Santa Barbara 4-Day Bike Tour

Your guides will meet you in Santa Barbara and whisk you off to the Santa Ynez Valley. After a bike fitting and safety review, begin riding on Alisos Canyon Road into Los Alamos. On our gentle climb, we’re accompanied by fields of lazily grazing cattle and views of the Santa Ynez Mountains. Descend past fields of Rhone varietals in Alisos and Foxen Canyon, where beautiful tasting rooms dot the landscape. Our first fun lunch in Los Alamos is in an old stagecoach that’s full of cowboy country character, followed by a stop at a winery for a casual tasting to kick off our trip. Choose to return to Fess Parker by van or by bike, and relax by the pool before dinner. This evening, we gather for our first dinner of classic California Coast cuisine.

Meals: Lunch / Dinner
Destinations: Los Alamos, Alisos Canyon, Foxen Canyon
Accomplished: 33 miles / 53 km, elevation gain: 2,201 feet / 671 meters
Shorter Option: 17 miles / 27 km, elevation gain: 1,000 feet / 305 meters
Accommodations: Fess Parker Wine Country Inn

This morning we’ll start the day merrily pedaling through bucolic Happy Canyon. Surrounded by horse ranches and hillside vineyards, you’ll experience a quiet contrast to the typical bustling wine route. After a coffee stop, join us at one of the most unique restaurants in the area for lunch and dine at shared tables with in-the-know locals. This evening, you’re free to venture into Los Olivos, and you can’t go wrong with wherever you choose to dine on your own.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch
Destinations: Santa Ynez, Happy Canyon, Solvang, Ballard Canyon
Accomplished: 30 miles / 48 km, elevation gain: 1,660 feet / 506 meters
Shorter Option: 19 miles / 30 km, elevation gain: 886 feet / 270 meters
Accommodations: Fess Parker Wine Country Inn

Bid farewell to the Santa Ynez valley as we cycle through Foxen Canyon and into Sisquoc. Climb up gentle grades and pass vast stretches of vineyards, farmland, and bright fields of marigolds as we head north toward Santa Maria. We’ll pause to enjoy lunch at Presqu’ile Winery, then make our way along the Pacific Coast to our hotel for some downtime to enjoy the grounds and relax. We will wrap up the day with a farewell dinner at one of our favorite local restaurants.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Destinations: Foxen Canyon, Sisquoc, Santa Maria
Accomplished: 40 miles / 64 km, elevation gain: 981 feet / 299 meters
Shorter Option: 26 miles / 42 km, elevation gain: 840 feet / 256 meters
Accommodations: Belmond El Encanto

This morning, after a coffee on the hotel’s ocean-view terrace, we’ll hit the road to explore the most beautiful neighborhoods of Santa Barbara. Opt for an easy coastal route, or challenge yourself on the hills for breathtaking views of Santa Barbara and the coast. We’ll pass the historic Santa Barbara Mission and can stop for more coffee at Handlebar, a local cyclist haunt owned by two former pros. Finally, we’ll bid each other farewell over one final brunch—complete with mimosas, of course.

Meals: Breakfast
Destinations: Mission Santa Barbara, Hope Ranch Road, Santa Barbara Boardwalk
Accomplished: 26 miles / 42 km, elevation gain: 1,666 feet / 508 meters
Shorter Option: 18 miles / 29 km, elevation gain: 905 feet / 276 meters