If you are planning a vacation to beautiful Solvang, California in the Santa Ynez Valley, you may need some ideas from a local to make the most of your trip. Find outdoor recreational activities, golf, river fun, horseback riding, biking trails and hot air balloon rides in the Santa Ynez Valley.
The Los Padres National Forest is the backyard of the Santa Ynez Valley. The forest’s more than 1.5 million acres and over 1,000 miles of trails, as well as hundreds of streams and rivers, make for a beautiful scenic wilderness, as well as a great place for summer fun. If you are a sportsman, there are good fishing and hunting opportunities as well.
Golf
Rancho San Marcos Golf Course
Address: 4600 Highway 154, Santa Barbara, CA 93105
Tel: 805-683-6334
Fax: 805-692-8805
Website: www.rsm1804.com
E-mail: tendy@rsm1804.com
Newly renovated and re-opened July 4, 2007. Considered by many to be the premier golf experience in Southern California! Set in the mountains 12 miles outside of Santa Ynez, Rancho San Marcos Golf Course spectacularly captures the natural beauty and distinctiveness of its surroundings. Built on the site of the historic Rancho San Marcos, circa 1804, this Robert Trent Jones, Jr. designed gem gracefully saddles the natural topography meandering amidst a plethora of ancient oaks, and preserved traces of 19th century adobe structures and the rugged San Marcos Stagecoach trail.
La Purisima Golf Course
Tel: 805-735-8395 for reservations
La Purisima located west of State Highway 246 on the way to Lompoc features a relaxed setting among gently rolling hills masking a demanding course. At 7,000 yards and par 72, La Purisima is designed to meet the requirements of major PGA and LPGA competition. The course was recently the site of the PGA Tour qualifying finals. Golfers may choose from a full range of services, clinics and special rates.
River Course At The Alisal
Tel: 805-688-6042 for reservations
Website: www.rivercourse.com
Alisal River Course is just south of Solvang’s Mission Drive on Alisal Road, situated on the banks of the Santa Ynez River against a backdrop of the Santa Ynez Mountains. Four lakes grace the championship course, part of the famous 10,000-acre Alisal Ranch. Sycamores, elderberry trees and oaks punctuate the setting. Par is 72 on each of four sets of tees designed to challenge golfers of any skill level; the championship course is 6,830 yards. Services are fullrange while a rustic restaurant and lounge awaits finishers.
Zaca Creek Golf Course
Tel: 805-688-2575
Website: www.zacacreekgolfcourse.com
Zaca Creek Golf Course offers a challenging 9-hole, par 29 layout with a nice view of the Santa Ynez River and the hills in Buellton. Take Highway 246 west to Avenue of the Flags to Shadow Mountain Drive.
Biking
Santa Barbara Wine Country Cycling Tours
Address: 3630 Sagunto St, Santa Ynez, CA 93460-9576
Tel: 805-686-9490
Website: www.winecountrycycling.com
This is your only full-service, locally owned tour center located in Santa Barbara wine country. We offer complete cycling vacations, daily tours & custom cycling packages complete with the best routes, professional guides, and gourmet picnic lunches with wine tasting, wonderful hotels and wine pairing dinners.
Santa Barbara Adventure Company
Address: 720 Bond Ave. Santa Barbara, California 93103
Tel: 805-884-9283
Email: letsgo@sbadventureco.com
Website: www.sbadventureco.com
Since 1998, Santa Barbara Adventure Company has been the premier adventure travel outfitter on the central coast while serving thousands of guests every year. We’re committed to creating unforgettable adventures of the highest quality, focusing on the natural beauty of the surrounding countryside and coastal waters. Our knowledgeable and friendly guides offer exceptional service and share with you a side of the Santa Barbara area few visitors ever get to
experience.
Santa Barbara Bicycle Coalition
Address: PO Box 92047, Santa Barbara, CA 93190-2047
Email: info@sbbike.org
Website: www.sbbike.org
Santa Barbara Bicycle Coalition is a California advocacy and resource organization that promotes bicycling for safe transportation and recreation in Santa Barbara County. Check our site to see what’s happening. Discover how to enjoy local bicycling more and find out what we’re doing to improve the quality of life in our community.
