Natural Home Goes to SANTA BARBARA

By Melissa B. Scott

With bountiful California sunshine, organic produce available year-round, and a multitude of outdoor activities—whale watching, sea kayaking, biking—Santa Barbara is the perfect city to get in tune with nature and yourself. Schedule a visit during Old Spanish Days Fiesta (August 4–8), a local tradition featuring parades, a mariachi festival, and Mexican mercados.

EXPLORING

SANTA BARBARA BOTANIC GARDENS

This conservation-minded garden acquaints visitors with more than 1,000 species of rare and endangered native California plants.
1212 Mission Canyon Road
(805) 682-4726; SBBG.org

BEACHES

Lined with palm trees and featuring wharf views, East Beach is the most popular sandy spot for swimming, surfing, or volleyball. Traveling with your pooch? Butterfly Beach, located farther south, is more dog friendly than most.

SUNSTONE WINERY

A thirty-mile side trip into Santa Ynez wine country takes you to Sunstone Vineyard, an all-organic estate where you can sample cabernet, syrah, and sauvignon blanc.
125 Refugio Road, Santa Ynez
(805) 688-9463; SunstoneWinery.com

EATING

SOJOURNER CAFÉ

Chef Edie Robertson emphasizes organic produce, free-range poultry, and unique flavors in her international menu.
134 E. Cañon Perdido
(805) 965-7922; SojournerCafe.com

MIRO AT BACARA

At this beachside oasis, you’ll find gourmet cuisine bursting with flavor from the organic vegetables grown on site.
8301 Hollister Avenue
(805) 571-4204; BacaraResort.com

SLEEPING

EL CAPITAN CANYON

Book a cedar cabin or safari tent at this eco-lodge overlooking the ocean. The resort utilizes solar energy and salvaged timber.
11560 Calle Real
(866) 352-2729; ElCapitanCanyon.com

RELAXING

AVIA SPA

The spa offers both Eastern and Western therapies and yoga.
350 Chapala Street
(805) 730-7303; AviaSpa.com

For more information, contact the Santa Barbara Visitor’s Bureau: (800) 676-1266; SantaBarbaraCA.com.