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Wanderlog staff Updated • updatedApr 10, 2023
How long is the drive from Danville to Santa Barbara?
The direct drive from Danville to Santa Barbara is 316 mi (509 km), and should have a drive time of 5 hrs 27 mins in normal traffic.
If you’re going on a road trip from Danville to Santa Barbara, we did the research for you and compiled some great stops along the way — with Monterey, Santa Cruz, San Jose, Paso Robles, Big Sur, Carmel, San Luis Obispo, Cambria, Solvang, and Palo Alto, as well as top places to visit like Eberle Winery and Niner Wine Estates, or the ever-popular Estrella Warbird Museum.
The top cities between Danville and Santa Barbara are Monterey, Santa Cruz, San Jose, Paso Robles, Big Sur, Carmel, San Luis Obispo, Cambria, Solvang, and Palo Alto. Monterey is the most popular city on the route. It's 2 hours from Danville and 4 hours from Santa Barbara.
San Jose is a sizeable urban center located in Silicon Valley, a major technological hub within the Bay Area of California. The city's downtown district features various notable architectural landmarks that range from the Italianate-style Oddfellows building constructed in 1883 to Spanish Colonial Revival structures. Additionally, the downtown area boasts an attraction known as the Tech Museum of Innovation which is dedicated to exploring and advancing science and technology.
29% as popular as Monterey
4 minutes off the main route, 12% of way to Santa Barbara
Palo Alto, located in the San Francisco Bay Area of California, is a city known for being part of Silicon Valley and housing Stanford University. The downtown area along University Avenue offers a mix of dining options, from casual to upscale restaurants, as well as various shopping opportunities. Additionally, visitors can explore the Cantor Arts Center on the university campus, which features an impressive collection of Rodin sculptures. Nature enthusiasts can head east to discover the scenic marshland trails at Baylands Nature Preserve.
11% as popular as Monterey
18 minutes off the main route, 14% of way to Santa Barbara
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Situated on the coast of central California, Santa Cruz boasts a lengthy pier that extends into Monterey Bay and features various eateries and shops. The city is home to the historic Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, which offers visitors a chance to experience vintage rides like the 1911 Looff Carousel and Giant Dipper roller coaster. Pacific Avenue in downtown is lined with cafes, galleries, and stores selling vintage clothing.
30% as popular as Monterey
11 minutes off the main route, 21% of way to Santa Barbara
Monterey is situated on the rugged central coast of California and is famous for its Cannery Row, which was once the center of sardine-packing industry. This historic strip has now been converted into gift shops, seafood restaurants and bars in old factories. The city also boasts the popular Monterey Bay Aquarium that showcases an impressive collection of marine animals and plants through underwater and interactive displays.
Most popular city on this route
21 minutes off the main route, 30% of way to Santa Barbara
Carmel-by-the-Sea, a small seaside city located on the Monterey Peninsula in California, is renowned for its historical Carmel Mission museums and library, as well as its charming village-like center filled with galleries and fairytale cottages. The Scenic Bluff Path offers breathtaking views of the coastline from Carmel Beach to the bird-rich Carmel River State Beach, with a scuba diving entry point available.
28% as popular as Monterey
25 minutes off the main route, 31% of way to Santa Barbara
I'll never travel to Santa Barbara without this trip planner again
Big Sur is a rugged and sparsely populated stretch of California's central coast located between Carmel and San Simeon. It is bordered by the Santa Lucia Mountains on the east and the Pacific Ocean on the west. The area is renowned for its narrow, winding State Route 1 that offers stunning views of misty coastline, seaside cliffs, and breathtaking ocean vistas. There are numerous state parks in this region for hiking, camping, beachcombing, and other outdoor activities.
20% as popular as Monterey
41 minutes off the main route, 37% of way to Santa Barbara
Paso Robles, a city in California, is renowned for its wineries and olive groves. The Estrella Warbird Museum in the northeast showcases military planes and artifacts, while the Paso Robles Pioneer Museum exhibits historical relics such as farming tools and a reconstructed jail. Nestled among hills, Barney Schwartz Park offers a serene lake and picnic areas. For those seeking aquatic fun, Ravine Water Park features thrilling slides and a wave pool.
21% as popular as Monterey
1 minute off the main route, 58% of way to Santa Barbara
Nestled along California State Route 1, Cambria is a charming seaside village located in San Luis Obispo County. Its name, derived from the Latin word for Wales, was selected in 1869. The town is surrounded by picturesque Monterey pines, one of the few places where these native forests can be found. Positioned midway between San Francisco and Los Angeles, Cambria offers a tranquil coastal retreat with stunning natural beauty.
11% as popular as Monterey
25 minutes off the main route, 60% of way to Santa Barbara
San Luis Obispo, located on California's Central Coast, is home to the 1700s Spanish mission Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, which houses a museum. Bubblegum Alley is a nearby attraction covered in pieces of chewed gum. Higuera Street hosts the Downtown SLO Farmers' Market where vendors sell produce and food. The San Luis Obispo Museum of Art showcases contemporary works by Californian artists.
12% as popular as Monterey
1 minute off the main route, 66% of way to Santa Barbara
Solvang, a city in California's Santa Ynez Valley, is famous for its Danish-style architecture and numerous wineries. The Elverhøj Museum of History & Art showcases the city's Danish heritage through personal stories and photos, while the Solvang Vintage Motorcycle Museum displays classic American, Japanese, and European motorbikes. Visitors can also explore the early-1800s Franciscan church at the Old Mission Santa Inés.
7% as popular as Monterey
5 minutes off the main route, 85% of way to Santa Barbara
Best stops along Danville to Santa Barbara drive
The top stops along the way from Danville to Santa Barbara (with short detours) are Pismo Beach Pier, Tobin James Cellars, and Cold Spring Tavern. Other popular stops include Old Mission Santa Ines 1804, Monarch Butterfly Grove, and Margarita Adventures.
The Estrella Warbirds Museum is an aviation museum located in Paso Robles, California that specializes in restoring and preserving military aircraft, vehicles, and memorabilia.
This is a very kid friendly place to visit. We went with 3 kids under 2 and one 3 y/o and they had an absolute blast. All the airplanes, tanks, and vehicles outside are hands on and the kids can climb into many of the attractions. They have an indoor car museum that is no touching but there is one little car to climb in there too. Overall I highly recommend for a mixed aged audience, everyone loved it from youngest to oldest and it was worth the price of admission.
Erin Morey — Google review
We went to the Smoke and Rust BBQ, Antiques and Car show there and really enjoyed that venue. The planes are beautiful, and people brought some really nice cars for the show too. This event was a fundraiser for a pediatric cancer charity and was very nice to attend and vend at. I can't wait to go back and visit again.
Monica Gray — Google review
A really amazing museum. The staff is really friendly and are happy to answer your questions. Seeing the jets and planes up close is really an experience that no picture can justify. Take a visit, you will not be disappointed.
Todd Tennison — Google review
Amazing collection of Americana hardware that focuses on American ingenuity through the 20th and 21st century. Bring your kids here to celebrate the greatest country ever in the history of the human race before the left erases it from the history books.
Curt McGinty — Google review
Absolutely loved this museum! My 6 year old ran around saying wow look at this! He lived climbing in the planes and tanks that were open. Absolutely great! We will definitely be back!
Allison Wright — Google review
This place is awesome! If you want to see some history of what our soldiers flew, drove, shot, or operated, then this place is a must see. I loved the aircraft, and military exhibits. Honor our veterans by stopping by and donating to this museum! There are displays of ammunition, radios, pieces of the Japanese zero aircraft, German Messerschmitt instrument panels... the list goes on. I hope to stop by this museum again. Remember, we would be speaking German and Japanese if our soldiers had not fought and sacrificed their lives for you and I!
Precision Insulation and Coatings — Google review
Fabulous museum! We spent about 2 hours here enjoying all the cars, planes and WW2 memorabilia. So much to see and learn with cars that we had never seen before. Well worth the time.
Wendy “The Traveling Squirrel” — Google review
This place is amazing. Plan to spend many hours to take it all in. Besides all the planes outside, there are 3 buildings full of war memorabilia, military weapons and gear, and even a building full of classic cars.
Terence Curren — Google review
What an amazing place in a nicely semi secluded location. The people at the museum were very welcoming and took us in quickly. The wait was virtually none. You start in the gift shop and move onto the interior portion of the museum where there is so much to see and read. The description on their website is typically a four hour visit with a potential for a second day...that's very correct. If you stop to read everything and fully immerse yourself, it will take a while to leave the first portion of the museum. Once out onto the outdoor section, the places are spectacular. Some with their engines intact, other with their engines gotten, either one lends itself to great views. You can get up close and personal with the planes, just don't touch. Wheel bays are open and you can stick your head up there and look at the components that makes everything tic, but watch your head! You can essentially walk the entire ground with some exceptions that are roped off. There are planes, engines, tanks, missiles, munitions, plane restorations in progress, classic car/race car section and general reading. It is a blast for those who love wartime history and wartime relics. The classic car collection is massive, that was a pleasant surprise. I understand the preservation of the planes, but I would have loved to be able to enter one of their larger planes and just take it all in. As an aerospace tech, this was a great time. I'd definitely love to visit again. Great experience for my father and I. Great job Estrella Warbird Museum.
Carlos Garcia — Google review
Such a hidden gem in Paso! We’ve been Paso Robles so many times never found it until this trip, and so glad we went! You can feel they put a lot of love into this museum, and did their best for maintenance. It’s much bigger than it looked like, I thought we were only going to spend 1 hour max here, but ended up staying about 2 hours!
Kristy ShanYun Chung — Google review
A hidden gem! My husband and I love history and so museums are always on our agenda. This place is amazing and I could see us coming back to check it out again. The docents are friendly and available, but let you go at your own pace. You could spend hours here and still not see everything! You never know how big these machines are until they are towering over you. A great day here and so much history you can feel and touch!
Michelle W — Google review
Saw a sign and decided to check it out! We are so glad we did! It was pretty cool!
Sandra Gregory — Google review
A must see when visiting Paso, but also a must revisit for those of us that live in Paso. They update the museum and rotate in New planes etc often. Very knowledgeable staff and guides. Everyone is super nice, and it's all for a great cause.
They have a great mission statement too. Be sure to ALWAYS donate more than just the entry fee. This is to preserve our great history, and educate! Love the Warbirds Museum!
Eberle Winery is a family-run winery located in Paso Robles, CA. It features a modern production facility and tasting room, as well as vast underground wine caves. The winery offers complimentary wine tastings and public tours of the production facility and caves.
One-of-a-kind experience that I imagine is the perfect place to start in Paso. Yes, owner Gary really does hang out around the tasting room, yes, tastings and tours are complimentary, and yes, the wine is awesome! I especially enjoyed the Rouge blend and the Cabernet (of course). Look forward to coming back and bringing more friends and family to Eberle!
Eric Newell — Google review
We had been wanting to stop here on our business travels, and finally had a chance to. Lovely tour of the cave. They recommend reservations, but we popped in and they fit us in. Great, FREE wine tasting and our tour guide Fiomma, was our tasting guide too. Very good wines. I left with 3 bottles and I desire to come back again!
Lauren Brown — Google review
First make sure you make a reservation as not to miss the most unique experience in the area: the visit to the caves. Lisa guided us through some informative tour and the history of the wine maker. Then Stephanie took care of the tasting and conversation in the tasting room. This was a wonderful experience. Thanks to all staff.
jose lourenco — Google review
This winery is beautiful, and the staff are amazing--They gave us great recommendations about things to do and see in the area, and were incredibly nice. The cave tour was very neat and informative (and free!) And of course, the wine was wonderful. Will definitely be coming back!
Hannah ?Bear? Arman — Google review
Cave tour and the wine tasting was complimentary. The hostess was very informative and even offered to take our pictures during the cave tour. The tasting deck had such wonderful views of the vineyard. Definitely a place to relax and sip some amazing wines!.
Aswati Aravind — Google review
Such a great winery in Paso Robles. Eberle has been here since the 70’s or 80’s making it one of the OG’s. They are known for their great red wines and their caves. You can take a cave tour, which I highly recommend. Tastings are still complimentary, which is truly a rarity, unfortunately, in the Paso area. Stop buy for a tasting and pick up a bottle or two.
Brandon Cohrs — Google review
We wanted to do some wine tasting and watch the sun set and we did just that at Eberle Winery. Customer service was great, wine tasting tour was very nice. We had a lovely time watching the sun set. Our experience at Eberle was 5 stars. Thank you!
L Yaj — Google review
Amazing wines. I have never loved all the white and red wines at a winery before. All were velvety smooth. I was amazed! Very reasonably priced too. The grounds are beautiful. Caves are amazing. Must see. And they give big military discounts. Highly recommended stop if you are in Paso
Bill Schultz — Google review
Made reservations online prior to visiting is highly suggested. Enjoyed a table on the outdoor patio and received amazing service from Jennifer who was running around everywhere making sure our glasses were always filled and gave the best recommendations. Walked away with a membership using my veterans discount of %50 off. Thank you for making our visit a memorable one and can't wait to come back and indulge in more great tasting wines.
Mikey Bonifacio — Google review
Lovely winery near Pasa Robles with a free wine tasting (with a guitar serenade!) and cave tour with a fascinating look at their history and business. The people are so sweet. They also do great charity work- 100% of donations / select bottle purchases on Memorial Day weekend went to veteran related orgs. Just an awesome place.
Preethi Raju — Google review
I've been an Eberle wine club member for several years and didn't hesitate to book our destination wedding at Eberle Winery! Oralia and Cara were amazing event hosts! Our ceremony overlooking the vineyard was spectacular and our reception in the wine cave was so unique and romantic! I highly recommend Eberle for any special event. Their wines are all delicious!
