Santa Barbara and the Channel Islands Family Multi-Adventure Tour

Families with 20s & Beyond
Families with 20s & Beyond
ALSO AVAILABLE FOR:
Couples, Friends & Solos
Families with Kids & Teens
Families with Teens & 20s

Small Group Adventures for:

Couples, Friends & Solos Adults 18+

Women's Adventures Women 18+

Families with Young Adults 20s & Beyond Best for ages 20+ (min. age 18)

Families with Teens & 20s Best for ages 16-23 (min. age 14)

Families with Kids & Teens Best for ages 7-17 (min. age 4)

Activity Levels 2-4

We categorize our trips based on a range of activity levels from leisurely (1) to avid (5) with plenty of options in between.

Premiere Hotels

Premiere Hotels - Experience the world’s best, from lavish luxury to chic retreats with prestigious alliances.

Deluxe Hotels - Find modern comforts in extraordinary settings, with great ambience and ample amenities.

Casual Hotels - Known for their character, charm and proximity to outdoor adventures and Backroads activities.

Small Luxury Ships - Unpack once and cover more distance on an intimate ship with spacious staterooms and superb amenities.

Santa Barbara and the Channel Islands Family Multi-Adventure Tour

Families with 20s & Beyond
Families with 20s & Beyond
ALSO AVAILABLE FOR:
Couples, Friends & Solos
Families with Kids & Teens
Families with Teens & 20s

Small Group Adventures for:

Couples, Friends & Solos Adults 18+

Women's Adventures Women 18+

Families with Young Adults 20s & Beyond Best for ages 20+ (min. age 18)

Families with Teens & 20s Best for ages 16-23 (min. age 14)

Families with Kids & Teens Best for ages 7-17 (min. age 4)

Activity Levels 2-4

We categorize our trips based on a range of activity levels from leisurely (1) to avid (5) with plenty of options in between.

Premiere Hotels

Premiere Hotels - Experience the world’s best, from lavish luxury to chic retreats with prestigious alliances.

Deluxe Hotels - Find modern comforts in extraordinary settings, with great ambience and ample amenities.

Casual Hotels - Known for their character, charm and proximity to outdoor adventures and Backroads activities.

Small Luxury Ships - Unpack once and cover more distance on an intimate ship with spacious staterooms and superb amenities.

Beaches, Islands & Mountains on California's Central Coast

The American Riviera meets the Galapagos of North America. Hike, paddle and bike from coast to valleys. Unveil island secrets. Classic adventure—sun-splashed, scenic and effortlessly cool.
 

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Bike
Walk/Hike
Kayak

Highlights

  • Kayak around Santa Cruz Island, where rugged cliffs, pristine beaches and dramatic sea caves shelter seals, dolphins and whales
  • Bike along the coast to the famous Ventura Pier for scenic views of sand and sea
  • Explore Santa Barbara, known for its stunning coastline, Spanish-style architecture, and food and wine culture
  • Hike a favorite local trail through a canyon shaded by oak trees for superb vistas out over Santa Barbara, the Pacific and the Channel Islands
  • Unwind at the marvelously relaxing Ojai Valley Inn and Ritz-Carlton Bacara, where coastal elegance meets refined luxury
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California Map

California

Start/End Santa Barbara

Airports & Travel details*

* Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.

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Itinerary

Woman riding bike on a road with palm trees on the right and ocean on the left

Days 1-2

Description

Welcome to sunny Santa Barbara! • Our day begins with an invigorating bike ride through downtown’s palm-lined streets, admiring its characteristic Mediterranean and Spanish-revival architecture • Pedal along a paved bike path to Goleta Beach for your first glimpse of the mystical Channel Islands in the distance • Enjoy the views on a coastline spin to our luxurious hotel • Lace up for a shady trek through Rattlesnake Canyon that leads to gorgeous views of the Santa Ynez Mountains and Pacific Ocean • Treat yourself to some R&R back at the hotel.

