Things to do in

Ventura

Guests meet their guides at the boat launch at Santa Barbara Harbor, where they outfit everyone in paddle jackets and PFDs. Guides will give a basic paddling demonstration and safety talk before setting out on the water. The launch is easy, right out of the boat launch. This is a great introductory lesson to kayaking or a nice relaxing kayak for more experienced paddlers. Once on the water, guests will paddle approximately 1-2 miles along the coast surrounded by beautiful beaches and marine life. The group will paddle through the harbor, paddling past boats, through the historic wharf, under the pier, out to buoys, and along the beach. There is an abundance of wildlife along the way such as harbor seals, sea lions, brown pelicans, sea stars, cormorants, and of course seagulls. Guides will offer insight into the history of the region as well as local marine ecology. People love this paddle because of the relaxed pace and incredible marine life as well as taking in the views of the town from the water.

After being picked up from your Santa Barbara or Santa Ynez Valley accommodation in the morning, board a climate-controlled vehicle for the Santa Ynez Valley. Get a preview of the day from your guide, who will cover the local human history and give you insight into the wine region along the way. On arrival, enjoy a wine tasting at some of the area's top wineries, including a venue where your wine is paired with delectable cupcake tastings. The full-day tour features a sampling flight of cupcakes from Enjoy Cupcakes, a unique bakery in Los Olivos. Compare flavors like pomegranate-mango chardonnay and chocolate-blackberry syrah. After you're served a picnic lunch in the shade at a favorite winery, gain insight into specific blends and selections from the winery staff. Each establishment offers vintages and award-winning selections, and several wineries extend discounts on wine purchases. Conclude the day with a return ride to Santa Barbara and drop-off at your hotel.

After pickup from your hotel or another prearranged meeting point in the morning, depart by climate-controlled van to the Santa Ynez Valley. Get a preview of the day from your guide as you set off for your first winery, learning about the history of this famed wine region along the way. Discover unique vintages and blends at each establishment, and some wineries extend discounts on wine purchases. On arrival, the winery staff will take your group for a wine tasting to learn more about each winery. Enjoy a picnic style lunch in the shade at a favorite winery with cold beverages also provided. Groups often enjoy a barrel room tour and explore the small towns of Los Olivos or Solvang. The tour includes tastings at 3 unique and hand-picked wineries, before driving back to Santa Barbara with drop-off at your hotel included. Group rates are available.

Learn to surf at Mondos Beach with a private 1.5-hour beginner's surf lesson. Take advantage of the more gentle waves and generous space at Mondos Beach as you pick up the techniques and etiquette of surfing. Meet your instructor at the surf van located on Mondos Beach and get suited up in a wetsuit. Grab a longboard and walk to the sand for beach instructions. You'll be briefed on water and surf safety, etiquette, and proper technique before jumping into the ocean to catch some waves. Follow your instructor as they coach and push you into waves to give you an experience that will last a lifetime. Enjoy the gentle long breaking waves of Mondo Beach lending itself to longer rides for you. Your lesson is private so you or your group can have their own instructor and a more personalized experience.

Make the most of a Santa Ynez wine shuttle service which gives you the freedom to pick from a selection of some of the best wineries in the Valley. Explore a variety of lunch options in the quaint town of Los Olivos, focus on specific varietals or even enjoy an olive oil tasting or stop at a Lavender farm. Learn about the local history and gain insights into the Santa Ynez wine region along the way with your knowledgeable guides. When you arrive in the Valley, make your first stop within walking distance of 3 wineries. Your guide will go over the choices, and you can decide on the day which one speaks to your palate. Next, head on to the Los Olivos Tasting Rooms for a lunch stop and the chance to visit another tasting room. Boasting expansive views of Santa Barbara County’s vineyards and horse ranches, the town of Los Olivos has about 25 tastings rooms you can visit. Bring your own lunch or enjoy one of the many great restaurant options in town. For your final stop, get dropped off in one of the loveliest areas in the valley, and you can decide between 2 popular vineyards on the day of your visit. There is also an optional olive oil tasting stop at Rancho Olivos Artisan Extra Virgin Olive Oil that can be discussed with your guide the day of the trip.

