Santa Barbara with teens
 

Hi All,
We will be in Santa Barbara for 6 days, part of the time we will be looking at colleges, but we want to take a couple of days to do some fun stuff as a family (16 and 18 year old boys). We know there are beaches, biking, shops, hiking, all of which sound fun, but does anyone have ideas for a particularly fun hike, place to visit, or something to do that is unique or only a local would know type of stuff? We would also be willing to travel an hour or so in any direction. Information on outdoor fun stuff or anything that might be interesting. We don't want to spend a lot of money either up to $25 a person or free would be nice. Thanks so much!!
Sincerely,
Leslie

I've been to Santa Barbara many times, in my misspent middle years, to run races at various distances up to the marathon. and one of our sons attended UCSB in Goleta. It is a beautiful and affluent city (well, most of it, anyway). I get the impression that they welcome tourists, but don't go out of their way to attract them. Does that make sense?

Hiking: Take a look at this site. I'm not in a position to recommend one because I only took one hike many years ago and don't remember its name. You want the ones in the Front Country.
http://www.santabarbarahikes.com/index.shtml

Things to do: Control your excitement.
http://www.santabarbara.com/points_of_interest/

My favorite tree:
http://www.beachcalifornia.com/sbtree.html

Many people's favorite breakfast spot. Unless you're black.
http://www.sambosrestaurant.com/

Tourist trap an easy drive from Santa Barbara, in the Santa Ynez Valley:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solvang,_California

Thank you I will check out your sites!

That hike link came out wrong. Try:
http://www.santabarbarahikes.com/

Thanks!

I love doing the SB Courthouse tour..have lunch at San Ysidro Ranch in Montecito..have burgers up the hills at Cold Springs tavern..croissants at Renauds..butterflys at the coast.