Accommodations

Nights 1-2

The Ritz-Carlton Bacara
Santa Barbara
Premiere Hotel

An exquisite 78-acre property at the edge of the Pacific Ocean, featuring sea views, two natural beaches and a decadent spa. (pool, spa)

Hotels may vary based on departure. Any variations will be displayed when selecting a departure under Dates & Prices.
Large valley of trees and crops with houses in between

Day 3

Description

Head out on a ride from the peaceful shaded foothills of the Santa Ynez mountains to the Pacific Ocean, past golden beaches and laid-back seaside communities • Enjoy lunch at the historic Ventura Pier, an iconic spot since 1872 • Soak up the sun and relaxed vibes at our resort, which lays claim to the best beach in California.

Accommodations

Night 3

Zachari Dunes on Mandalay Beach
Oxnard
*Deluxe Hotel

This laid-back, all-suites beachside hotel is the perfect place to unwind after a day of biking. (pool) 

Hotels may vary based on departure. Any variations will be displayed when selecting a departure under Dates & Prices.
Two people on an orange and yellow kayak, paddling in the middle of the ocean

Days 4-6

Description

Set sail for Santa Cruz Island, the largest of the Channel Islands • Explore the island’s colorful rocky coastline and famous sea caves by kayak • Learn about Santa Cruz’s fascinating ecology and rich geological past • Explore at your own pace, hiking inland trails or snorkeling underneath the waves • Shuttle to artsy Ojai and settle into our iconic hotel, a draw for Hollywood A-listers and sports celebs for a century • Bike through the beautiful countryside surrounding Ojai • Stop for a picnic and tasting at the Ojai Olive Oil Company, a third-generation, family-owned organic farm • Spend the afternoon browsing Ojai’s shops and galleries or kick back at the hotel • Cap off your adventure with a serene hike in Fox Canyon to one last stunning ocean vista.

Accommodations
Ojai Valley Inn

(2 nights)

Nights 4-5

Ojai Valley Inn
Ojai
Premiere Hotel

Where Hollywood’s glitterati come to be pampered! This stylish and historic resort offers something for everybody—including a luxurious spa and award-winning restaurant—in a beautiful park-like setting with hillside views in every direction. (pool, spa)

Hotels may vary based on departure. Any variations will be displayed when selecting a departure under Dates & Prices.

Want to learn more about this trip?

Request a Detailed Itinerary! Complete with descriptions of each day, tips on travel arrangements, regional highlights and more, it’s the perfect tool to help you choose. You can easily share it with friends too!

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What's Included

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Straight Talk

We want to make sure you're on the trip that's right for you. Every Backroads trip is unique and this one is no exception.

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Hotels

World-Class Hotels

Our hand-selected Premiere hotels offer exceptional hospitality and experiences as special as the regions we explore.

Hotels may vary based on departure. Any variations will be displayed when selecting a departure under Dates & Prices.

Nights 1-2

The Ritz-Carlton Bacara
Santa Barbara

Premiere Hotel

An exquisite 78-acre property at the edge of the Pacific Ocean, featuring sea views, two natural beaches and a decadent spa. (pool, spa)

Night 3

Zachari Dunes on Mandalay Beach
Oxnard

*Deluxe Hotel

This laid-back, all-suites beachside hotel is the perfect place to unwind after a day of biking. (pool) 

Nights 4-5

Ojai Valley Inn
Ojai

Premiere Hotel

Where Hollywood’s glitterati come to be pampered! This stylish and historic resort offers something for everybody—including a luxurious spa and award-winning restaurant—in a beautiful park-like setting with hillside views in every direction. (pool, spa)

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Dates & Prices

Dates Coming Soon

Please Select a Group Size

Group size is required to show per-person pricing. Your group size can be approximate and can change.

Want to learn more about this trip?

Request a Detailed Itinerary! Complete with descriptions of each day, tips on travel arrangements, regional highlights and more, it’s the perfect tool to help you choose. You can easily share it with friends too!

Download & Share

Book with Confidence

Backroads provides flexible booking policies so that you can plan your vacation with complete peace of mind.

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