Seaside Cycle and Sip

Enjoy an easy Santa Barbara bike ride and all the trimmings—which include gorgeous beach scenery and samples of local vintages.

Hop on the Cabrillo Bike Path at Stearns Wharf for a flat 4.4-mile (round-trip) oceanfront journey. As you start pedaling toward the harbor (ocean on your left), you’ll hear waves crashing in the distance, interspersed with shouts from beach volleyball players. Then come the beautiful boats, docked in tidy rows, before you reach the Maritime Museum, where musicians might be jamming outside. An opening to the beach appears, and you see Santa Cruz Island looming offshore. Hang a U-turn here and continue past the wharf where you started. There’s the skate park on your left, and then the towering trees of Chase Palm Park, where local artists sell their wares on Sundays.

At the corner of South Milpas Street you make another U-turn to head back to the wharf, park or return your bike, and prepare for some well-deserved wine tasting. In short: Time to get Funky. (Read on!)

EXTRA TREAT: From Stearns Wharf, it’s a short stroll to Santa Barabara’s Funk Zone, filled with fun antique shops and tasting rooms galore. Replenish those bike-burned calories with a tasty meal at Nook. Among the various wineries, Santa Barbara Winery stands out. Try the mixed red and white tasting, and migrate into the Barrel Room. Draped in string lights and covered floor to ceiling with wine barrels, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a pinot.

To get to the Cabrillo Bike Path, take US-101 to the Garden St. exit in Santa Barbara. Take Garden toward the ocean, and then turn right on Cabrillo Blvd. The bike path begins at Stearns Wharf near the intersection of State St. and Cabrillo Blvd. Beach cruisers and surreys are available from Wheel Fun Rentals. The beachfront area is dog-friendly!