak at 3,985 feet just 10 minutes from the city.

Los Padres National Forest offers a wide variety of trails that wrap around the mountains with expansive breathtaking views of the rugged coastline.

Don’t forget taking a drive through the Santa Barbara area wine country where more than 80 premium wineries offer wine-tasting and scheduled events.

Luxurious Santa Barbara On A Budget
Yep. Santa Barbara is a vacation spot for the rich and famous. But this scenic and adventurous vacation destination doesn’t have to cost a fortune to experience. Its nature, tranquility, great weather, scenic beauty and aura are free to vacationers from all around the world. It’s quiet, refreshing drives, mountainous landscape and countryside attractions are for all to enjoy.

Welcome to Santa Barbara, California. The ideal vacation destination for any budget.

Links to more information.

Quick Silver Ranch
Nojoqui Falls
Painted Caves
Las Padres National Forest
Little Orphan Hammies
Carpinteria State Beach
Santa Ynez Mountains
Santa Barbara Wineries