Lori Franklin — Google review
We happened upon this local winery on our way through Paso today. What a lovely stop. Kirk was a wonderful sommelier who introduced us to 7 of the wineries current offerings. We purchased a bottle of the Chardonnay, the 2020 Cabernet and the newly introduced port. Definitely worth a stop. We did not tour the caves, but it sure would be fun to! Worth your time to stop.
Dayna Wells — Google review
What a great experience! It's so hard to decide which wineries to go to by just doing online research, and I'm very glad that we booked a tour and tasting at Eberle. Our guide was really amazing. The tour was very interesting and informative, and it was nice to see such a big production. It's amazing to hear about the history of the winery, and how significant of an impact Eberle had for the area. The tasting area is beautiful, and Eberle has got to be one of the only places around where the basic tasting is actually free. The wines are priced very well too, so it's easy to take home at least a couple of bottles. I do think we've visited some places in Paso Robles where they're doing more interesting things with wine, but everything that we tasted at Eberle was solid. My wife and I would highly recommend Eberle and will stop again on our next trip.
Dustin Webster — Google review
We walked in without an appointment, but we were able to do a tasting with Michael, who was very knowledgeable. Afterwards Michael gave us a tour of the caves, which are worth seeing.
We ended up buying a case of Muscat Canelli.
Andy Van Pelt — Google review
Amazing experience and wine. Tour of the “caves” was fun and informative, Chardonnay was amazing - got a bottle. They have a cave room you can reserve -need to find an occasion to do so. Highly recommend.
Konstantin Goldin — Google review
Great tasting and tour.
If this is your first time visiting Paso, this is a great starting place. Book the tasting and tour online. The process is very easy. And the follow up emails are good.
Tasting is free. They have a wide rang of offerings. My personal favorite is Muscat Canelli. (think of it as the sweet fruity dessert Wine for a hot summer day)
The tour to the cave is very fun as well.
Cz juarez — Google review
This beautiful winery in Paso Robles has caves with free tours and free wine tasting. Nobody does that.
Niner Wine Estates is a family-owned winery that offers a tasting room and restaurant with carefully sourced food. The staff at this amazing winery provides an incredible tour and experience, going above and beyond expectations. Visitors are treated to beautiful views while enjoying very tasty wine paired with fantastic food and excellent service. Although the portions may not be large, they are really good, making Niner Wine Estates worth a visit for anyone looking for delicious wines and an enjoyable outdoor dining experience.
Amazing winery with incredible staff. Niner truly went above and beyond my expectations for our tour and experience. If you are looking for a great experience and delicious wines this place is worth a visit.
Donavan Kennedy — Google review
Good wine, but even better service. Went there during the pandemic for the first time and wasn’t impressed. Decided to give it a second chance and we loved it! Went with some friends this past weekend and we all had a great time. Our host was extremely hospitable, welcoming, overall great. Wine tasting is not only about drinking good wine but about the experience and we thoroughly enjoyed ours. Our hostess made the difference. Thanks Niner!
Alvaro Sanchez — Google review
We went to Paso the last week of January 2024 and let me tell you that we met the most wonderful associate there named Dusty! He was so personable and knowledgeable about wines and also the surrounding areas!! Dusty set the bar so high for us that we will always come back to Niner and hopefully we will be able to have him wait on us again at the bar ! Thank you Dusty for making our 31st wedding anniversary lunch such a special memorable and wonderful experience!
Ju_Ju_Sparkle_Bean Rosario — Google review
Fantastic food - excellent service - beautiful views - very tasty wine - we have been there several times and will definitely be back soon!!!
Bob CaptBobLB — Google review
Love Niner! The “Super Paso” was definitely my favorite. Beautiful view and the steak tasted delicious. The staff were very accommodating, kind, and educational. Such a great time.
Had a blast wife my wife.
Aaron Roaf — Google review
Yes, the rumors are true, this place is incredible, it smells amazing, the building looks really good, scenic grounds, the food is was some of the best in Paso Robles, the wine tasting was the most complex experience, our host did an incredible job of explaining when we were experiencing, very knowledgeable of every aspect even the most technical curiosities we might have had! It was a truly unique experience and can’t wait to return!
Ioana Healy — Google review
My wife loved the tasting, the server was nice and gave us a run down on the family and winery, the food was really tasty, the portions are not big but really good and the outdoor seating and view is really enjoyable
Mike Mikha — Google review
Such a wonderful experience! Great wine, delicious food (for real!), service, ambiance - everything was amazing! They even serve house made ice cream and coffee out here - so rare and so precious for the wholesome experience. I can't wait to be back here!❤️
Ekaterina Petrova — Google review
My favorite winery on the central coast by far. Fantastic wines, beautiful setting and delicious restaurant. A must go winery in Paso.
Julianna Cementina — Google review
This was recommended by someone at another winery as I was looking for a filler before a later appointment. It was the most expensive tasting I did on my trip ($40) and honestly, I was not impressed. The tasting room is very impressive, including probably 50ft ceilings, but it felt extremely formal. I also think they didn’t like that I didn’t do a food pairing with the wine tasting. The wines were good, but not good enough to buy for the prices they wanted on top of the tasting fee (you had to buy 2 bottles for the tasting fee to be waived, and the cheapest were $45 and it went up from there). The server I got was nice and did his best to allow me to try a number of wines along the line of what I like, so he was by far the best part of my experience. I can’t recommend it – maybe it is good for some, but not for me.
Tony Kelly — Google review
Excellent food.
Excellent wine tasting service.
By far the most efficient and professional experience.
The view from the patio was wonderful.
To be honest the wines being tasted were good but not worth the prices.
My advice is to go for lunch and buy a bottle. Skip the price of the tasting.
Invino Veritas — Google review
Didn't go in. They were full and wanted us to wait until there was room. So: They must be doing something right, if they're that popular, no? Note: They have EV chargers. Very nice!
Mr Jumbo — Google review
Niner is a must when visiting Paso. I have been many times over the years and it continues to be one of the best. The wine is really good and so is the food. It is worth getting the tasting and planning on having lunch or an early dinner. Be sure to make a reservation. They do fill up.
Jo K — Google review
We took our daughter and friends for her 40th birthday and had a great time. Andy introduced us to the beauty of the winery and grounds, and the staff were wonderful and very attentive. I would definitely recommend spending time at this delightful winery enjoying the wine and the view!
Linda Padilla — Google review
On January 24th a group of us took a tour of the Niners orchards and facilities. We were lucky enough to be there during a bottling. We were invited to go up into the room where the process was taking place, and although a little loud as expected, the technicians were more than happy to explain in detail the process and answer any questions. Our tour guide Jay couldn't have been more fun, informative, personable, and passionate about what he does. The wines were exquisite, the facilities exemplary, and the staff so welcoming and intuitive of our desired experience. I cannot say enough about this company and the commitment to excellence. Of all the wineries we visited in Paso, Napa, and Sonoma this is the one that set the bar!
Patrick & Joanne Nutter
Patrick Nutter — Google review
Visited for a work event. The staff was above and beyond!!! They made the entire night so special. Wine is delicious! Highly recommend.
Danielle Keshtkar — Google review
What an amazing Estate. Not only are their wines delicious, their winemaking philosophy and their staff are amazing. The wines are high end and have a great aging potential. I hope I’ll get the chance to visit again. I highly recommend it
Marianne Côté — Google review
Reservations are a must at Niner. We have been trying to get in for 3+ years and we are so pleased we finally made it. Matt, the front host, was spectacular. After learning we only drink reds, he quickly appeared with “greeting glass” of a very nice red wine! Our waiter Matt was spectacularly knowledgeable, friendly and catered to our wine preferences. The charcuterie board is a must! Gorgeous property, gorgeous reds and amazing food!!
The Tobin James Cellars Winery is a winery located in the heart of Paso Robles wine region, featuring an inviting tasting room with a grand, 150-year-old bar. The winery crafts intense fruit driven wines, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrahs, Zinfandel, Merlot, Chardonnay, and Dessert Zinfandel.
Tobin James is one of me favorite wineries. There Reseve Chardonnay is fantastic. Can't leave here without a case everytime. There are so many wonderful tasting wines. The staff is awesome, kind, helpful, nice and so much fun to do tastings with. Staying on the property is awesome. The room are fantastic. Very clean. Well equipped it all your needs. What a wonderful experience.
Tracey Rapp — Google review
First time at Tobin James and our first stop in Paso. We had a wonderful experience and Andrew made it even more enjoyable! The wines are great, the atmosphere is welcoming, and every staff member was awesome! They truly lived up to their great reviews. I would totally recommend going here if you want good wine and a warm and inviting experience! I was having such a great time I forgot to take any photos of the wines. Also, as a side note- the little birdie wine topper is a must! It chirps when you pour 🐦
Robin — Google review
It was a really great experience here at Tobin James! Everyone was nice and very helpful. Highly recommend coming here while in Paso Robles!
Payton Parks — Google review
We stopped by TJ today for the first time, and enjoyed a tasting with Crystal who was very friendly and informative! She was a large part in our decision to join the wine club. My wife and I sampled over a dozen wines. We had a great experience and left with a few souvenirs. We are looking forward to our first 8 bottle shipment in April, but we will probably be back before then.
Brett W — Google review
Stop by on your way to and from Palo Robles. It’s a big place with country of staff outside seating and picnic area. The manager is very attentive, and the wines are excellent. $20 tasting fee is waived if you buy a bottle.
Taufiq Habib — Google review
The party events are incredible. 4 bands playing through the night and food galore by over 25 food vendors all night long.
Carlos Leal — Google review
I really wanted to love this place, in fact at first we wanted to stay for two days. It is that beautiful. Our plan was to do a photo shoot on the second day, as there are so many unique buildings, antique fixtures, and just overall lovely scenery. The ladies who checked us in were so friendly too. As Harvest Host members it is 'requested' that we spend $20 at a property, and we always spend much more than that. This particular property, however 'required' that we spend $20 per person. The wines were mediocre, which I could have lived with. What turned us sour on our stay was the bartender. I literally felt as though I was a waste of his time. I tried to communicate with him, but all I ever got in return was, "which one do you want to try" There was no verbal communication of what the wines were like, what they paired well with, or upsell of any sort. At one point the bar tender left us to talk to a fellow employee. I witnessed him whisper to her as he pointed at me and my husband. I could go on but I think you get the picture. We wasted no time leaving.
Cherri Rodriguez — Google review
Just finished my first wine tasting experience at Tobin James… AMAZING atmosphere. I absolutely LOVED Veronica, and her recommendations were spot on. You don’t always find a place that has great wine AND great people. If you haven’t checked them out, I HIGHLY recommend making this a top place to stop if you’re coming to Paso Robles. Added bonus is they are visibly supportive of our nation’s military. Will definitely be back!
Brit Hens — Google review
I recently visited Tobin James Winery, excited to use a wine passport I earned after completing a marathon. This passport was supposed to grant me a complimentary visit, and Tobin James was explicitly listed as a participating winery. Unfortunately, they did not uphold their end of the agreement. Despite my attempts to resolve the issue, pointing out that other wineries had accepted the passport without question the same day, the staff simply dismissed its validity.
Despite this disappointment, there were some highlights to my visit. A few of the wines were delightful, and one server was particularly helpful, enriching my experience with his deep knowledge of their wines. His passion for sharing and educating was a bright spot in an otherwise frustrating experience.
However, the situation soured again when I tried to leave. I hoped for some understanding or a solution regarding the passport issue, but instead, I met with dismissiveness from the staff. This lack of support and customer service left me feeling overlooked and undervalued.
While I enjoyed the wines, my visit was overshadowed by the winery's failure to honor their commitment and their poor handling of the situation.
Cian Amor — Google review
We didn’t make an appointment and just last minute decided to stop by and buy wine.
We came at 5pmish (they closed at 6) and they graciously let us in!
We were able to sample 3 before buying their moscato! It was sooo good :0) And the lady was very friendly but I unfortunately forgot her name.
Their main room is huge and the bathroom was really clean!
I would come back here with an appointment.
Jessica You — Google review
We had a blast! Rachel, our host, was amazing. We ended up buying lots of amazing wine, and a turtle aerator! This was the last winery before heading back, and we highly recommend it!
Konstantin Goldin — Google review
A must visit on your wine tasting trip! Great atmosphere, friendly staff and amazing wines across the board. While the trend in Paso seems to be to raise tasting fees, increased bottle prices and higher bottle limits to wave tasting fees, TJ has kept their prices on the ground. If you want a really great atmosphere and wines that are very reasonable, this is the place to visit!
Tricellceo — Google review
9/18/22 We visited here when we vacationed in the central coast. It hasn't changed since our last visit in May. No masks required. They do reservation for busy weekends and holidays. Very popular winery. The receptionist up front was very nice. We didn't have a reservation but she let us in. Luckily it wasn't busy. The pourer selected samples of what I would like. He was great. The charming and wonderful ladies who rang up the sale were very helpful. Nice surprise was the discount for buying 6 bottles. This is our favorite place to visit. There is a grassy doggie area for the furry travelers.
We stopped here on the way to the coast and back. Lots of free parking with handicap access. Tall shady trees with patio seating. Very friendly and extremely helpful hostesses. They fill in the list of the wines you want to sample and or puchase at the entrance. I came here to purchase specific wines that luckily were available. You take the list to the cashier inside. They get the wines from the back and ring up the sales. They accept credit cards. My last visit here was 10 years ago. The staff are as helpful and friendly as ever. The interior is the same western decor. Their wines are world renowned. This is our favorite winery in Paso Robles. We will return.
L. Consoli — Google review
The location is convenient and good, but there is no winery vibe. I missed the attention of the staff. If you don't ask anything, you won't hear anything. It seems to me that more work needs to be done to prepare the customer for the purchase. Today there are a lot of offers, so it is important not just to give a try for money
Elenchik K — Google review
Tobin James winery is a Gem in Paso Robles. We tried varieties of Reserve and Red wines. All tasted very distinct and loved them all. A big shout out to Donna, she took great care of us. Vibe of the place makes it extraordinary. Specially loved the bar table decor. Would highly recommend this winery in central coast.
