There are many interesting places to visit not far from Santa Barbara. You can reach most by public transportation or organized tours; or you could rent a car together with your friends. Don’t forget to visit the Sunrise Shop, which offers some excellent guidebooks, maps, DVDs and more!

Wine Country The Santa Ynez wine country allows you to sample some of California’s best wines right at the winery. There are many wineries offering guided tours and wine tasting. Several tour operators offer day trips, including those from Santa Barbara Adventure Company. Visit the Santa Barbara County Vintner's Association for more information.   Channel Islands The Channel Islands offer a variety of activities such as hiking, SCUBA diving, snorkeling, swimming, bird watching, kayaking, whale watching, and sailing. Location: The Channel Islands are located off the Santa Barbara coast and can be reached by boat in about 1 ½ hours (Anacapa Island). Visit Truth Aquatics for transportation information. Visit the Channel Islands National Park for more information.   Solvang Solvang, the “Danish Capital of America” is one of the most beautiful small towns in California. Location: Solvang is located 45 miles north-west of Santa Barbara. It can be easily reached by Amtrak bus in 45 minutes. Visit the Solvang Visitors Bureau for more information.   Hearst Castle There are several different tours offered of this incredible building of newspaper giant William Randolph Hearst; our favorite tour is the Evening Tour. Reservations are recommended. Don’t forget to visit the giant Elephant Seals just 4 miles North of Hearst Castle! Location: About 2 ½ hours north of Santa Barbara. Visit Hearst Castle for directions, online tickets and more information.   Disneyland A visit to California is not complete without a trip to this California classic. Don’t miss the Fantasmic Show and Disney’s classic Electrical Parade (in the California Adventure park)! Location: About 2 ½ hours south of Santa Barbara. Visit the Disneyland Resort in Southern California for directions and additional information.   Knott’s Berry Farm Another classic Los Angeles amusement park with lots of rides. Location: About 2 ½ hours south of Santa Barbara, not far from Disneyland. Visit Knotts Berry Farm for directions and additional information.   Six Flags Magic Mountain Six Flags Magic Mountain: Maybe the best roller coaster park in the world! Six Flags Magic Mountain has not only the highest, fastest and most exciting roller coasters but also some other slower rides. Location: About 1 ½ hours east of Santa Barbara on Interstate 5. Visit Six Flags Magic Mountain for directions and additional information.   Universal Studios Don’t miss the Studio Tour that shows you how some of the most famous movies are made! There are also many interesting shows and some exciting rides. Location: 1 ½ hours south-east of Santa Barbara, near Hollywood. Visit Universal Studios for directions and additional information.

 

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