Top 5 Santa Ynez Valley Outdoor Activities: A Review

Santa Ynez Valley, you see, it’s not just, like, rows and rows of vineyards – although, naturally, there is plenty of that too, like really awesome wineries at your disposal. But also, it is a total jackpot for anyone who gets really excited about the outdoors. That is to say that if your, like, idea of a good time involves fresh air, sunshine, and, I would argue maybe stunning views, this little slice of California is, in a way, pretty perfect for you. So, are you, sort of, ready to trade that, I don’t know, tasting glass for, perhaps, hiking boots? Very well, let’s check out the top 5 outdoor activities this valley, seemingly, offers, from chilled-out trails to exciting adventures. By the way read our full review: Santa Ynez Valley Full Review and Details.

1. Hiking in Los Padres National Forest

If you are a person that actually likes, I don’t know, stretching your legs and breathing in some real, clean air, Los Padres National Forest could be, more or less, your heaven. Right near Santa Ynez Valley, you know, you get miles and miles of trails. I mean it when I tell you the hiking scene will leave your jaw a bit dropped. Trails in the forest seem to fit everyone, it’s almost like some great hand is building the tracks. They have stuff for pros who have hiked across the state, that said they also feature trails perfect for a stroll with your dog or a pretty easy hike with your children.

The Figueroa Mountain trail, for instance, sometimes seems to have really great panoramic sights, like your eyes get the perfect viewing deck. Once at the summit, you almost see the Channel Islands out in the far distance. So, if you love that sort of view and want, actually, an ‘instagrammable’ pic, very well, I would certainly point you up this hill, to say the least.

The Nojoqui Falls Trail, I suppose, it’s more low-key but equally, like, as amazing if you do love waterfalls, that is. It’s rather a shorter hike that leads, seemingly, to a waterfall (go figure!) and very often, in the spring, everything is lush with greenery, which seems to give off a special magic. Very well, are you more for exploring local hiking paths, I mean really explore?

San Rafael Wilderness trails, those are great for backpackers who are brave enough to get dirty, or more precisely dusty. You might camp in solitude, and I suspect that this trail is the best to see what the Santa Ynez Valley has to offer. Either way, I think you’ll hike. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Find hiking)

2. Cycling Through Vineyards

Cycling, in the Valley is almost some next level beauty, mostly, as you spin between the vines. I suspect it’s not just a workout. Honestly it feels more like an artistic immersion. Just imagine, you could say you are pedaling along little quiet roads and you get sun-kissed vineyards to each side, rolling, rolling…

Anyway there is this Foxen Canyon Wine Trail; to be honest it sounds fantastic but a bit much with all those hills. Regardless, that is fine. I find that biking along this trail is a nice way to see some family-run wineries and not worry too much about traffic.

You get to really chill, tasting wines now and then and stretching in between, just a perfect vacation vibe. Similarly to the Santa Ynez Valley, that, sort of, flatter terrain can be found, very well, there. Especially along Alamo Pintado Ave or Ballard Canyon Road; and seemingly, these routes give views of picturesque horse ranches as well as distant wineries, which does seem very peaceful in the end. That said are you planning to stay off road, basically? If you do you will likely love some of the tracks at Sedgwick Reserve – though, clearly, keep up with opening hours for the Reserve.

The only little ‘thing’ that really you want to know, you might say, you have got to think through about safety. Wear a helmet – really, you have to do it. Also it’s really key to keep your water up, basically, particularly in hot summer. All the same this could be a very pretty great idea for someone seeking an alternative to hiking around national forest. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Check options here)

3. Horseback Riding Adventures

The Santa Ynez Valley could very well be, almost, an experience you dive into and horses are the very best choice here, you see. Now, I reckon it seems pretty wild, with endless grass pastures, it sounds to me like a movie scene.

Usually on a horse back the view almost can’t be described. What does remain are those silent moments which are very memorable. A variety of, I don’t know, ranches provides guided tours which seemingly take anyone (both advanced or completely new to riding!) onto a unique western scenery journey, really. This adventure almost combines local countryside, native wildlife with the best ride you’ll remember.