The Frankel family has created a beautiful estate that fuses wine and art together to create an Instagram-worthy experience for wine aficionados and art lovers. Sculpture gardens meander through landscaped gardens featuring sculptures by well-known artists, and the winery has even developed its own pistachios which can be enjoyed at the tasting room or in snacks like mini pizzas. Truly one of Paso's top attractions, Sculpterra is definitely worth a visit!
Great place to taste wine, knowledgeable staff and fantastic grounds. Plan on spending time viewing metal sculptures on the grounds.
JAMES Zyskowski — Google review
What a delightful experience. The staff that served us was extremely knowledgeable about wine and coffee. He walks us through each of the wine and explains it thoroughly. I appreciate the information that is provided with the wine tasting. The setting is nice. The tasting is done with you standing but the place is real comfortable. You can also bring your lunch or order from the food truck and sit in the picnic area. The sculptures are fun to watch. There re live music performance on some days.
Justin Lee — Google review
Visited Sculpterra on our way to the Sierras. While I did not partake in the wine tasting, my wife enjoyed it quite a bit. The woman serving us and assisting us with the tasting and selection was very knowledgeable and really helpful. We bought a bottle to enjoy in our hotel later. To be brutally honest, it wasn't the greatest pinot noir I've had and it wasn't cheap. Although there were other samples on the tasting menu that were far better, but twice the price. So there's that.
Outside, the sculpture garden is fantastic. We spent a couple of hours wandering the grounds. Some of the art is truly excellent. So even if wine isnt your thing, this place is worth a visit if you are in the area just to get some fresh air and stretch your legs. Make sure to walk through the vineyard up to the hammocks in 'Pauls Forest' for a very relaxing time-out in a wonderfully tranquil location.
We'll be back and try a different bottle next time.
Mad Mac 66 — Google review
Loved everything about this place. The sculptures, the wine, the employees, the other guest. Such a great enjoyable time didn't here. So much so that we joined.
Brice who poured for us was so fun, full of history and stories.
The live music and food truck and added bonus.
Julie Freedman — Google review
If you are lucky to stop over, def schedule a tasting moment with Iddy! I even added a photo so you can locate her. Amazing spirit and kind woman. Super knowledgeable and shared incredible stories with us as we tasted through several well poured glasses of wine. Lovely.
Anuj A — Google review
Maybe my favorite winery in Paso. Incredible wines, over-the-top service from Iddy, tasty pistachios grown on-site, and beautiful art all around. What more could you want in a tasting? I’ve bought the Mega Focus at Costco since tasting, it’s especially great.
Eric Newell — Google review
I was completely immersed in the atmosphere from the very entrance to the territory of the winery. Huge beautiful territory with unique sculptures, around vineyards and pistachio gardens, hiking trails. There is a playground for children and adults. The staff is passionate about what they do. There are many tables with comfortable chairs in the shade of the trees, where you can sit and enjoy the wine. If you wish, you can buy one of the sculptures. Spent several hours there. Everything is very atmospheric. You can try the grapes of different varieties from which wine is made. I have no regrets, I can only recommend that you definitely visit this winery. Many wines are presented, I liked Primitivo. I wish prosperity Sculpterra Winery
Elenchik K — Google review
We did the tour and tasting. Worth every penny. Fraser was our host and he was exceptional. The wines are subjective as all are. We tasted and found several we liked and purchased. The grounds alone are worth the visit.
Dennis Hinkley — Google review
Definitely got the Paso Robles experience here. The property was amazing even on a gloomy day. We tried so many wines and collectively bought so many bottles in our party. Frazier was great at making our experience amazing. The art and iron work all around the property made it even better of an experience. Would recommend to anyone visiting the area.
Rafael Robles — Google review
Came here on Black Friday after randomly looking on Google Maps for a place to visit - we were surprised at how nice and lively it is. The grounds are very large and open for people to hike around. The sculpture garden would be interesting for kids to wander around and there’s food and drinks for everyone. Definitely worth a visit when in town.
Wee Khim Lee — Google review
For sure it’s very unique place which was made with a big live to the art! Definitely, it’s like a live museum with many spectacular sculptures. The garden is with different sort of plants, there is play ground for the kids. It’s a very first place where I was able to taste not only wine, but also the grapes from which these wines were made. The staff is super friendly and one man told us a lot about this winery and grapes and wines. There are shaded seats and tables around the park. You can easy to find enough clean WC around.
We found Primitivo wine like a best for us. We spent several hours here, enjoying this awesome place.
Alexius K — Google review
Fills your cup! Spiritually, artistically, and with excellent wines. The sculptures are so beautiful. Kathleen B was amazing and her love of the winery made you feel like family.
Joan Smugar — Google review
This place is amazing! It’s a huge sculpture, garden and wine tasting place right in the middle of Paso Robles county. You can spend the whole day you’re walking around, looking at the sculptures, the photos and admiring the scenery. This is not to be missed if you are anywhere close to the area.
An amazing experience you will not want to miss !!
Taufiq Habib — Google review
We cannot rave about this winery enough! We walked in at 4pm on 3/22/23, an hour before closing. We were greeted kindly and even got to do a private wine tasting with Bruce. Bruce was a FANTASTIC wine steward. He was an excellent conversationalist and knew so much about the wine, sculptures, the history of the winery, the staff and employees, and more. Without a doubt, the price of the tasting was worth it 5 times over, with a well-curated wine list, pleasant and accommodating staff, and a stunning location along with the beautiful sculpture gardens to walk through. Bruce made our experience so lovely and we will have great memories to bring home. We highly recommend stopping at this winery for anyone on a central California coast trip! 5++ stars.
Sarah Johnson — Google review
Great winery with sculptures. In the Labor Day weekend, there is a food truck and live music in the garden. The wine tasting is $20 for 5 different wines. Great deal. Good place for friends and family gathering.
Zoo on 5 wooded acres with many animals that are part of globally managed preservation programs.
For a small Zoo it was pretty decent! You definitely can see everything under 30min. The enclosure are nice and seemed to have a lot of enrichment for the animals. They have a good selection on different animals.
Was surprised by the fact it seemed like if office lady was the only employee/volunteer that we could see. Definitely a great spot to visit if you are driving by the area, there is a big park with benches and tables to have lunch at.
Corinne FOUST — Google review
Cute small zoo. We wentduring the week. No lines to get in. Clean and friendly encironment. The tiger is beautiful, but seems sad. We saw the whole Zoo in less than 2hrs. A nice stop before heading to the beach.
TheBayArea831 — Google review
This is a small zoo with really neat exhibits. They have an assortment of different species. A portion of the zoo was being worked on when we visited, so calling ahead to see if all exhibits are available to view may be worthwhile. We made it by all the animals that were on display in about an hour. The gift shop has plenty of things to choose from to remember your visit.
Cassandra Cohen — Google review
Like many other reviews, this zoo is small and can be easily viewed in less than 45 minutes. The little ones enjoyed all the various birds and turtles/ tortoises. The zoo needs some up keeping but overall, this is a cute zoo.
Anthony Camacho — Google review
2024: cute little zoo. It’s well taken care of and the animals are unique enough that it’s worth a visit. The Tiger is very cool. The red panda is also fun. All the animals were active at lunch time, minus the Tiger. $12 adult, $8 youth (6-12 yrs).
Abby O’Brien — Google review
My son was in awe of the tiger. My nephew wants a pet meerkat now. The gift shop has some pretty cool souvenirs. All in all a pretty nice exhibit. Educational. Though I always feel empathy pains for the animals living there. Not that they're bring treated badly. Just because they have to deal with a bunch of loud humans all the time.
Marisa Zabala — Google review
A very well run, relatively small zoo. You can get through the whole thing in less than an hour. They have animals that you don't see in most other zoos and the workers are very knowledgeable and ready to answer questions and excite kids! Great way to use an hour in the fresh air and bright sunshine!
Jonathan Lee — Google review
This zoo is a very well kept zoo with an amazing red panda exhibit but there was only 1 red panda out in the exhibit due to the heat. visibility to any other red pandas were hidden which was very disappointing. The other animals they have are great! But some are lonely and it's visible they need other companions such as the monkey they have. Besides that, the zoo is very well kept and the staff is very nice and answers questions about the animals with excellent experience which I appreciate. Also the lion water fountain is a breeding ground for mosquitoes and is filled with black and murky water making it unable to be used.
Helix Prototype — Google review
This is a very small zoo, but has a good collection of animals. It will take at most an hour to visit.
Gregg Wagener — Google review
The weather was overcast and drizzling so it was almost completely empty. It was a really cute little zoo! My kids loved it and the playground just outside was very nice!
Alexandra Pearce — Google review
Very quaint and adorable zoo. Small but very neat. The animals look to be in good health and well taken care of. It is a reasonable price foe the size. The aviary bird walk through was a definite highlight. It's a must stop if you are in the area.
Ms Carey — Google review
🦁🌿 Charles Paddock Zoo: A Wild Adventure in Atascadero! 🦒🦓
Nestled in the scenic town of Atascadero, the Charles Paddock Zoo is a delightful destination for animal lovers of all ages. 🌿🏞️ This charming zoo houses a diverse array of fascinating creatures, from majestic lions and graceful giraffes to playful otters and colorful birds. 🦁🦒🐾 With its focus on conservation and education, the zoo offers an enriching experience that allows visitors to connect with wildlife and learn about their habitats. 🌍📚 Whether you're exploring the lush exhibits or attending one of the interactive presentations, the Charles Paddock Zoo promises a wild adventure that will leave you with lasting memories. 🦓🌳🎉 #CharlesPaddockZoo #WildlifeAdventure 🐆🌿🌟
Stinger GT2 tv — Google review
A mid day trip to the zoo may not have been an ideal time, as the vast majority of the animals were asleep or out of view. I saw a collection of flamingos that seemed happy enough.
The tiger cage is far too small, and it was quite saddening to see such a small enclosure.
The fossa was cute, but seemed to be relatively distressed. Lemurs seemed content to watch the ducks chilling out in their cage.
There were more turtles than expected, and a several types of birds.
The entire zoo could probably be traversed within 10-12 minutes if you aren't spending a lot of time looking at the animals.
My overall opinion is that the zoo seems to do its best for the animals with the space they have, but is ill equipped to provide better sized living areas.
Matt Jones — Google review
Such a cute little zoo. Took my son for his birthday and he loved it! It’s definitely the perfect size to get a toddler tired.
I have been coming here since I was younger and it has changed in many ways. Love the red panda exhibit.
Adult admission was reasonable for the size of this zoo. Theres plenty of parking and a near by park.
WOW!!!! I DEFINITELY RECOMMEND this place for all group types from families to friends. It is so much fun!!!! My sisters and I really enjoyed our time here. All the staffs were professional; their number one priority was our safety and also to make sure we had fun. I didn't know what to expect and the staffs were spot on with their own personal experiences. This was the highlight of my trip with my sisters. Whenever I come back for another vacation I am definitely bringing my family to try this!!! Thank you for a great time and for ensure we were safe while having fun!
Jenny ?Jenny? Yang — Google review
What a great and fun ride!
We went for the 07:30 pm sunset experience, and it was just an amazing ride. We were gifted with the sunset in the West, and moonrise in the East. What a view (-;
Team was super professional, operated very safely and securely, and was extremely friendly!
Well done…and highly recommended!
Yaron Rosen — Google review
It was an amazing experience. Super friendly staff. All security measures properly followed. Great combination of zip lines. Worth money. Would've given 5 stars if some of the equipment were in better condition, specifically gloves and helmets.
Vishal Surana — Google review
A lot of fun and everything seems very thorough as far as safety precautions. There is a little bit of hiking. Overall a good time and I'd come back again.
Alexis Juravic — Google review
My husband and I have been wanting to try this out for a few years now. We decided to take some out of town visitors. I'm so glad we finally decided to do it. It was so much fun! There is some hiking involved and I'm not a spring chicken anymore but if I can do it anyone can! They have plenty of water in places when you need it so don't worry about bringing your own. I highly recommend a fanny pack. I didn't want to risk having my phone in my pocket so I left it on the bus but it would have been nice to get some pictures and videos of others in out group. I don't recommend trying to video as you are zip-lining. They do take some pictures before the first line and post them but that's it. The staff was great. Very friendly, answered all of our questions and went through all of the safety measures on every run while talking through it as they did it. Even the bus ride from where you check in to where you get suited up had an audio history of the area that was very interesting. I highly recommend Margarita Adventures!
Tawny Sablan — Google review
Relaxing and fun experience! The zip lines were fun, our guides and driver was awesome! Super helpful, attentive and friendly! Safety is their primary focus and making sure you had fun! Won’t disappoint! Views were pretty cool too! Saw a family of deer but got too dark to take pics.
Marilyn Wong State Farm Agent — Google review
This zipline course is awesome. It's beautiful, safe, clean and professional. All of the staff were super professional, informative and helpful, they totally took care of us the entire time. It's a great outdoor adventure during Covid. All the restrooms and equipment are sanitized for each tour. There are a couple short bus rides where you need to wear a mask. Also there is are 2 short hikes on this course, one of which is up a steep hill, but there are plenty of places to stop and take a break. They provide plenty of water on the course and trails in single use cups. I thought the whole trip was worth the price. Also be sure to bring cash to tip your super helpful tour guides. I'll definitely be back with a group of friends.
L Temple — Google review
Perfect family outing at the vineyards. The crew is well trained and efficient. It’s best suited for people who want some thrill nothing too scary or exhausting. Heat can be an issue during day trips. They have multiple zip lines. Night safari are good too. If you are lucky you might see some wild life including bears.
swatisikta chand — Google review
What an amazing adventure. Great staff!!. Nice gift store with great prices. A great value for how much you get. Knowledgeable staff. Water stations everywhere. Loved it!!!
