Santa Barbara Wine Country Weekend Biking New!
- A fun-filled weekend getaway that feels much longer
- Taste premier vintages in California's "other" wine country
- Pedal on peaceful rural roads past farms, horse ranches and grape vines
- Dine on haute California cuisine with a Mediterranean flair
- Test your legs on a big climb - a favorite among local cyclists
Santa Ynez Wineries & Pedal-Perfect Countryside
From rolling hills and historic towns to the boutique wineries of the Santa Ynez Valley, it's all about sipping, sunshine and cycling - a veritable trifecta of weekend perfection. Picture a glass of award-winning Chardonnay in your hand, the California sun warming your face. Imagine a sense of utter relaxation enhanced by the pure satisfaction of a stellar day's ride. Better yet, don't just dream about three fabulous days in Santa Barbara county. Join us and make them a reality!
Day
1 Discover the "other" California wine country 
Welcome to the weekend! From hip and artsy Santa Barbara, pedal into the pine- and chaparral-covered mountains of the Santa Ynez Valley for views of vineyards, ranchland and rolling countryside Hop off your bike and sample syrah made from the region's oldest vines 
A pastoral inland route leads past orchards, impeccably manicured vineyards and ranches bordered by endless white fences The town of Los Olivos welcomes us with charming Victorian architecture, an eclectic art scene and friendly tasting rooms.
Day
2 Dine on haute California cuisine with a Mediterranean flair
Pedal rural roads past grape vines in the fertile Central Coast wine region and farms where some of the world’s finest race horses are boarded and trained Get to know Solvang, a delightful taste of Denmark right here in California Founded by a group of Danes in 1911, the town's name means "sunny fields" in Danish Pedal the main street of Santa Ynez and into the little outpost of Ballard Then challenge yourself by tackling one of the classic climbs of Santa Barbara County, a ten-mile ascent offering rave-worthy vistas of the Santa Ynez Valley Roadside lavender farms offer a splash of color (and aroma!) along the way Be sure to allow for some pool and spa time back at the hotel.
Day
3 A fun-filled weekend getaway that feels much longer
Finish off the weekend with a bike ride through the undulating landscape of Ballard Canyon and a favorite route for time trials in the Tour of California The outstanding views are well worth the extra hills! Your eyes aren't playing tricks on you - that's an ostrich farm you're pedaling past Follow serene Alisal Road, passing fields of broccoli and marigolds en route to the Santa Rita Hills Say goodbye over lunch at a winery.
Guests Reviews About This Trip
What a wonderful weekend you'll have! Resonating with chic city sophistication yet infused with rural charm, warmth and fascinating history, the American Riviera is Mediterranean in feel - and Californian at heart. You'll savor both worlds while biking through bucolic wine country, stopping to taste at award-winning wineries and luxuriating at Fess Parker Inn & Spa.- Regional Manager, California
Premiere Inns
Fess Parker Inn and Spa
Los Olivos (2 nights) Each room at this elegant boutique hotel, which dates back to 1888, features a private fireplace. (pool, spa)
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This Trip Is Rated Level 2-5
Routes For All Abilities
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of
interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one
day to the next-and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat
from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each
day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do.
| Daily Route Options | ||||||||||
| Day | EASYGOING | ACTIVE | AVID | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Level 4 | Level 5 | ||||||
| miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | |
| 1 | 25 | 1500 | 35 | 2000 | ||||||
| 2 | 23 | 700 | 37 | 1200 | 48 | 4300 | 56 | 4500 | ||
| 3 | 15 | 700 | 28 | 1300 | ||||||
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For 34 years, Backroads has been perfecting the art of active travel. We are the California tour experts. See our award-winning USA biking tours, USA walking and hiking tours and USA multisport tours.