Considering being involved with Circle Bar B Guest Ranch? That actually happens a lot. Basically they are found in Refugio Canyon which is on Gaviota Coast; that location has its unique experience which isn’t easy to reproduce or see again for a good price in one go. What’s especially beautiful is riding, in the direction that one goes on the beach, with views beyond into Pacific. As a matter of fact, expect seeing eagles soaring through blue air which brings new memories too. Similarly to some wine trail options these kind folks are also ready to let newcomers, basically, gain their confidence when it touches on something pretty complex; not, I suspect, they’re too busy as tourists get.

By and large many believe Santa Ynez Valley by the seat on some trusty animal should give one more than enough reasons so as never getting lost on all trails offered there for exploring. Now whether anyone would really ride under tall, majestic mountains perhaps; no surprise horseback really suits outdoor loving crowd in this nice region indeed. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Horseback riding information)

4. Wine Tasting on Open-Air Patios

So now wine. It is actually one must have attraction when in Santa Ynez Valley as just the air changes it so wines seem different from what they are anywhere elsewhere!

Most wine yards in Valley feature comfortable areas, or more precisely the ‘patios’. At these one gets wonderful blends along open-air surroundings in warm atmosphere and picturesque settings indeed. Moreover the experience, so, gets elevated and transforms ordinary sips that may occur almost in most regions as simply divine moments too.

Consider the winery that, typically, is Sunstone Vineyards. They feature something seemingly that stands apart as one with design as Provençal as something else might too, as in they offer not only their superb vintage offerings, very well, there’s always view options all under clear Santa Barbara Sky right within those gorgeous outdoor environments which seems to speak for itself. Meanwhile there’s Roblar Winery.

In Roblar its culinary experience adds something too; usually a local produce adds so those outdoor tastings, with local dishes made to share together there almost does nothing else though compliments those vines really excellently without trying hard but at same time very subtly in balance plus some flavors will truly come across which makes people relaxed as they get spoiled silly indeed here perhaps when at their best moments which adds overall experiences a notch upwards as no disappointment almost comes out during events and outings.

And yes that includes at final moments after spending afternoons so there never comes no bad blood among strangers by chance on each tables ever, typically! That said if its a must that sun, that wonderful scenery or simply some wonderful beverages on open space what drives a trip through there is that Santa Ynez has got an event or special area by chance so what has there on all sorts and stuff too which can just go without asking so never getting worried. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Outdoor Wine info)

5. Stargazing in Dark Sky Locations

Basically imagine away all lights. Right now you would stargaze, you see, where the Valley reveals some more that goes beyond just wine.

Basically from particular vantage there’s so incredibly darkness everywhere without cities around so a pretty amazing galaxy can glow without barriers at night right above what is just incredible; no less from telescope when in operation either way just at your best conditions.

Most locations aren’t official but almost any one distant would usually take away some urban wash right along, so from place along tops such just around Figueroa peak usually this region happens just perfectly by far better. So what happens whenever that spot gets to that stage its darkness its even better to witness stars like just they burst open by what would turn to something bigger, brighter then as everything almost looks more intense at that moment.

If someone takes telescopes then probably viewing becomes mind blowing by chance almost due light so far and away that would mean its viewing as deep and bright for some people even beyond something imaginable on those kinds or degrees that is if just they understand anything here as science when coming together can change minds. Anyway for this reason its recommended that Valley has what needed as something for people there from daytime events to all night activities, no question! The main reasons mostly stay where nobody stays either far but even there; by a mountain. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Stargazing opportunities)

Santa Ynez Valley features not just wineries; almost that space itself makes place special to relax away! Most things depend who are there when exploring different parts in there by a bike by doing hikes etc. In general Valley does makes just every visit worthy to never avoid even once with these. Read our full review: Santa Ynez Valley Full Review and Details.