Sandi Orner — Google review
This was a truly magical birthday celebration for me. The staff was so friendly and knowledgeable! Their safety measures made any of my nerves go away and I love that they explained it. I really cannot wait to go again and try a nature tour. Highly recommend!
Allison TerBorch — Google review
Used margarita adventures for a bike tour through ancient peaks. Soo much fun on e bikes and felt like a kid again. 1000% recommend this tour!
Emily Awan — Google review
If I could give them a 10 I would!!! Every single employee from the person who scheduled our tour to the bus driver to the many people working the zip lines were all
so friendly and professional. This experience was great and they made sure my daughter and I felt safe and we loved it and can’t wait to do it again!!!
Catherine Garman — Google review
So much fun!! Staff is confident and knowledgeable. We felt safe. Cold water stations throughout entire course. Get ready to hike a little bit. Learned a lot from the bus driver on the way to-from the site. Thrilling, fun adventure. MUST DO! Good for the whole family. Beautiful vineyards and vistas. Can’t see anything like this any other way.
Jeanette Corcuera — Google review
Had a fantastic time. Took my girlfriend and friend out for a birthday adventure, and loved every minute.
The people are pretty great too. They have a lot of knowledge about the area and I'd honestly pay for even just a history tour with them it was that good.
They take care of everything so you go, learn cool facts, and zip your little heart out.
Also our driver had a great radio voice and stellar mustache. It was glorious.
The people in the shop are also really nice. Our party stayed a while there after our tour just to talk with them.
Highly suggest going if you have the opportunity. Who knows...maybe you too will be graced by Mr. Mustache.
John Rodriguez — Google review
We did the escape room yesterday. It is incredibly well designed, well laid out and challenging. I like that hints have to be requested (and not force fed to you) and our host was super friendly and welcoming. I can't wait until they've finished their expansion!
Harry Hamilton — Google review
Our family did the escape room
On my 12 year olds birthday. Neil did an awesome job guiding us through the experience. We had never done an escape room before and even though this one was difficult, he gave us all the info we needed to feel confident. He made the experience really fun and intriguing and made it feel very realistic. We were really into it and had a great time working together to solve the puzzles. Huge props to Neil for doing a really great job introducing us to the process and making it really fun for all of us.
Victoria Taylor — Google review
We had a blast and will definitely be back!! We had so much fun on the zip lines. We made memories.
Stewart's Window Cleaning — Google review
4.9
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5.0
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22719 El Camino Real, Santa Margarita, CA 93453, USA
Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, established in 1772 by Father Junipero Serra, is a Spanish mission located in California. It includes a church, gardens, museum and gift shop. Despite being one of many Spanish missions in the area, it stands out as one of the most beautiful landmarks in California. It was named after the bishop of Toulouse and predates the founding of the city itself.
First, this mission is great because there is no admission charge! Second, it's in great condition and there's a very decent museum to peruse. They also offer free docent led tours, which is a nice plus. Big bonus: there's a very cool bear fountain in front.
Barba Mundial — Google review
This is a nice place to attend daily mass. We went to noon Mass then started for the free tour at 1:15p. You absolutely have to wear a mask while indoors. The priest will make sure of it. He did give me Communion on the mouth; which was great. Pictures I posted include ones I took while on their museum as well. It's downtown near other restaurants.
Jose Antonio Jr Iniguez — Google review
Really enjoyed the walk around this Mission. Pretty little gardens and fountain. Unfortunately, I arrived after closing, so I can't speak to the inside, but the outside is lovely and well kept. The bells both in the bell tower and rear garden we very pretty!
Heather bM — Google review
First time visiting Mission San Luis Obispo. We walked about the grounds. We didn't get an opportunity to attend the docent led tour. We thought the grounds and building were beautiful and peaceful. I find it unfortunate that more space around the mission wasn't able to be set aside to keep the "modern" world from encroaching upon doorstep of the Mission. But, alas, such is things. It is a nice place to visit and walk about.
Chris E — Google review
Beautiful mission church in the heart of the town. Sunday mass was wonderful to mind. Dress up for the weather. Learning the history of the church makes you feel thankful to early settlers for the sacrifice and sufferings. Walk around the church. Lots of shops and restaurants. nearby. Good size parking lot with wheelchair parking too.
Juliet Joyee — Google review
Beautiful church! Came here during the beaver brigade festival and really enjoyed the visit. The inside is beautiful and worth seeing
Arthur Bouffard — Google review
Beautiful Mission, just waiting for everything to go back to normal and be able to tour it and get the full experience. We met with Father after Spanish Mass and he was very warm and welcoming. We hope and pray that this COVID period ends and we all can experience places of worship in Christ here for all to see and be Blessed with.
Jason B. de Leon — Google review
I only visited the museum part but it was neat to see all the vintage tools, machinery, and furniture from the 18th century. They also have many artifacts from the Chumash Indians who inhabited the area. It was like going back in time!
Robert M.003 — Google review
No caption needed. Small museum and gift shop. Volunteers do tours weekdays at 1:15pm during weekdays. I felt at peace here, glad we stopped. Free to enter museum.
Sylvia Goalen — Google review
Lots of history here and the museum is very well curated. Didn't tour the chapel.as there were services ongoing.
John Espinosa — Google review
Nice mission to visit, museum has a number of historic artifacts and dress for the period.
Rob Haworth — Google review
Beautiful mission. Lovely grounds. Beautiful murals on the walls. There are guided tours given by domiciles. We filled a donation box for the needy and one for the church repairs. My Daughter and I enjoyed our selves and plan to return soon.
Boone Hutchins — Google review
The San Luis Obispo Mission Church is a masterpiece of historic significance and architectural brilliance. Its design seamlessly marries the traditional Spanish Mission style with the unique local flair, resulting in a structure that feels both timeless and rooted in its surroundings. The church stands not only as a testament to its religious importance but also as a beacon of the area's rich history, having witnessed countless events and generations. The adjoining garden is a serene oasis, showcasing a myriad of native plants and offering a tranquil space for reflection.
Overall, a visit to the San Luis Obispo Mission Church is a journey through architectural beauty, historical relevance, and nature's grace. Highly recommended for both history buffs and admirers of aesthetic grandeur.
Here are two short clips I made of the garden area you might like.
Jeff Eisley — Google review
A place of tranquility😌
Impressive architecture for a 250+ yr old establishment. Worth visiting if you are in San Luis Obispo, CA, even if you are passing by or stopped here for a lunch break.
This is a fully functional place of worship, so please be considerate to avoid noise and flash photography, especially inside the church.
There is nice walkway (with stairs, no handicap access) overlooking a small water stream that runs by the edge of the premises.
There is a restroom next to a small Amphitheatre.
Ganesh B — Google review
Very good history and well kept artifacts. I felt very moved spiritually. Wish that I would of attended mass.
Geri Gutierrez — Google review
During my recent visit to San Luis Obispo, I had the opportunity to explore a mission that I had passed by several times before. Despite its age of over 200 years, the mission was remarkably well preserved. It was a humbling experience for me as I stood in front of the altar, taking a moment of silence for prayer. The serene atmosphere was enhanced by the enchanting church music playing in the background, creating a truly enriching connection with my spirituality.
The mission's grounds were adorned with beautiful landscaping, adding to the overall appeal. The vibrant atmosphere was filled with a lively energy, which further contributed to the uplifting ambiance. After my visit, I decided to have lunch at a nearby restaurant, and it turned out to be a fantastic choice. I thoroughly enjoyed my time there, relishing both the delicious food and the positive vibes of the surrounding area.
This visit to the mission and the subsequent lunch experience in San Luis Obispo marked a memorable and fulfilling chapter of my journey. It provided me with a deeper appreciation for the historical and spiritual aspects of the mission, as well as the vibrant energy that permeates the city.
Bubblegum Alley, located in San Luis Obispo, is a peculiar tourist attraction that draws attention due to its unusual nature. The 70-ft pedestrian passage is covered with an estimated 2 million pieces of chewed gum on its walls. Measuring 65 feet in length and scaling 15 feet in height, it's one of the free things to do in SLO that still manages to be among the city's most discussed attractions.
It’s hard to rate this 😂 It’s fun to see even though it’s kind of gross! The upper area of the walls are black. People have used their gum to make “art”. Because of the history of the gum wall its worth checking out!
Lynnkitty — Google review
Gross place. It even smells fruity. No idea why this exists. The downtown area is great with nice bars and restaurants. Go to some of them, not here.
Andy George — Google review
Just stop for a few minutes. It is kinda gross but also unusual. If you walk down the alley you will definitely smell different flavors of bubblegum.
Kristy Kallback-Rose — Google review
Driving around downtown SLO on Christmas Eve, seemed really packed because there was an area to take pictures with Santa, so there was lot of people around. Surprisingly, nobody was at Bubblegum Alley. I got to take alot of pics and really enjoyed looking at the grossness of old gum. Nonetheless, this spot is must see while in the area.
Melystikal — Google review
This was a cool find when we were on our family vacation. It's weird and unique like my family. I dared them to lick the wall but no one would lol. We all were chewing gum and stuck it to the wall before we left.
Cheyanne Valenzuela — Google review
🌟𝔹𝕌𝔹𝔹𝕃𝔼𝔾𝕌𝕄 𝔸𝕃𝕃𝔼𝕐🌟
•••𝚂𝚊𝚗 𝙻𝚞𝚒𝚜 𝙾𝚋𝚒𝚜𝚙𝚘,𝙲𝙰•••
August 2022
》Bubblegum alleys is located in San Luis Obispo, CA.
65 feet long and 15 feet high, this alleyway began in the 1950’s, though it is unclear exactly how or why it began.
Fully cleaned twice in the 1970’s, it came back each time. By the 1990’s, the gum alley had been there for so long that when the local business association tried to have it cleaned once again, they were politely refused....Pretty Disgusting 🤣🤣🤣🤣 but it was interesting to see it 《
Daniela Gaudino — Google review
This is a decent gum wall. However I am throwing down the gauntlet and declaring the Seattle gum wall is better. Deducting a star from my rating for having a plaque - this is simply trying too hard.
At Avila Valley Barn, you'll find fresh produce, ice cream, candy, and more. The farm also has a hay maze and pony rides for the kids. In addition to classic barbecue dishes and local produce, the farm sells U-pick pumpkins in the fall.
Amazing little roadside attraction right off of the 101 freeway! Only away minutes from the beach, this is definitely a stop I will make again and again! The farmers market style shop is a great addition to this lovely family farm and provides a great opportunity to try some different baked goods or pickled produce that may not be available in your town. For only $3, you can purchase a head of lettuce and fea and abundance of animals around the farm! 10/10, I would recommend this spot to locals and travelers alike.
Zach Hutchinson — Google review
I love this place.
Fresh fruit, vegetables, flowers, and pastries available to purchase!
Good prices!
Kids can feed the goats.
Family Friendly.
They have many unique things to purchase.
I love and purchased fresh lavender packets for gifts and to put in my home.
Kim A — Google review
The best tri tip sandwich I've ever had, the sauces it came with paired with the sandwich perfectly I used all three. My husband got the pulled pork and it was delicious, the kids enjoyed walking around and seeing the animals they even offer pony rides. My son got a scoop of ice cream because they also have an ice cream shoppe and candy store! We bought some sweet pickles from their farmers stand which offers a variety of canned goods, fresh baked pies and fruits or vegetables. This place is incredible and I'd recommend anyone come here for a visit. We always come to Avila but had never been here, now we will have to visit every year!
Susanna — Google review
Such a great place to bring your family! A lot of veggies and fruits to choose from. My kids love getting the honey sticks and feeding the animals. This is such a neat little prize in the area.
Angel Weir — Google review
So much fun for the kids, you can buy heads of lettuce to feed the animals. It's a great place to get fresh produce and the bakery is amazing, also there is a candy store and fresh corn on the cob for snacks.
Rebecca ?Becca? Draggoo — Google review
What a great find! We happened upon Avila Valley Barn as we were headed to Avila Beach. Great place for kids and families. Lots of animals you can feed with the romaine lettuce they sell there. The variety of chickens and roosters was especially fascinating.The whole place is clean and well maintained, and all the animals look healthy and well cared for. We didn't eat there but the farm fresh produce looked amazing and we did find some fun gifts.
Diane Janovsky — Google review
My family absolutely loves this place. It’s small, and perfect for a morning or afternoon spent at the barn. You can buy heads of lettuce to feed all of the animals for $3/piece. They have cows, llamas, goats, emu, chickens, donkeys. That are all well loved and taken care of ♥️ Pony rides during December for the holidays, special visits from Santa. The market is so cute and filled with a variety of items to purchase. We’ve bought their pies in the past and they were delicious! Lunch at their sweet and savory restaurant is delicious. This place is just so well rounded and fun for the kids and parents. We will certainly be back for a third time!
Amber Johnson — Google review
Such a fun cute family friendly place to
Go to. If you like local produce, feeding barn animals, hay mazes, and such this is for you. It’s interactive and spacious. Surprisingly clean. Kids love the animals but if your little one is scared of them I suggest not allowing them to be too close to them. People here were friendly and wore masks inside as required indoor. You can feed the animals with lettuce which is 3$. We were able to find parking as they have their own lot and there are restrooms available.
Samantha Vang — Google review
Such a great place to bring your little ones. You can feed the animals lettuce. And you don't have to worry about forgetting to bring lettuce, you can buy it there at there cute market place. Produce is fresh and baked goods are delish like homemade pies. There is also a creamery with homemade ice cream.
Paty Mill?n Montesinos — Google review
Nice place to stop and stretch your legs. Petting zoo, snacks, pies, cobblers, muffins, jellies, fresh roasted corn on the cob, ice cream, fresh vegetables, fruits, and much more. Plenty of parking.
