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Santa Barbara Coastal Escape
Santa Barbara, CA
6 Days
From $5495
Hiking, Food, Wine, Sea Kayaking, Culture
Santa Barbara Coastal Escape
Santa Barbara, CA
6 Days
From $5495
Hiking, Food, Wine, Sea Kayaking, Culture
Trip Overview
California Central Coast Escape—Kayak, Sip, Explore, and Unwind
Experience the best of California’s central coast on this immersive women’s adventure based in and around Santa Barbara. With its sun-drenched coastline, rolling vineyards, and vibrant arts scene, this region offers the perfect setting for a balance of exploration and ease.
Our journey blends active outings with cultural highlights, from kayaking through sea caves in Channel Islands National Park to visiting the iconic Hearst Castle. Along the way, enjoy wine tasting in the Santa Ynez Valley, stroll colorful art districts, and paddleboard along the scenic shoreline. Each day is thoughtfully designed with curated experiences, delicious meals, and time to relax and recharge.
All rooms are offered as single supplements. Whether you’re traveling solo or with new friends, you’ll return home refreshed, inspired, and deeply connected.
Maximum group size: 10
Highlights
- Paddle through stunning sea caves and along dramatic cliffs in one of California’s most beautiful and remote national parks
- Explore the architectural wonder of Hearst Castle on the Julia Morgan Tour, highlighting rarely seen areas and the legacy of its trailblazing female architect
- Savor curated tastings at boutique vineyards, paired with a picnic lunch among the vines in one of California’s premier wine regions
- Glide across calm coastal waters with expert guidance, enjoying scenic views and a peaceful paddle experience and so much more
Inclusions
- Experienced AGC guides
- All activities on the itinerary, including hiking, sea kayaking, wine tour, etc.
- All meals from the first night dinner through breakfast on the final day
- Five nights in single occupancy lodging
- Transportation during the trip including round trip transfer from the Santa Barbara Airport
Trip Info
This trip is appropriate for any active woman who regularly walks for exercise and wants a vacation that mixes being active in the
outdoors with nature appreciation and reflection. No particular experience is needed but please note that almost all the hiking involves ups and downs. Sea kayaking is appropriate for beginners and will be in cold water. The trip is rated 2. Prior to beginning the trip, participants should be walking regularly, including hills or stairs, at a brisk pace 3 to 4 days a week for 35 - 45 minutes.
Rating: 1 [2] 3 4 5.
Curious about how we rate our trips and how to prepare for yours? Explore our AGC Fitness Guide for more details.
On this coastal California getaway, we’ll blend active exploration with laid-back luxury through kayaking, hiking, stand-up paddleboarding, and cultural strolls. With 3–5 hours of activity most days, this trip invites you to slow down, savor the scenery, and connect deeply with the natural beauty and rich history of the region—from sea caves and scenic vineyards to botanical gardens and breezy beaches.
Wondering what kind of gear works well for our trips? Our AGC Gear Guide highlights some of our go-to favorites.
We'll spend five nights at The Eagle Inn in the heart of Santa Barbara. All rooms are comfortable, charming single supplement rooms and have en suite bathrooms. A The proximity to both the harbor and downtown make it one of the best beach-side hotels Santa Barbara, CA has to offer.
All participants are guaranteed their own bed. All rooms are single supplement rooms.
Ready to picture yourself on this adventure?
Download the detailed trip summary for a closer look — daily highlights, travel notes, and everything you need to know before you go. It’s the perfect way to dream, plan, and share with a friend!
Itinerary
Below is the proposed itinerary for the trip. As is true on any adventure travel trip, plans for any specific day may be modified due to weather considerations, unforeseen circumstances, new opportunities, and group interests.
DAY 1
Tucked between the sparkling Pacific and the sun-kissed Santa Ynez Mountains, Santa Barbara welcomes you with its signature blend of coastal charm and laid-back luxury. After your arrival, Adventures in Good Company will greet you at the airport and transfer you to your home for the week. Whether you settle in with a stroll along the palm-lined beach or simply soak in the relaxed vibes from the comfort of our hotel, today is all about ease and arrival. In the evening, we’ll gather for a delicious welcome dinner and our first chance to connect as a group and kick off a week of coastal adventure.
