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Santa Barbara
I think we may spend a few days in Santa Barbara for a few days before visiting San Diego. Any recommendations on wineries ot things we should not miss. Thanks,
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The actual wineries are in the Santa Ynez Valley about a 40-45 minute drive away. I like the Mission, it is a real beauty and it is always fun to drive out onto Stearns Wharf and have a nice seafood lunch.
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I think we went to the mission years ago but worth another visit.
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If you have any interest in unusual gardens there's a spectacular one in Montecito, Lotusland, very near Santa Barbara on the other side of highway 1/101. And it's quite a story, too, with photos on the website to help you decide if it appeals. If so, reservations are required. https://www.lotusland.org/
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If you cannot get up to Santa Ynez to visit wineries, there is a lot of good tasting in Santa Barbara itself if you follow the Urban Wine Trail tasting rooms. https://urbanwinetrailsb.com/ |
Gainey has nice wines. https://gaineyvineyard.com/our-story This looks like fun: Jeep Tour & Tasting Experience Try the most unique tasting experience in the Santa Ynez Valley. This one-of-a-kind adventure allows you to enjoy a Cloud Climber Jeep ride through our vineyards to our 100-year old barn located on our ranch. Once there, you'll enjoy a wine tasting flight in the shade of the barn while taking in the beauty of the surrounding live oaks, creek, and vineyards. Available: Saturdays Only Times: 11am-3pm Cost: $25 per person DETAILS:
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I love gardens and had already checked out Lotusland but unfortunately it will be closed for the season by then and we are not there for the jeep tour on a Saturday. But I saw where there is a biking wine tour which sounds interesting. HOpe the weather works for us.
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Other missions nearby include Santa Ines (Ynez) and La Purissima. |
If you are driving all the way to San Diego, don't drive back up to Santa Ynez for wine, head over the the wineries near the Presidio listed in the link above! You won't find better than Au Bon Climat and Happy Canyon! Walk around downtown to enjoy the Presidio are ( notice I didn't suggest walking down State Street), walk around the beautiful historic courthouse and go up to the clock tower for stunning views of the city! Have a delicious lunch or dinner with a spectacular view at the BIltmore/Four Seasons in Montecito and take a walk at Butterfly Beach. The Botanic Garden is also a gem. So much to do here, enjoy every moment!
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We enjoy the Botanical Gardens, the Moxi museum (a real fun and interactive museum), walking through Alice Keck Park. Down by the wharf is the Funk Zone, with lots of wineries, restaurants, and shops. Favorite restaurants include Olio et Limone, Olio Pizzaria, Corazon Cocina in the SB Public Market (they just opened a restaurant in the Funk Zone), Jane, Opal...there are SO many fabulous places to eat in SB! Have fun. |
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