Jenna Madderra — Google review
Cutest, quaint, farm/pumpkin patch I've ever seen! We stopped here whole staying at the near by KOA for something to do to pass the time in the morning and I was SO SURPRISED by all it had to offer. There are you pick flowers, raspberries, and tomatoes (I probably missed more,) so many photo opportunities, a hay ride, hay maze, and climbing hay stacks, the cutest little fruit stand, and even a deli to order sandwiches. There's a large variety of pumpkin species to choose from and animals to feed lettuce to for only $3 a head. We were able to feed every animal a couple of leaves each and had some left to toss up to Rooftop Ralph who became our favorite animal there. We can't wait to visit again next year!
ashly Moore — Google review
Has a very cute boutique, fresh veggies, and fruits for sale in addition to the pumpkis in October. They have hay rides to the u pick area, and you can feed the animals for a reasonable price. It's fun to do with the whole family.
Venessa Pullen — Google review
Great place to take the kids. Feed the animals and get some fresh from the farm food. The food shack has an amazing chicken sandwich and we got Mac and cheese for the kids. Pony rides were $10 and girls really went out of their way to make our little one have fun and ensure we got a great photo.
Nicolas Allen — Google review
This place has fun for the whole family! Buy a huge head of lettuce for 3 bucks and let the kids feed the animals. They have tons of goats and chickens, and even cows, alpacas, donkeys, and an ostrich! Don’t skip the corn on the cob. The barn shop has a wide variety of produce, drinks, jarred goods, and household items for purchase. They have hot food you can buy too. Tons of parking available. Can’t say enough good things about the Avila Barn!
Rylan Gordon — Google review
When in SLO you must to by, they have a cute barn! You're able to feed the animals. They have a pony and kids are able to ride for $10. They have beer and ice cream! My daughter loved it!
Stephanie M — Google review
Stopped here on the drive from SF to LA. This is a great little place and makes a good rest stop to break the journey. I don't have kids, clearly, but I highly recommend this place if you do. It has a lovely farm shop selling a huge range of wholesome products, from apple pies to trail mix and toffee apples. You can also buy fresh produce such as fruit and veg.
For children, there is a petting zoo, straw maze and point rides. It is just so cute.
We ate at the Smokebouse here- the fried chicken sandwich was unbelievably good.
If you're doing a long drive, it's well worth breaking up the journey here, or if you have kids, making it a part of your trip.
Adreena Angela — Google review
Great place to spend a few hours with your kids or grandkids in our case. Pies another baked goods are delicious. Try the fresh, roasted corn or the chicken sandwich. Both were very good. The grandkids love feeding the goats.
Papa George Maxson — Google review
Nice pit stop. Lots of variety things to buy. They have fruits, vegetables, utensils, baked goods, and other edible goods. They also have animals like goats, chickens, cow, pony rides and goat feeding.
M Jeero — Google review
The sweetest place!!!! Take your kids to feed the animals and then get some of their amazing fresh fruit! They had tons of souvenirs, kitchen gadgets, wine, etc!!
Marcia McNulty — Google review
This barn is very unique. Fun experience for the family. You can feed the goats and chicken. Purchase really cool handmade soap and other souvenirs. You will enjoy the little farmer market on-site. There are home made ice cream and more treats.
Jamie Tong — Google review
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560 Avila Beach Dr, San Luis Obispo, CA 93405, USA
Large, legendary pier with steps to the beach, popular for fishing & illuminated for night surfing.
A fun strolling Beach Town. Great shopping, upgraded the pier area recently, great spot
Holly Waterman — Google review
Very nice place to enjoy with family. Beautiful sunset view. Sand is very smooth and soft. Sunset beauty and photography….amazing place
Viyu g — Google review
Clean beach. Nice sunset experience place. Lights are cool.
Nk S — Google review
Loved our lazy walk here watching surfers and taking in the air and views!
Bay Walker — Google review
It's a relaxing and beautiful beach town in Central coast. It has little quaint shops and overall awesome views of the ocean.
Chris Sa — Google review
Love this beach I visited 2/3 times because this location is great for relaxing and sitting not too much crowd and weather is awesome i love it my kids love it
VirkSaab California — Google review
In night time cool lighting is plus point.
Clean water beach.
Foods & shopping both available nearby.
Aptaputra Bharatanand — Google review
Beautiful Beach
Amazing View
Very nice people
But never attempt to take nor steal clams from the pier I literally saw a entire family get embarrassed belongings searched as well but I still enjoyed my stay on the beach
🏖️
Chadwick Booseman — Google review
Home away from home but, with better sunsets. My heart calls for me hear and my mind sinks in the swells. This magical place makes my heart stop and beat, again and again. I don’t know what it is but when I am here, I feel peace!❤️
Anthony Domingo — Google review
Beautiful, clean, and not very busy beach. I fell in love with this place.
Amber Mina — Google review
Driving to Pismo Beach from Southern California is a treasure trove of scenic views, winding roads, hills, .6% inclines+, and mountains that appear to tower over the clouds, with ocean landscapes. Driving in questionable weather or at night, requires awareness of the roads (lights and gas stations are limited). The beach itself is a medium sized beach/pier. It has mountain and water views. Paid parking is close by and on the surrounding streets. There are places to eat and shop, more so in the area, rather than on the pier itself. The pier entrance is anchored by hotels and parking. There were plenty of surfers. The waves can come in high. There is a very nice stadium seating styled wall to sit and watch the water and/or people. There is a rest room immediately in front of the pier entrance. The beach appeared to be animal friendly in that people were walking their dogs. There were no readily available stations to wash the sand off of your feet etc. There was a disability assistance ramp near the seating area going down to the beach.
Daphne — Google review
A really nice place to visit
James D Hawkins — Google review
Pismo is a quiet and beautiful beach town. Getting dinner at Wooly’s and dessert at Sheila’s and then watching the sunset from dinosaur caves park is a wonderful day. I love coming here to escape my real world and find peace. This is one of my favorite places to be.
Eric Bailey — Google review
Beautiful place to visit and a lot of things to do. We enjoy this beach because here you do not have just the beach, you have shopping, eating and other activities near by that are all walking distance.
Ern — Google review
Feel in love with Pismo Beach. Awesome weather. Great food everywhere. Just a great place to visit.
Ernesto Lujan — Google review
Nice views. Saw lots of cool birds. Saw some whales as well. Had some cool photo ops. Definitely a cool place to stop and hang out for a while.
The Monarch Butterfly Grove, located in Pismo Beach, is a natural reserve filled with eucalyptus trees and thousands of butterflies. These beautiful creatures can be seen from late October through February, making it a perfect pit stop for nature lovers visiting San Luis Obispo. It's an awe-inspiring sight to witness the convergence of flocks of gorgeous butterflies during monarch butterfly season along the Central Coast.
We had an excellent time walking the path at the Monarch Butterfly Grove. Unfortunately, there were not any Monarch Butterfly 🦋 at the Grove when we went because it is not migration season. The eucalyptus trees we're looking beautiful though and getting ready for the monarchs to come in October. We took the side path to the beach, Pismo Beach to be exact. It was a nice secluded path not many people on it it had a little back access to the beach that was very secluded and nice to be able to have a little slice of the beach all by ourselves. My service dog Lucy the beautiful Johnson type American Bulldog 🐕 had a wonderful time running and playing in the sand. It was the first time she had ever been to the beach and she absolutely loved it. Temperature was excellent beautiful sunny skies mid-70's temperature 👍💕🐕🦋🐶
SoCal Television — Google review
Fun little spot to see some nature before continuing our long drive. We came in early November around lunchtime. There weren’t thousands but still lovely to see them piled up on the eucalyptus branches. Also recommend walking through the campsite down to the beach (can also use the restroom there), and then Red Bee Coffee isn’t too far away for a pickmeup.
Kailyn Nelson — Google review
There are few butterflies to be seen in March. This place is very suitable for a family walk and then walk to the beach. There are many beautiful flowers there now. Please note that the wind is still a bit strong.
Qin Guan — Google review
It was nice and clam, I've been during the actual butterfly season, but it is still a nice place to visit during the off season as well.
Zae Ras — Google review
Beautiful park! Very clean and well maintained.
The eucalyptus trees made the air smell wonderful. In one area the trees were full of butterfly clusters and butterflies in flight. There were quite a few, even though we visited late in the season.
Such a pleasant experience.. from the little gift shop to the photographers and visitors from all over.
We will definitely visit again but earlier in the Monarchs migration to see them at their peak.
Karen Denise — Google review
Nice little Monarch grove that had plenty of butterflies when we went in mid February. There are some interesting informational signs. Plenty of parking along the main road. The grove connects to a nice coastal trail as well.
William Cheng — Google review
It was great to see so many butterflies in the middle of the city over 10,000 vibrant orange and black Monarch Butterflies. It's a place for photography. Free parking is easily available on the street. Need 1 to 2 hours only as the area is too small, with very few trees having butterflies. Season to see is from November to February, and climate is pleasant around the year. Place was found non-crowded. Zoom camera or binocular is needed to see butterflies. Otherwise, it is difficult to find.
Pratik Patel — Google review
It’s one of a kind experience to see such a butterfly together on eucalyptus tree. All are Monarch butterflies you will able to see during November to February.
Eucalyptus Tree smells so good and that may be the reason it attracts thousands of Monarch on a single tree.
They have set up binoculars to see them far and all arrangements are well made without disturbing their nature habitat.
If you have zoom lenses for camera don’t forget to garb it along to take wonderful pictures.
RIMAL & SHIVANGI PATEL — Google review
It was an awesome experience to be among so many butterflies at once. It's worth going to see them in big and small clusters in every tree, on branches, some even land on you. It's great. There is free parking, a gift store dedicated to the butterflies, and benches/ picnic tables for you stay until closing. Mornings until 3:30p. December until February the butterflies will be there. It is also very kid friendly.
Pam T. — Google review
This is a beautiful little gem near Pismo Beach, CA. We went here on a Monday, there weren't too many people. We arrived around 1030 a.m, it was chilly but the sun was out. As it got warmer and the sun rays light up the Eucalyptus trees, the Monarchs started to awaken. Around noon we saw more activity, 50 or more butterflies would fly off the trees at a time. I recommend bringing binoculars, the butterflies are clustered on the trees and are hard to see. Some flew low, right above our heads. It's a small Grove with a trail that goes circular. It does get muddy if it rains, it was pretty muddy when we went. There is a camp off the trail behind the Grove and it looked like it may have lead to the beach, but not certain. The restrooms seemed to be located in the camp, a ways away. There was a small gift shop that opened around 1130 or so, it's a trailer that you walk up to and can look at their souvenirs, they also sell binoculars. The best time to see the butterflies is around noon to 1 or 2 p.m. when it is warm and the sun is high. Great for families. The hours are sunrise to sunset.
Brittanie Adaire Hikes — Google review
It wasn't the right season to see the Monarchs, but we could learn more about their migration patterns. The blue eucalyptus trees are big and beautiful. There is a small trailer with puzzles, shirts, and other things for sale. The gentleman in there was very helpful and kind.
Lisa Halverson — Google review
This is one of the best free things you can do in Pismo Beach. It's small but when all the butterflies are flying around it is awesome. You can park on the side of the road, they have porta-potties on the premises. You can get free educational talks with the friendly people that work there. They also have binoculars set up so kids and adults can look through them. Bring money and support the sanctuary, they have hats, pins, T-shirts, sweatshirts and bags and many more things for sale in their store. The premises are wide enough to accommodate people with wheelchairs.
Elitania Tapia — Google review
Nice place to see these great butterflies. Parking on the street is free but can be tricky and limited. You can also head down to the beach from the grove, so lots of good outdoor fun.
David Vogel — Google review
There are not very many butterflies at this time of year. However, per their site, which stated there are plenty as in thousands. It's still a nice place to walk around. No fee to enter. Binoculars would be helpful or a good camera to capture the butterflies, which are really high in the eucalyptus trees.
Jeanette Jeanette — Google review
This was a great stop! We arrived in late November and the count was over 15K butterflies! It was so peaceful, you could just watch them for hours. There was a very nice volunteer who had some viewing scopes set up for people to use. No entry fee and roadside parking is available.
Chris D'Agosto — Google review
Wonderful experience in December. Not overly crowded, weather was wonderful. I even found a wild honey bee hive in a tree along the road when we parked. Beach was beautiful as well. White sand beach.
Jennifer House — Google review
It was really amazing to see this butterfly event. The volunteer was being abused by a nasty mother which was really bothersome to witness. This woman was behaving so entiltled and teaching her child the same behavior. What a shame. The mother didn't approve of the volunteer redirecting the teenager to NOT touch the telescope. So rude on so many levels. The sign even said do NOT touch. Otherwise, the butterfly count was 15,000 and the park is sooo tiny, you didn't need to go far to see them. I wish they could plant more trees for the Monarch. You can also walk to the beach when you are done.
Joan MILLER — Google review
We came in November when counting was just about to start and the monarchs were all over. The docents were helpful and it was nice that they had camera lenses trained on the biggest groups in the branches to be able to see the butterflies even better. It's a small area of eucalyptus trees (which smell terrific!) Though be aware that there's hardly any parking. Cars lined up along the shoulders and just parked where they could.
Michelle Mitton — Google review
This is a free educational experience. Located at the beginning of the Pismo Beach area. It is a medium sized preserve. The Monarchs are very high up in the trees. There are a few binoculars stations for closer viewing. Parking is limited along the street.
Great day park for everyone from 1-100. Nice area around wading pool to relax and watch the kids. Reasonably priced the only thing missing is more slides, there are only 3. To add to the fun I suggest camping at Lake Lopez. From the campgrounds it's a 5 minute car ride to mustang water park. The grounds are clean and pretty large.
Mae Hughes (maebelle) — Google review
We love mustang water park!! The kids have a blast and it’s a great way to spend a summer day. Water slides, good snacks and good drinks! (Even for adults!)
A M — Google review
It's the only game in town but it's pretty good. Very crowded with too many big kids in the shallow pool. However there was no other pool for them. The slides are good but the lines were long.