Meet your guides before sunset for a comprehensive kayaking lesson and to receive your paddle jackets and life vests. Watch a basic paddling demonstration and safety talk before setting out on the water. Head out to sea in a single or double kayak where you can watch the colors change and stars appear. This is a great introductory lesson to kayaking or a nice relaxing kayak for more experienced paddlers. Once on the water, paddle for approximately 1-2 miles along the coast surrounded by beautiful beaches and marine life. Pass the harbor past boats, through the historic wharf, under the pier, out to buoys, and along the beach. Learn about the natural history, marine ecology, astronomy, and current hot spots throughout the tour. For groups, guides can facilitate initiatives, games, and more in-depth paddle challenges for a fun and engaging way to bring your group together.

Learn to surf the waves of Santa Barbara's beautiful beaches! These surf sessions give you a foundation in this exciting water sport. Meet your instructor at Mondo's Beach, south of Santa Barbara, and learn about the finer points of catching waves during a beach lesson and while in the water. The instructor will begin with a beach lesson reviewing: how to position yourself on the board, paddling techniques and proper stance. Once in the water students will get pointers on maneuvering waves, balance techniques and surf etiquette. Most of the guests "get up" within the first hour in the water! For the half-day option, pack your own lunch and enjoy a lunch break. Relax on the sand and enjoy drinks and food while recharging. A cooler will be provided for you to keep your lunches cool during the session. The seasoned instructors have years of experience in guiding lessons and can adapt their instruction to virtually any skill level. Santa Barbara offers ideal beginner's breaks and provides the perfect opportunity to get a foundation for this incredible sport. Surf sites are selected based on the current swell and tide conditions, and your instructor finds the best breaks for successful learning. Be sure to take in the gorgeous scenery with a view of the Santa Ynez mountain range.

Enjoy a guided walking tour of beautiful and interesting parts of downtown Ventura while following clues on your smartphone and solving interesting puzzles along the way. Play with your group as the game guides you through the city. Score points for correct answers as you try to get a high score on the leaderboard. See major attractions as well as less-known gems of Ventura on this unique interactive tour. Work together with your group to solve the 21 challenges on the scavenger hunt as you walk approximately 2 miles. Play any time that fits your schedule. There is no in-person guide you have to wait for. Explore downtown Ventura California at your own pace. See the bustling Main Street, the historic Mission San Buenaventura, some of the best-preserved Victorian Architecture in California, and many interesting and lesser-known sights. Enjoy fun challenges with family and friends that are perfect for all ages.

Hop in your car and enjoy this self-guided audio tour along the Pacific Coast Highway. Start in San Francisco or LA, and simply follow the GPS guide to explore one of the most beautiful stretches of coastal road in the world. Take your time driving through Monterey Bay, artsy Carmel and more. Your virtual audio guide will share interesting facts and insights as you drive. Admire views of rocky headlands, jewel-like coves, waterfalls and the famous bridges of Big Sur as you explore California’s coastal highlights. Your downloaded guide will give you plenty of opportunities to pull off the road and explore local beaches, wildlife and towns on foot. Wander through San Luis Obispo, Morro Bay, Santa Barbara, Ventura & Malibu before wrapping up the tour in Los Angeles. You will receive an email with the audio tour app link and a unique password from the local supplier within 1 hour of booking. Once the app is downloaded, take the tour whenever you would like. Just head to stop number 1 and begin exploring.

Meet your guide at Haskell's Beach just north of Santa Barbara, one of the area's most beautiful beaches featuring a palm-lined coast and crystalline waters. Your guide will outfit the members of your group with kayaking gear and will take you through a kayaking lesson on shore, including instruction on entering and exiting the surf. When you are on the water and feeling comfortable with your paddling skills, you will set off on a stunning 4.8 km journey. You will stop amid pristine kelp beds to learn about marine ecology and the Santa Barbara Channel. Keep an eye out for dolphins that often swim and play alongside the kayaks. At midday, you will stop for a delicious lunch served on a secluded beach. After an optional swim, venture back to shore and on the way take part in some fun kayak challenges and games. This is an unforgettable trip and the perfect half-day activity.