The Santa Ynez Valley, Santa Barbara and Ojai are the crown jewels of southern California cycling country. Starting in the charming village of Los Olivos we explore the quiet country roads around Solvang and the Santa Ynez valley, home to hundreds of wineries and stunning landscapes. In Santa Barbara, visit the Old Mission and then cycle along the coast. Surfing anyone? And in Ojai find your chakras and enjoy this haven for yogis and the boho-chic; it’s an uber cool town that happens to also boast great cycling and hiking options. As you might guess, food and wine lovers will find their nirvana in each of these locales as we show you the best that SoCal has to offer.
Only Great Explorations:
Because of the distance we cover on this trip, and the fact that not all roads are suitable to bike, we have strategic shuttles, sometimes to the start of the ride, or from the end of the ride to the hotel. The drives are often through gorgeous scenery and allow you to reach must-see destinations.
Straight Talk
Santa Barbara, CA, USA
Day 3
Los Olivos, CA, USA
Day 1+2
Ojai, CA 93023, USA
Day 4+5+6
| 2026 | 2027 |
|---|---|
| Apr 3-8 | Apr 2-7 |
| Apr 17-22 | Apr 16-21 |
| May 1-6 | Apr 30-May 5 |
| May 15-20 | May 14-19 |
| Jun 5-10 | Jun 4-9 |
| Jun 19-24 | Jun 18-23 |
| Sep 4-9 | Sep 3-8 |
| Sep 18-23 | Sep 17-22 |
| Oct 2-7 | Oct 1-6 |
| Oct 16-21 | Oct 15-20 |
Trip can start at any date. Self-guided and custom trips also available. Call or email for details.
Trip Size
Total Days
Arrive/Depart
Activity LevelModerate
45-70 km daily
Van supported
TerrainModerate with some hills; average elevation gains 280-700 m per day
CostLand Cost
US $3,600
Includes 5B/2L/4D
Single Supplement
US $950
Bike Rentals
Hybrid Bikes: US $260
Racing Bikes: US $360
E-bikes*: US $420
*E-bikes are generally available but are on an ‘on request basis ‘ and will be confirmed on receipt of your booking registration. E-bikes provided are the best rentals available in the region. Our regular fleet of hybrid and race bikes are fun to ride and light and fast, but if having an e-bike will make your trip, we’ll do our best to provide. E-bike rentals are non-refundable.
Getting There
The tour starts in Santa Barbara, the closest international airport is Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), about 90 mi southeast of Santa Barbara. You may want to fly in the night before the tour starts, the morning of Day 1.
Los Olivos
Meet at the Hotel Californian, Santa Barbara at 9 a.m. We will shuttle 1 hour to the city of Lompoc to begin riding one of the most beautiful rides in the Santa Ynez valley, along Santa Rosa Road to Solvang. After lunch at Olsen’s Danish bakery, continue cycling along Alamo Pintado Road past many tempting wineries including Blackjack Winery and Beckmen Winery. Arrive to our hotel, the Fess Parker Wine Country Inn of Los Olivos.
Distance: 45 km; 520 m gain
Los Olivos
Today, we shuttle 20 minutes out to Crawford Canyon to ride a spectacular route to Los Alamos, stopping to explore this interesting town. Afterwards we’ll continue on quiet roads, arriving to a winery for a picnic lunch and private wine tasting. Arriving back to our hotel, enjoy some free time to relax at the swimming pool or take advantage of the spa. For dinner, we will dine at the Los Olivos Wine Merchant & Café.
Distance: 47 km; 730 m gain or 67 km; 495 m gain
Santa Barbara
Today we will shuttle towards Santa Barbara. Start from an old stagecoach inn from 1886, Cold Spring Tavern and descend over 1,000 m on a quiet road to the coast, riding into Santa Barbara on bicycle paths and through plush residential areas. Stop at the Old Mission for an optional tour, or spend time shopping in downtown Santa Barbara. There are so many restaurants to choose from – we will provide a list of recommendations and you can choose.
Distance: 52 km; 200 m gain or 67.6 km; 335 m gain or 93 km; 615 m gain
Ojai
Today, we continue south along the coast; stop at the Red Kettle Coffee in Summerland mid-morning and then make your way to Ventura. We have an optional surfing lesson here with a former female pro surfer – lunch will be a picnic on the beach. Afterwards, continue on and up to Ojai along a dedicated bicycle path or alternatively, shuttle up and enjoy more time at the inn. The luxurious Ojai Valley Inn & Spa in Ojai has recently undergone a $90 million renovation. After dinner, unwind at the art-filled Movino, a sultry wine bar where residents and visitors mingle over glasses of regional favourites.
Distance: 52 km; 200 m gain; Add-on option: 25 km; 280 m gain
Ojai
Start your day with a yoga class if you are so inclined. Our loop is a moderate ride that conveniently passes a splendid restaurant at noon. Afterwards, we will continue to the Ojai Olive Oil studio where you can learn and sample. Spend some free time exploring the many shops of Ojai and definitely visit the open-air bookstore that is the coolest book store in America. Or take advantage of the 31,000-square-foot spa that offers Kuyam – a Moroccan mud treatment and guided meditation (additional cost for spa treatments) or play tennis, golf or visit the Artist Cottage, which hosts craft classes and aromatherapy classes. Late afternoon, we will do some wine tasting at Topas Mountain Winery before dinner at the Ojai Valley Inn’s restaurant Olivella.
Distance: 32 km; 420 m gain; Add-on: 50 km; 580 m gain
Depart
If you are an early riser consider a morning visit to Meditation Mount, where rock platforms seem suspended over the valley. If time permits, we’ll lead a short hike in Fox Canyon. We will transfer to Santa Barbara’s Californian Hotel by 11 a.m. for onward travel.
Founded by actor and local wine industry veteran Fess Parker and his family, this charming inn offers a full service spa, award winning restaurant and wine tasting on-site, all in the heart of downtown Los Olivos. The laid-back feel continues in each of the 19 plush guestrooms, where king-size beds and roaring fireplaces await. The on-site restaurant is excellent.
On a palm tree-lined street in the walkable Funk Zone neighborhood, this upscale Spanish Colonial Revival hotel is 1 block from Santa Barbara train station and a 7-minute walk from Stearns Wharf on the Pacific Ocean. There's a hip cafe with a terrace, plus a stylish Mediterranean restaurant that provides ocean views. Other amenities include an outdoor pool and hot tub, as well as a posh, Moroccan-style spa.
This upscale Spanish hacienda-style resort dating from 1934 boasts over 200 acres of beautifully manicured grounds, a lavish spa and golf course. Consistently, the Inn has been honored in the prestigious, Condé Nast Traveler Magazine Top 100 Hotels in the World, editor-selected Gold List. The Inn has also been chosen by Travel + Leisure publication readers as one of the Best Hotels in the World.
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