Peggy Ketelsen — Google review
This is my family 3rd time camping at lopez lake. We've camped in Mustang all 3 times. Mustang is convenient. If you have small kids the Waterpark is next to Mustang. The older kids can walk to the lake. The bathroom is close. Always have a great time fishing and camping. This camping time bears were out. Nice area for families.
Aj Johnson — Google review
Lots of fun but bring your wallet your gonna need it ... there prices are right up there with bigger water parks and even amusement parks can't do it very often but glad we went.
Eric Jeffers — Google review
The kids love mustang! Only gets a 4 star and not a 5 because of their limited activities compared to surrounding water parks. Staff is always friendly and the lifeguards are on top of it! Great day outing to get the kids energy out! Snack bar is what you’d expect from a water park. Plenty of seating and shade!
Jenna Guerrero — Google review
Fair price for a fun day, keeps the family cool on hot days. Please add more slides. Snack bar often runs out of some items, but prices are good. Bathrooms could be taken care of more frequently. Hard to keep a toilet dry with wet people all day though. Lifeguards are on it
Jo T — Google review
What a great place for families! We went on Monday and then immediately turned our passes into season passes and got the “Splash Pass” parking permit ($35) at Lopez Lake. We’ve now been 3 out of 5 days this week.
Comparing this gem to other water parks, the average age of kid here is much lower. The “older kids” are in the 5th-6th grade range with a few middle school kids. The staff and lifeguards are friendly, helpful, and make it a place where I feel safe about my kids being watched and going on rides.
There is a decent selection of food for sale and even some reasonably priced items like the Uncrustables for $2.50 if you don’t want to get the burger salad, or corn dog.for example. The parking is close, so you could bring lunch in a cooler, leave it in your car, and then eat in the picnic area right outside the entrance if you prefer.
There is plenty of seating down around the kiddie pool area including several cabanas available to rent plus lots of free seating with ample shade available, too. Lockers are available near the restrooms for the security-conscious person, but this is a really tame place and your car is probably 250 feet away from the entrance. Not a big deal.
We’ll be back! Thanks Scott and team for a great experience!
Michael Denton — Google review
Horrible restrooms and the place needs to be cleaned up good
This tranquil park with miles of sand dunes & beach access offers fishing, hiking & picnicking.
Very nice dunes. Kinda strange to get to but there is a parking lot at the end!
Dylan Shields — Google review
I have lived in Guadalupe forever, yet the beauty of this beach never gets old. My two year old enjoys running through the dunes and dipping her toes in the water. Lots of surfers there today, good waves.
Bjorn Nyla Kurtz — Google review
I've gone here on quite a few occasions for a nice, relaxing, quiet beach walk. It doesn't get very crowded so you can walk for a really long time and only come across one or two people. There's not much here and a lot of wide open space so I imagine it would be a great place to bring dogs. It is pretty far out of the way so I don't know that a ton of people come out here. I imagine it would be a great place to view the sunset.
Zach Roper — Google review
Do not come here! Warning ⚠️ I'm joking, ideally I go on the weekdays but it's a gem. Untouched beach with great views. If you're from California and like places like Venice Beach, Santa Monica Huntington Beach then stay there. This isn't the beach for you.
jerryl villaros — Google review
Good place to get away. Just remember if it's 80's the sand will get really hot, if it's windy your legs will get sand basted. Also part of the park is fenced off starting in Oct and reopen in March 1st but you can always walk on the beach for about a mile where the fence ends and hike the bigger dunes.
milk mon — Google review
When it is time to leave, get out. They start closing up 15 minutes before the actual close time, fyi. Nice beach, well taken care of. Enjoy the scene! There is a restroom but bring wet wipes if you need to do anything other than #1.
Quinn Lacey — Google review
We were really impressed by the beauty of the sand dunes. That's something unique and it's really worth the visit. We hiked to the South for about one hour and came back going on the dunes. The scenery is breathtaking, with the sand, the sky, the ocean and the wild flowers.
There are patches of tar on the beach and you will get your feet/shoes dirty. The rangers told us that it has a natural origin.
Victor Berchet — Google review
Muh favorite beach ever. Perfect place to just sit in the car and be grateful to be alive. We have so many good memories here. Dogs are not allowed, it is a nature preserve.
Lady HAKA — Google review
It was fun cycling. Mostly flat except for 2 short hills in the dunes. Not much traffic. Beautiful spot. Absolutely no dogs allowed, even inside a car, because it's a recovery area for an endangered species (Snowy Plover). As a dog lover, it's worth the sacrifice to be good to the planet. There is access to the beach and hiking trails in the dunes.
Lieza Kiel — Google review
Always a gorgeous view, extremely windy like EXTREMELY windy but nonetheless a beautiful site to behold and drive through always make it a priority to stop by when traveling through Santa maria. Hope to enjoy the actual water some day
Presqu'ile Winery is a contemporary estate surrounded by well-groomed vineyards that offers wine tastings and picnic opportunities on its grounds. Apart from the superb wines, Presqu'ile also boasts remarkable architecture, picturesque views of the hills and ocean, as well as occasional live music events. The open-air seating area is modern and stylish while the Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Pinot Noir are highly acclaimed.
This was such a nice experience! This visit was sometime in February, so it was a little chilly but being in the sun was warmer and very nice. Went around noon for a nice lunch and some wine with the food/wine experience.
The wine was fantastic! I’m not even one that loves wine, but I was blown away by how delicious all options were. The food was also amazing and was inspired by Asian cuisine we were told. Couldn’t have asked for a better selection of food items. Also added the charcuterie plate, which I’d prefer to see some changes; maybe more olives and the menu said there were figs on the board, but didn’t get any.
Our waiter was nice but didn’t talk much besides asking if we were local to see if we wanted to buy into the wine club. Otherwise there was a waiter from Pennsylvania (same!) that I listened to at his tables and he was so personable and friendly. He even came to say hi to us and talk about being from PA!
Amanda — Google review
The chef creating the mezze picnic and specials at this place was so impressive on top of amazing views of the valley and hills, gorgeous architecture and fantastic rosé, syrahs and pinots. We ordered the special gallette made from locally sourced ingredients and the mezze picnic and the ingredients the chef put together was hard to decribe but so satisfying and delicious. Must go, but also reservation is important it gets busy. Side note they allow leashed dogs. Beautiful grounds.
Edith Ritter — Google review
The experience was so very relaxing and cozy. The service was excellent. I will definitely be choosing Presqu'ile again. Thank you for your excellent wines, magical ambiance, and tasty dishes.
K Susenbach — Google review
The service here was excellent. If you like full bodied cabs like Caymus or Austin Hope, you likely will not enjoy this wine. We did not. The only person in our group who liked it, doesn’t prefer the wines listed above. I wish I had known before we spent so much on the tasting. We wasted so much time. The food was delicious! That was the highlight. If I returned, I would order the food and the Sauvignon Blanc only. The wine is not paired at all with the food. The view is excellent.
Todays Present — Google review
What an awesome experience! The grounds are beautiful. The food is amazing. Every wine we tasted was delicious. A must experience!!
Suzanne DeSanto — Google review
Great winery, ambience, and food.
$45 for six good pours is a fair price, don't miss the charcuterie plate.
Kevin Van Alstyne — Google review
I dropped by Presqu’ile on a rainy Thursday and wanted to leave a review of the food tasting and our server (Tom). Tom was an amazing host with our group, taking time to explain the wines, the history and the flavors we could expect. Tom’s warm and welcoming energy set the tone for a pleasant afternoon and food and wine tasting. I was a bit worried that as a vegan, I wouldn’t be left with much to eat, however Presqu’ile really delivered there as well! The chef and crew made sure I had plenty of options and communicated to me what dishes I could and could not eat. They even separated them out on a different platter for me. Of course the view from the tasting room was stunning, caping off a wonderful afternoon!
Liz Quick — Google review
Presqu’ile is one of my favorite wineries in California. The wine was superb per usual, especially the sparkling and new releases of the estate Chardonnay. The food was divine as well.
Alex and Katelyn were so helpful and knowledgeable when I was asking them questions about vintages and the estate wines. I can’t wait to return.
Emily League — Google review
Fantastic French inspired cuisine and great wines to match. Not much of a red wine fan but this place made me one! Recommend the Syrah
Jared PR — Google review
My fiancé and I made the trip to Presquile from Santa Barbara and it was the most amazing experience thanks to Tom! He spent so much time with us (even after closing) telling us about the grounds and selecting wines specifically based on our likes and dislikes. We will most definitely be back to see Tom and can’t wait to bring our family to experience presquile as well!
Stumbled across this lovely winery after visiting another winery down the road and so happy we came here. Great wines great attentiveness and service from Danica and all!! Highly recommend if you enjoy an easy drinking Pinot Noir and light crisp Chardonnay. Can’t wait to come back.
Frank Avila — Google review
Never been to the winery. Picked up Julia Vineyard Pinot Noir 2021 from Costco. Amazing cool climate Burgundian Pinot Noir with good balance of ripeness, fruit and earth. I did not expect this from Californian Pinot Noir, which has been mostly fruity forward. Instead, it was shockingly similar to Pinot Noir from Okanagan Falls (BC, Canada)
Hyekjun Kwon — Google review
Beautiful property and amazing wines. Katy was absolutely fantastic at walking us through our tasting and giving us a lot of insight about the winery. Cambria uses really sustainable practices, and they put a lot of effort into cultivating a welcoming environment. We purchased several bottles to take home with us and are looking forward to enjoying them! Definitely recommend a visit!
Rachel Goldberg — Google review
I was looking for a winery to go in Santa Maria as I was already going to Bien Nacido and had some extra time. I settled on Cambria, mostly because of the new tasting room. I wasn’t too familiar with most of the wineries on the Foxen Wine Trail, but Cambria seems celebrated for its Chardonnay so I decided to try it out.
The location and tasting room are gorgeous. There’s a little picnic area on a hill as you drive in that overlooks the Santa Maria Valley. The tasting room is well decorated, new and clean. It’s definitely a nice location.
The service was good, they try to figure out which of their wines is your style and don’t necessarily go off a scripted menu. That was a welcome change from other wineries.
Alas, I was not a big fan of the wines. They are on the riper / fruitier side. Very fruity Chardonnay, extremely rich Pinot Noir. They have some wines that are a little less ripe and slightly more acidic but overall this isn’t my style of wine.
Overall a good experience, just not my cup of tea.
Daniel G — Google review
Cambria winery was awesome. An outside experience tasting delicious wines. The company was perfect. Good friends as Joe and Frank and the host Jessica a real pro and beautiful girl as well
VICTOR GONGORA — Google review
Went in for the 2pm tour we reserved. Was told there were no tours for the day. Flight of wine for $10. We enjoyed other flights much more. Did not purchase a bottle. Was asked to move tables for a larger party coming in.
Devon O'Rourke — Google review
If you like Pinot Noir and Chardonnay this is the place for you! My wife and I shared both flights available and every wine was excellent. Danica, our hostess was great as was Brenda. We had a great time and met some wonderful patrons as well. The tasting room was awesome. We sat inside near the fireplace and could see the vineyard in front of us and the wine barrels and vats to the side. Over all a great experience and I highly recommend for Pinot and Chardonnay enthusiasts!
Nate D — Google review
Fabulous! Fabulous! Fabulous! Absolutely adore the safe at Cambria. Brenda & Danica are.wonderful! We are members here and look forward to visiting. Delicious wines. Fabulous customer service. Highly recommend.
Kati Padgett — Google review
Excellent Burgundian style wines, just what we needed to finish our wine journey through the central coast! Enormously recommend.
La Purísima Mission State Historic Park is a restored 1820s mission that boasts of 10 original furnished buildings, a visitor center and a self-guided tour. It has an informative and educational visitor center that can take up to an hour or more to explore. The park sits on 2000 acres of land with around 25 miles of hiking trails for visitors to enjoy. There are many restored buildings with historical displays showcasing the way of life at the mission.
It’s a very nice and huge complex with animals and all. It does retain the feel of being a historical place a lot more than those that are currently in use and right at the heart of a town. I was even able to pet one of the piggies. She loved having her face scratched.
Andy Salas — Google review
It was nice experience because they have nice garden where you can have a pick Nick. They do not have a priest in church but the staff are very nice. You can enter fir free the only thing you pay is parking 6 dollars. You can see animals there in their farm.
Derick Lizarraga — Google review
Such a historic place that shows life during the colonization from Spain. The Mission is well taking care and properly secured so historic items can no be destroyed or defaced from the public. Is a nice 3 hours ride from Los Angeles.
Julio Matus — Google review
The weather was perfect. Climb to the cross was pretty easy. The buildings and displays are awesome. Well maintained.
Alfredo Gonzales — Google review
Beautiful property with hiking trails. You get a real sense of how life must of been. Buildings have many rooms to explore with of furnishings and artifacts. Blacksmith shop. Water fountain and livestock. Allow 2 hours more for hiking trails.
Peggy Davis — Google review
I’ve been to the mission multiple time but hadn’t ever done the tour as an adult. The tour guide, Leah B., was engaging, knowledgeable and funny. I recommend anyone interested in the history of missions in California visit La Purisma. Tours happen daily at 11 am and at both 11 am and 1 pm on Saturdays.
Nova Robinson — Google review
One of the best specimens of California missions with large visitor center (not open Mondays), restrooms, lovely gardens, chapel, and more displaying all aspects of mission life including live animals. Small parking fee and the rangers do check. Group picnic area under the trees.
Nanette Blackburn — Google review
This is a very beautiful Mission. It's the largest mission in California and the only mission that is totally preserved.
Al Garcia — Google review
We had a wonderful day here with the family. You only pay for the parking which was $6. We spent a good hour and a half here. Kids loved it
Rondi Clark — Google review
One of the most beautiful missions in California! ❤️ Be ready to walk, a huge property with hiking trials, live stock, and clean restrooms. Don't forget to pay your parking, there's a $6dls selfpay parking, and admission is free.
