Find recreation areas, nature activities and things to do in the outdoors in the Santa Ynez Valley:
Cachuma Lake Nature Center
Address: HC 59, State Highway 154, Santa Barbara, CA 93105
Tel: 805-693-0691
E-mail: clnaturectr@aol.com
Cachuma Lake Nature Center is a facility which offers exhibits and programs to thousands of guests each year free of charge: children on field trips, youth organizations, tour groups, camping clubs, churches, individual campers and day use visitors. The Center is unusual because of its location in a lovely, 1950s ranch house, its emphasis on hands-on materials, and its focus on local human and natural history. For information on Cachuma Lake Recreation Area (camping, boating, pickning)
Apple and Fruit Farm Stands
Seasonal apple and fruit stands offer fresh produce throughout the Valley–plus some opportunities to “pick your own”.
Apple Lane Farm
Address: 1200 Alamo Pintado Road, Solvang, CA
Tel: 805-686-5858
Greenhaven Orchard/Dittmar Farms
Address: 2275 Alamo Pintado Road, Solvang, CA
Tel: 805-264-7100
Morrell Nut & Berry Farm
Address: 1980 Alamo Pintado Road, Solvang, CA
Tel: 805-688-8969
Clairmont Farms
Address: 2480 Roblar Street, Los Olivos, CA 93441
Tel: 805 688 7505
Website:www.clairmontfarms.com
E-mail: info@clairmontfarms.com
Clairmont Farms is a family owned lavender farm. Located in Los Olivos, there are five acres of the Grosso variety lavender, known for its healing quality. The fields are breathtakingly beautiful with the backdrop of the Santa Ynez Mountains. Three hundred year old oak trees dot the grounds. Filmmakers, photographers and painters arrive each year and apply their craft. The driveway is lined with olive trees that were planted by the Spanish Missionaries over 175 years ago. In addition to our essential oil, we also offer a complete line of lavender based personal care products, homemade soaps, etc. The farm in open to the public from 10a.m. to 6p.m. daily. Tours each day with no charge! Visitors are welcome to stroll through the fields, picnic and shop in our boutique located next to the fields.
Ostrich Land
Tel: 805-686-9696
Website: www.ostrichland.com
A 33-acre breeding farm with more than 100 birds. Kids enjoy the back pen that houses a motley crew of gawky baby ostriches. There is also a smattering of emu on property. A small store sells eggshell paintings, fresh ostrich meat and other souvenirs. As seen in the hit movie SIDEWAYS!
Rolling Hills Garden Center
Address: 420 E Hwy 246, Buellton, CA 93427
Tel: 805-688-7210
Fax: 805-688-3676
Website: www.rollinghillsgardencenter.com
E-mail: rhgc.inc@verizon.net
Located at 420 East Highway 246 in Buellton next to the Hitching Post Restaurant. WE are open 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday. Visit us at our web site at www.
rollinghillsgardencenter.com too! Come browse our 1 1/2 acres of country gardens filled with antiques and garden art. We specialize in the unique and unusual and all of your garden needs.
Cachuma Lake Recreation Area
Tel: 805-686-5050
Located 10 minutes from Santa Ynez on Highway 154, this placid and beautiful body of water is home to fish, deer and bobcats as well as 275 species of birds, including migratory bald eagles in the winter. From November through February, eagle cruises depart from the lake marina to reveal these majestic predators in their native habitat. March through October enjoy wildlife cruises, all with naturalist aboard. There are also boat rentals, fishing, plus picnic, camping and play facilities. For general information, call 805-686-5054; for details and reservations on nature cruises aboard the Osprey 48-foot pontoon boat.
Nojoqui Falls County Park
This delightful spot, part of a county park 20 minutes from Solvang on Alisal Road, is reached via a 15-minute walk on a canyon trail, but is well worth it. In the winter it is a silvery cascade off the cliff, in summer a cool bank of moss, ferns and trickling waters.
Hiking
Figueroa Mountain Road area hiking trails offer opportunities to explore a ruggedly handsome section of the nearby Los Padres National Forest. Wildflowers in the spring are especially plentiful and vibrant.
Llama Ranch
Tel: 805-735-3577
At Tina and Bob Westin’s Flying V Llama Ranch, be fascinated by the beauty, intelligence and curiosity of these unique creatures native to the Andes. Tours are $5 per person, available by appointment only.
Wildflower Viewing
Tel: 805-925-9538
Website: www.fs.fed.us/r5/lospadres/conditions/wildflowers/
E-mail: htarbet@fs.fed.us
Mid March 2008 By Helen Tarbett, Los Padres National Forest Service Ranger