Included Meals: Dinner Accommodations: The Eagle Inn (or similar) Daily Activity: Arrival, group welcome dinner, optional beach walk
DAY 2
This morning we set off for the stunning central coast of California, where rolling hills, dramatic bluffs and charming seaside towns dot the shoreline. Our first stop is Cayucos, a slow-paced beach town where you’ll have time to explore unique shops, dip your toes in the ocean, or treat yourself at the Brown Butter Cookie Company. From here, we’ll continue to the world-renowned Hearst Castle for a guided tour unlike any other. The Julia Morgan Tour offers a fascinating look into the pioneering woman who designed this architectural marvel, with access to rarely-seen spaces and stories. On our way back to Santa Barbara, we’ll stop for a rejuvenating coastal hike along Estero Bluffs or Headlands Trails—both showcasing the wild beauty of California’s coast. After a satisfying dinner in Cayucos, we return to Santa Barbara for a peaceful evening.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: The Eagle Inn (or similar) Daily Activity: Coastal town exploration, Hearst Castle tour, optional hike
DAY 3
Adventure awaits on the open sea! After an early breakfast, we ferry across the water to Santa Cruz Island, one of the crown jewels of Channel Islands National Park. This remote paradise is home to playful sea lions, sea caves carved by time, and views that stretch endlessly across the Pacific. Our morning is spent kayaking along the cliffs and through sea caves with expert local guides. After a beachside picnic, we lace up our hiking shoes for a short but scenic trek to Cavern Point, where breathtaking panoramic views reward our effort. Back on the mainland, we will return to Santa Barbara in time for a casual pizza dinner and well-earned rest.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: The Eagle Inn (or similar) Daily Activity: Sea cave kayaking (1.5 hours), hiking (2 miles)
DAY 4
Today is a treat for the senses as we head inland to the sunny vineyards of the Santa Ynez Valley. This region, beloved for its boutique wineries, offers a relaxed backdrop for our day of tasting. At each of our stops, we’ll enjoy curated wine tastings and conversations with local vintners. A picnic lunch is served among the vines, making the most of this idyllic setting. Back in Santa Barbara by late afternoon, enjoy some leisure time before a celebratory dinner out at a local restaurant.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: The Eagle Inn (or similar) Daily Activity: Wine tasting at 2 wineries, scenic countryside drive
DAY 5
This morning we return to the water, this time, on a stand-up paddleboard! Whether you’re a seasoned paddler or new to the sport, our local guides will have you gliding through the calm waters of Santa Barbara Harbor in no time. After a waterfront picnic, we’ll explore the stunning Santa Barbara Botanical Gardens, where native flora and mountain vistas meet. The afternoon offers a delightful mix of history and creativity as we stroll through Santa Barbara’s Funk Zone—a hip enclave of murals, tasting rooms, and artist studios. Tonight, we gather for one final dinner, toasting new friends and unforgettable memories.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: The Eagle Inn (or similar) Daily Activity: Stand-up paddleboarding (1–1.5 hours), botanical garden walk (1.3 miles), cultural walking tour
DAY 6
After one last leisurely breakfast, it’s time to pack up and say our goodbyes. Adventures in Good Company will provide transfers to the airport for departing flights after 1:00 PM. Whether you're heading home or on to your next destination, you’ll leave feeling refreshed and inspired.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Reviews
This trip is brand new — be among the very first to experience it with AGC!
Dates & Prices
| Year | Departure Date | Availability | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2026 |
October 09 to October 14 |
Available |
$5495.00 |
Year
2026
Departure Date
October 09 to October 14, 2026
Availability
Available
Price
$5495.00
Make It Your Adventure
Turn any trip into a private experience for your group, or let us design a custom itinerary just for you! Whether it’s friends, family, or colleagues, we’ll make your journey unforgettable.
Common Questions
All participants are guaranteed their own bed on our trips.
A Single Supplement (SS) means you will have your own room with your own bed, and no other participants will share that room with you. Single supplements are limited, offered at an additional cost, and will appear as a booking option at the time of registration if still available.
A Double Accommodation means you will share a room with another participant. You will still have your own bed. Shared beds can be requested but cannot always be accommodated depending upon the property.
Bathrooms: Bathroom arrangements vary depending on the trip and lodging. A single supplement guarantees your own sleeping space but may still include a shared bathroom. Double accommodations typically share a bathroom with a roommate and sometimes additional participants, depending on the property. Private or ensuite bathrooms will be noted in the trip details when available.
All meals will be included at the hotel, or at incredible restaurants in the greater Santa Barbara area.
All necessary kayaking and paddleboarding equipment is provided, including personal flotation devices. You’ll just need to bring quick-dry clothing, water shoes or sandals with a heel strap, and a sense of adventure!
We’ll be staying at a comfortable, boutique-style hotel in Santa Barbara for the duration of the trip. Accommodations are centrally located, offer modern amenities, and provide a relaxed, coastal atmosphere.
Yes! We do our best to accommodate dietary needs such as vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free, and others. Please let us know your restrictions when you register so we can plan accordingly with our meal providers.
Most days include 1–3 miles of walking or hiking on relatively easy trails, coastal paths, or urban strolls. There may be stairs or uneven surfaces, but nothing technical. Optional hikes and walks allow for flexibility based on your energy level.
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