S. S. — Google review
Great recreation of a spanish mission of the 18 century. I was surprised to see a marvellous restauration project in California, better than many of the restauration projects in Spain. Well maintained with a great garden with plenty of wildlife. You must visit La Purísima to see how the spanish missions were a little town with many services in a time that the life was hard.
Great visit
Rafa Gandara — Google review
A lovely experience for our family. There are restrooms, the mission is beautiful and the gift shop has reasonable prices. It has free entry, you just need to pay for parking.
L alvarez — Google review
Great old mission...looks to be in good shape for its age..various rooms for different tasks..pottery..leather..weaving...simple altar
Aric Bechtel — Google review
Parking: need a state parks pass, or pay the parking fee. If you are willing to walk a few hundred feet more, you can park free on the side of the road.
I didn't see main church--came too late. Only saw a chapel. They also have goats and cows on the lot. Some gardens and lots of trees throughout. Worth going to if you go to Santa Inez and Solvang down the road!
alan royse — Google review
My wife and I have visited many California Missions but believe this to be the best of them. It has a great visitor center that is super educational. It's easy to spend an hour or more in the VS just learning about the mission.
The mission is situated on 2000 acres and has ~ 25 miles of hiking trails, besides all of the restored buildings with very informative historical displays of what life was like on the mission.
We paid a $5.00 parking fee (as seniors) with the regular price being $6.00. If you visit, plan to stay awhile. You will probably want to pack a meal. wear good walking shoes, and make sure you have plenty of water.
Would definitely go again!
Lompoc Valley Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau
Chamber of Commerce
Sights & Landmarks
Visitor center
Points of Interest & Landmarks
Informative and friendly staff! Gave all the great spots in the city!
Andi Gee — Google review
My Family and I Love the Old Town Market as well as The Farmers Market. We just found out yesterday that they might have to cut this wonderful event that brings the people from the city of lompoc together for a fun filled evening the City is cutting everything in this town except the wineries They have taken all events out of this town we don't have a Drive in theater we don't have a skating rink no place to take off road toys no dances nothing for the adults or youth to do in our town Know you AL want to
take the few last remaining thing s we do have Shame on you Lompoc these few remaining events mean alot to some of us.Yeah Budget Cuts You want us to Eat and shop Local Give people stuff to do stop taking what we do have away Get Rid of some of the homeless beggars sleeping in bus stops in door ways of businesses and people will start shopping here I shop Santa Maria they don't tolerate homeless people doing the things Lompoc does Thank ypu
Rhonda Henry Lemen — Google review
Like hearing message machines? They got one. Like to talk to humans? Sorry, refer to nessage machines entry. List of "available" businesses or services? used to be, but now ONLY list of "members". Not a member, no listed and evidently no existance. Nice building tho.
Paul Andreasen — Google review
Cool small town for many lovely street paintings.
Sue Dong — Google review
The woman who was there was very helpful
George Dawson — Google review
Excellent🕊️🕊️❤️❤️❤️🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
Sherry Foster — Google review
(Translated by Google) It is a very nice quiet place to walk.
(Original)
Es un lugar tranquilo de paseo muy bonito
Purple furniture. Metal sculptures. A winery dog with brown eyes as soft as crushed velvet. The Flying Goat lifts you away at first sight. In fact, it makes you wax poetic:
What Isaac Newton is to gravity
owners Kate and Norm are to bubbly;
and their pinot selection
receives our benediction
for its fruit-driven diversity.
I first entered the Goat on a weekday afternoon in 2017, drawn by the premise and promise of a sparkling wines flight. The unique tastes of fizz, acid, and citrus made my tongue euphoric. The cheeky GHETTO graffiti on the walls made me chuckle. And the novelty of a tasting room that combined high-class methode champenoise offerings with plush, stuffed billygoat decor made my heart sing.
I've returned to the Goat, time and time again, for their wine. But I've also marveled at art shows, savored honey tastings, and enjoyed made-to-order crepes in this niche space. Host Kate has a love for the community that shows in her hospitality. Winemaker Norm has a gift for turning out high-quality products that turn skeptics into believers. Case in point? My father became a sparkling wine fan after tasting the Goat's brut rose. My sister loves their red wines so much, she hoarded a bottle of their 2012 santa rita hills pinot noir for years until she found a worthy occasion to pop the cork.
I have learned that the best gifts come from the most unexpected sources. The people at the flying goat, from the full-timers to the moonlighters, have opened my eyes to the incredible world of sparkling wine production, pairing, and appreciation. Give yourself the gift of a visit...and a limerick.
If you are looking for bubbles that shine,
redefine, and enliven sparkling wine:
the Flying Goat
will float your boat
from blanc de blancs to cremant every time.
Faye Walker — Google review
We appeared on a Thursday.
The owner was attentive and shared good wines.
It is definitely a gem to experience off the beaten paths of other wineries within Santa Barbara area.
We left with a case shipping.
Decor is cute. Love the Flying Goat labels.
Lola — Google review
BUYER BEWARE!! Bought old (2015) wine duo (Pinot/sparkler) which was pricy n had a spoiled bottle! (I've stored wine properly for over 20 years n seldom open a spoiled bottle but it was probably bad when I bought it a few months ago) Terrible business practices!! When I asked for replacement bottle, Kate refused, blaming me. Will never buy their mediocre wines again!!
Lourdes Retana — Google review
Great little tasting room. Lots of lovely art to look at. Friendly service. Good Pinot Noir's and Sparkling Wines. Prices ranged from $40-60 per bottle. A bit surprised the $15 tasting fee is only waived after 3 bottles.
Janelle Chow — Google review
Flying Goat makes some great bubbles, and they have a fantastic tasting room. Staff are knowledgeable, friendly, and don't oversell. A great place to start, or end, a trip to the wine ghetto. Ask for recommendations, they'll point you to some good places.
Jamison Moore — Google review
Great friendly stuff, inside and outside sitting, packed snags available.
don marcello — Google review
Very nice intimate tasting room. The owners were very educated and passionate about their wines.
Jalama Beach County Park is a secluded and charming park by the ocean, with a winding road leading to it. The area features a popular snack shack, picnic tables, fire boxes, and a sundry store. The Jalama Beach Store offers basic wifi and sells famous Jalama burgers along with other sundries. Camping is available on first-come-first-serve basis after reservations fill up or for day-use fees.
A somewhat hidden gem of a county park off the beaten path. Winding road in and windy once you arrive but beautiful, remote spot along the ocean. The Jalama Beach Store has you covered with sundries and famous Jalama burgers. Not much cell service but basic wifi at the store. Day use fee or first-come first-serve camping after reservations fill. Nice new playground, adequate restrooms, and a dump station. A couple cabins with views available from the hill top. Walk the beach for more scenic views and lots of neat geology.
Nanette Blackburn — Google review
Beautiful piece of coastline. Beach is pretty rocky and not too swim friendly. Also, there are tar seeps on this beach. Great spot for long beach walks and beachcombing. Can get very windy. Campground has good facilities. Hot showers, flush toilets and a small general store that carries most things you might need during your stay. Cafe has decent food. Both store and cafe close at 5. Camp sites are all mostly flat, but small and close to each other. Popular with dog owners.
Georges Mignault — Google review
Restrooms, douches and clear water are available for free. Quite place for camping. Plenty of parking. Beautiful view. Highly recommend. Your pets will love this place too
Anastasia Selivanova — Google review
First time camping here with our small camper. Had a great time with the kids and friends. The beach was spectacular and great to explore. The store/restaurant is great and lots of items to buy. It was very windy and cold, would like to try again this summer. I've heard it can be windy at any time. The sites are nice some were pretty muddy after the big storms.
John Bunt — Google review
Quick trip to see what the surf is like here. Quite the drive from SLO (1.5hrs at least). You can enter the park at 6am but have to buy a $10 pass as well, I believe the park is staffed at 8am.
Surf was big, middle tide, some lefts, a few rights. A lot of outside sets that caught me paddling a lot back to the break. Didn't end up getting any good rides 😞 Pretty shallow break and it breaks quite fast, a lot of closeouts. Rocky on the north end. There were a lot of sand fleas out today.
Nice to see a vegan burger option.
Sea — Google review
Great campground. I love how people put colored lights up to brighten these winter nights. Many campers. Many kids. Great atmosphere. Great beach. Great Jalama Burgers! I had two (not on the same day :)
John Meng-Frecker — Google review
Not many know about this hidden gem. Need to book 6 months to the date in advance at midnight to get the "good spots" our family has been coming here for going on 8 years and my wife's family for a whole lot longer than that. The grill and store is family owned and one of the best burgers I've had. Don't expect hard alcohol but a nice cold beer and a burger is on the menu. The sights are amazing. Don't expect cell signal but there's enough wifi to do basic communication. We use it as an opportunity to disconnect and take in the things we take for granted with the everyday noise in the city life.
Kyle Cantrell — Google review
Covid restrictions have limited access to the park and the camp store but made it safer. Great food at the store with a limited menu, but the beloved Jalama burger is still flying off the grill. The setting is idyllic. The staff do a great job of keeping the restrooms clean. Day use and camping allowed. You can not change you reserved site during the pandemic. UPDATE: THEY don't evacuate the camp for each flight!
Udo Wahn — Google review
We went camping for 2 nights after Thanksgiving weekend. We had an RV Trailer and had a spot with electricity at the bluff. We had an awesome view and lucked out with spectacular sunsets. It was our first time in Jalama Beach and it is secluded. It is around 30 minutes to the town of Lompoc. Although there is wi-fi, the internet is slow and flaky. Expect a quiet, relaxing time here. There are several surfers that come here.
Catherine Hunt — Google review
OMG literally how have I lived in CA most my life and not known of this sacred gem! This beach is 14 miles from Hwy 1 and a what a lovely drive it is. So unlike the beaches in both northern and southern CA. The Jalama Beach Store & Cafe is outstanding and has almost anything you might need so that you don't have to make your way out of this paradise should you need something. The cheeseburgers at the cafe are to die for as well as the clam chowder! You can easily walk in either direction for a full 60+ minutes and hardly see a soul. Cannot wait to go back next summer. @dreamtreecoaching on IG & @thegrievingmind.
Tamara Smith — Google review
First beach day experience 🏖️ Awesome time! We arrived at 12pm on Saturday July 15th, 2023. There was about a 30 minute or less wait to get in. The beach was not that crowded at all. It felt like we had lots of space. The water was cold, but there were some fun waves to ride for my first time trying to use a body "boogie" board. I made some ASMR on the beach. Great experience. Good people.
RancorSweetly — Google review
Beautiful beach. Great for surfing, running, and camping. There is a $10 day use fee and sometimes they run out of day use space. Also a great fishing/spearfishing location as long as the waves co-operate.
Josh Herguth — Google review
Great place for a short family getaway. The Perch actions are awesome. Clean restrooms and showers, although it requires money and quarters. There's a burger place, $11.00 for a burger, no fries or drinks. Staffs are nice and the place is clean. There are cabins for rental. The drive from highway 1, keep your eyes out for deer's and wild pigs. Lots of farms, ranch and cows.
chou vang — Google review
Long narrow drive back in there to the beach resort Beaches arnt exactly what I was expecting for an out of stater windy and cool temps for this time of year The cafeteria was very small and out dated the food was fair their know for a certain burger which I never had but someone next to me that had and they never finished it To me it looked extremely greasy I had fries and another type of sandwich on the normal side I over heard the cook complaining about her Back on Fire from the routinely grind of standin an Flippin burgers 😐 Again the place is well dated its in need of an update flip .
Sanford Winery is a picturesque vineyard and winery located on the historic Rancho La Rinconada estate. The tasting room, constructed with stone and handmade adobe bricks, offers visitors the opportunity to enjoy estate-grown wines such as Pinot Noir and Chardonnay while taking in breathtaking views of the surrounding vineyards. Daily tours are available for booking at least 48 hours in advance.
Their wines never disappoint. Refined and special. They hooked us and we always stop by when in the area. Beautiful winery, beautiful area.
Lee Kafkas — Google review
Really nice location and wines , fantastic staff as well. Very enjoyable morning drinking some good Pinots . Would come back
avinash shantaram — Google review
The wine was as delightful as our host, Melissa. We learned so much about the history of the vineyard and the founders. I would highly recommend a visit and a tour if you can. Reservations are a good idea for large parties or weekends, but not necessary.
Jennifer Vineyard — Google review
Enjoyable vineyard/winery for a wine tasting. Pinot Noir is their speciality but they are delicately made. Special thanks to Jim who showed me everything Sanford has to offer
Alex Tsui — Google review
The experience here is one I think fulfills all that makes Santa Barbara great. The history is there. The charm of the setting and building. The easy going nature of the staff. Of course, the quality of the wines.
I would say it reminds me of what it must have been like to taste wine in Santa Barbara over 50 years ago. When you had to drive off the highway a bit and knock on someone's door, who opened their cellar for you. Even though the wines are probably light years ahead of those 50 years ago, it feels like a step back in time in a way.
I think the best way to go is the flight of the Founder's Vines or the Clonal Flight. It is a great way to taste the true differences in soil and terroir. And the flights are so easy to follow.
HIGHLY recommend.
Will Costello MS — Google review
We have been members at Stanford for the past few years and our in-laws have been for a while now. Over the last two years, the few times we went for our tasting we were met with what I would call a “cold” demeanor from the server. So much so that when we took guests, we told them to buckle in and just expect amazing wines (as Sanford always delivers there!) Well this past Thursday restored my faith in the Sanford tasting experience. We had a phenomenal time in the tasting room, and it was all thanks to the new GM Joann. She went above and beyond to take times to explain the wines and guide us through the tasting. She had an amazing energy and was welcoming to all the groups who made the rainy day trek there. Thank you Joann and the Stanford crew for a phenomenal day we won’t forget!
Liz Quick — Google review
Great experience. Nice staff in a beautiful setting
G. Matthew Kennedy — Google review
Could not have been more happy from my visit. Delicious wines, beautiful atmosphere, knowledgeable and super friendly staff. Joined the club and ordered a case! Will be back soon!
Stephen Lasker — Google review
Nested in a wonderful location between the Californian hills, Sandford winery is home to 40ish years old field of 🍇 almost as far as the eye can see.
You will be greeted with respect by a kind member of staff and beautiful hawks flying about in spring.
I am not expert in wine but the one I was given to taste was beautiful and tasty with a blonde robe and a fruity panache that matched the weather of that day.
It is a secret but I found my mother's day and father's day gifts here. I can't wait to bring them back home to them in good old Belgium.
Thank you Sanford Winery!
Note that reservations should be made beforehand for wine tasting experience.
Cheers!
Lucas Ventura — Google review
Awesome experience, quiet and intimate visit. Chelsea was great and welcoming. Would definitely return.
Ryan Whedon — Google review
Thank you Debbie and Trey for the unforgettable experience. Gorgeous scenery and even better wine! My husband and I are looking forward to our next visit. We’re excited to be wine club members now!
Fess Parker Winery & Vineyard is a family-owned establishment that offers tastings of Burgundy and Rhone-style wines amidst beautifully manicured grounds. The staff members are incredibly friendly and helpful, enhancing the overall experience for visitors. The winery is also dog-friendly, making it an ideal location for pet owners to enjoy some delicious wine while their furry friends relax under the shade of a tent.
Nice wine and great tasting room staff. Very dog-friendly! Brought our very large golden retrievers, and were very comfortable in the shade under a tent. It’s all outdoor seating now as they do some renovations but we were fine with that since we have dogs and the weather’s nice
Gayle Oswald — Google review
A stunning location for a winery, plenty of outside space (it was January and we drank Al fresco). Classic tasting price for 4 glasses was $25, 'Enhanced' tasting price was $35. We could do mixed options within our group. I went for the classic. I gave it 4 stars as unfortunately I didn't remember any of them distinctly. The Enhanced menu had a $90 Napa red wine which was delicious. The food in photo we brought ourselves, but there is a pizza van on site.
Colin Hall — Google review
Spent a great afternoon with perfect weather, wine tasting flight and charcuterie board. Come with good company and you're guaranteed an enjoyable time with scenic grounds and delicious wine.
Luis Diaz — Google review
Yes, yes, yes! If you are wondering if you should or should not visit Fess Parker, the answer is... Yes, you must go by! My wife and I had a wonderful experience. We both did a tasting and bought a bottle. We were served by Jack, but everyone we spoke with was super nice and helpful. We loved the wine, and the grounds are beautiful. This place is a MUST if you want some great California wine.
Lance K — Google review
I have 1 reason for each star I did not add on this review. The wine was mediocre. The price for a wine tasting was expensive and we were very disappointed with almost every one we tasted. Most of the white wines smelled like burning brakes on a car. Weird, I know. The scenery was perfect and lovely.
The servers were so poorly dressed I was shocked. I thought it was embarrassing that they allow their servers to come to work dressed the way they were. Our server was wearing baggy shorts, t-shirt and an unzipped Hoodia sweatshirt. Very underwhelmed with the whole experience.
Katie White — Google review
First of all, the drive just to get there is beautiful. The scenery and outdoor patio area is so gorgeous and had an amazing time sitting outside enjoying the wine and view there.
Juliette Fechter — Google review
The tastings are great and it’s a super nice spot for a picnic. They also have food trucks if you don’t bring your own food. Outdoor area is really nice.
Hudson Lofchie — Google review
Beautiful vineyard! I went solely to get a couple of bottles of wine my sister said she loves from Fess Parker Winery. No tasting (odd for me), but did buy a glass of wine to enjoy while sitting out on their lawn under the oak trees.
Pat James — Google review
I'm not a wine drinker at all but this Winery gives you such a great experience. The wine is amazing the atmosphere is great and the views are amazing. You can even become a member!! Definitely recommend!
Katy Garcia — Google review
-Went to Fess Parker Winery where the film Sideways (2004) was filmed and did a wine tasting (also drove by Sideways Inn which has been demolished and rebuilt, and also drove by Ostrich Land (wish we would’ve stopped by there - also, both of these other locations were also in the film, the film of which was critically acclaimed by the way, but I thought was just meh, if you care what I think, although I would like to see it again now…)). (see pics)
Scott Tyson - Realtor — Google review
Very dog friendly winery. It felt bigger than a lot of the wineries we passed by. It was also a lot more crowded. Decent amount of parking, and they had a pizza truck the day we were here (which we did not try). We kept getting harassed by yellow jackets, which was surprising since it's the dead of winter, but they mostly left us alone. They were very friendly here.
Steven Ellison — Google review
Celebrated a friend's birthday here in picnic area.
What a wonderful property. Highly recommended.
Enjoy wine tasting in the stylish building or the relaxing patio. Beautiful grounds to stroll or take a guided horse tour of the 700 acre property set among rolling hills dotted with pastures and small ranches.
Martin Mulvihill — Google review
We started our Santa Ynez wine tour at Fess Parker. The magnificent lodge had plenty of seating indoor and out. Seeing the pictures of Fess (aka Davy Crockett) with Walt Disney brought back old memories. The staff was friendly and attentive. The menu had a good selection of both whites and reds. The only improvement would have been some wood and a fire in that awesome fireplace to take the chill off the first morning tasting.
Paul Santeler — Google review
I’m not a wine aficionado, but I know a good place when I see one. We were visiting family and had a very relaxing wine tasting in a beautiful setting with perfect California weather. The people working here were attentive hosts and very engaging. We had grown up watching Fess Parker movies as kids so that made it even more special.
johnsko Johns — Google review
I love visiting this winery. There is something special about the expansive lawn area that invites families to frolic before or after wine tasting.
Virginia Rodgers — Google review
Great help on the phone by the guest experience manager, but unfortunately, the employees weren’t able/willing to clear time to give us the tour and experience we were promised. Very frustrating, since we chose this winery because of the offered experience and took over 6 hours to drive here. Overall a big anticlimax on our trip.
Andrew Murray Vineyards is my favorite winery to visit in Los Olivos! It is the perfect getaway retreat to experience with friends, partners, or family. The wines are delicious and you can even do a chocolate truffle wine pairing tasting (highly recommend). The winery itself has a modern yet timeless design and a newly renovated outdoor tasting area that is comfortable and beautiful at the same time. In addition, the staff is friendly and knowledgeable about their variety of wines.
I recommend making a reservation, but walk-ins are also accepted.
I cannot recommend this winery enough and look forward to future visits!
Madeline Williams — Google review
Best winetasting wines I've ever had! As a former owner of a very highly rated fine dining restaurant that hosted regular fine wine tastings & dinners, I can honestly say this is the # 1 option for tastings in the region. Do the 7 wines version for just $10 more than the the 5
A. James — Google review
The wines here are delicious! The grounds are stunning. Me and my friend came here for a tasting for a weekend getaway and we were not dissapointed. Izzy served us and she was very kind, helpful and educated on the wine. I highly recommend the 2021 Viogner. Very crisp and refreshing on a hot day.
Just note that picnics are not allowed on the terrace where the tastings are held, but there are picnic tables below where you are welcome to eat your home brought meals.
Liv Alexandria — Google review
My recent visit to Andrew Murray Winery in Los Olivos, CA, was nothing short of exceptional. From the moment we stepped foot onto the estate, we were greeted with warmth and hospitality. Our wine tender, Shanna, was not only knowledgeable but also incredibly kind, enhancing our tasting experience.
The selection of wines offered for tasting was impressive, but it was the Grenache that truly stole the show. Its rich flavor and smooth finish convinced me to take a bottle home to savor later.
The estate itself is a sight to behold, boasting breathtaking scenery and a charming patio setting adorned with heaters and yard games. The pet-friendly atmosphere was a delightful surprise, allowing us to enjoy our time with our furry companions by our side.
Overall, Andrew Murray Winery offers more than just exceptional wines; it provides a memorable experience that leaves a lasting impression. I highly recommend a visit to anyone looking for a delightful wine-tasting adventure in the heart of California wine country.
Brikiera — Google review
loved our time here, we joined after a beautiful tasting of unique and delicious wines!! the atmosphere is mod yet cozy, with cushy blankets and great, prompt service. we learned a lot about Andrew and his love of wines, thanks to the amazing woman who helped us out and told us all about AMV. we are thrilled to be members now and visit when we come to town (up from San Diego). they have very affordable pricing and the comp tastings with a membership can’t be beat! we’re excited to have taken home some E11EVEN wines as well, yum! a great variety here, and for the right price. we are so glad to have made the trip over here while staying in Solvang, at our hotels recommendation. what a beautiful spot, we look forward to being back soon!! thank you thank you, would recommend to anyone staying in the area. Roasted Slope & Petit Verdot were my personal fave, and s/o to Enchanté which surprised & delighted, turning us into white wine drinkers this visit!! cheers!
Jackie McQuiston — Google review
Very nice winery in Los Olivos, love their GSM.
Jensley Fernandez — Google review
Compared to Oregon wine country...
Hands down this vintner is in touch with his craft and does it well. They have multiple varietals that have a great nose and taste just as nice.
They're bottles are well priced, between $25 & $36, for the quality.
This was a very enjoyable wine tasting experience with nice grounds for a lunch. We would highly recommend this as a winery to experience.
Todd Duncan — Google review
Very dog friendly winery. They have the little trash can with poop bags out front like you see at parks, which was nice to see. The wines were really good. This place had a lot of really cozy seating inside, lots of couches and tons of blankets to snuggle up under.
Steven Ellison — Google review
Amazing views, decor and ambiance. Great wine as well, I highly recommend sticking to the richer reds however, personally.
Robert Perez — Google review
Really peaceful grounds and cool inside tasting rooms. The wines were not our favorite, but that's completely subjective.
Jason Hoffer — Google review
We tasted there on a rainy day last week and the whole experience was just as good as it always is. The server was so friendly and polite and he took good care of us. The whole winery, inside and out, is beautiful. It’s been fun watching all the improvements that have been made over the years. Another constant, perhaps most importantly, is the wine. Andrew is a very talented winemaker and we love what he creates. He really understands how to make great wine and that’s why we’re members!
Charmaine Potter — Google review
We visited with my sister and her husband who are both members along with 6 other family members, two are members of various other wineries in Napa and Sonoma. Needless to say it was not our first tasting so we were extremely disappointed when our server Izik treated us so rudely. It was not busy but he rushed to serve us, didn’t tell us his name or any background of the winery or information about the wines. When we asked he rushed through the information - I felt like it was a speed date. We left and spent our money elsewhere. Have never been treated so badly. Would not recommend as there are so many other wineries in the area and wonderful to visit.
Kim Leisure — Google review
Great wine and amazing staff. The wine is definitely worth the trip and the staff make for a great experience. I love the grounds as well.
Reservation are best but they did accept walk in during covid.
Was surprised to find out that the owner of the winery is the owner of LV Golden Knights (Go Kings Go). Really enjoyed the views from the tasting room and the wines that were presented to us. Ben, our server was considerate and a pleasure to talk to. He really informed us of all the by-products and flavors that were incorporated into each one of the wines 🍷. Along with Ben, the rest of the staff were friendly as well. It was a pleasure stopping in.
Kino J — Google review
Firestone Vineyard is a wonderful vineyard to experience. My wife and I stopped in and both did a tasting, then bought a bottle to-go. We were served by a gentleman named Tim. He was super friendly and joy to meet. The other person we met, Christy, was also super nice and friendly. All in all, we had a great time and would love to go back. This place is a must to try out!
Lance K — Google review
Nice vineyard with great views. Pleasant tasting room. The wines seem a little off right now but I've also had really good ones from here.
john daley — Google review
I would say this is a must visit winery if in the area. The wines did not disappoint, they have a Chardonnay unlike any we've tasted before and an amazing Cab. The atmosphere is warm and cozy and Yazmin was amazing. The establishment is pet friendly so we enjoyed the company of our Yorkie as we tasted.
michael house — Google review
Superb experience, excellent wine, inside pleasant tasting room on a very windy day and they even provided bottled water for between tastings. Well versed server provided an interesting dialog and explanations. $$ but nice time worthy of taking away a bottle of cab franc.
Jim Peterson — Google review
Very friendly, if you go there ask for Nick, his very nice
Sayda Vera — Google review
We went to three different wine tasting locations and by far this one was different. It was a 109 degrees outside so indoors was our only option. I did not expect to be seated in the back area with the barrels. It was amazing experience. They had a live dj playing vinyl music and they were raffling off some merchandise. We brought our own cheese and crackers. They provide you with chilled water and the service was great. We will definitely come back here. Thank you Firestone Vineyard ❤️
Vic Arutyunyan — Google review
Very enjoyable full flavored cherry & blackberry flavors and the trace of spice at the finish was quite stellar !! Do you have anymore in your cellar ? :)
Vasan Serca — Google review
Worth a stop! Almost skipped this one since it’s the first down the vineyard trail but glad we went in. The inside is medium size with no seating just standing at the tasting counter, worked for me but some of the family grew restless. Beautiful views of the Los Olivos valley and great wine.
Kathryn Cervantes — Google review
We hadn't been to Firestone for about 20 years. Now as part of Foley Family Wines we re-visited and were pleasantly surprised. One of the first, if not the first wineries & vineyards in this area. The wines show this with their maturity, depth & balance without being over bearing.
Garry Klassen8 — Google review
We stopped in right before closing on our way to Monterey Car week. Taylor was great and had our tasting experience waiting in us. This is one of our favorite vineyards within our FFWS membership!
David Gwilt — Google review
I thought it might be helpful to offer a different perspective of Firestone Vineyard for bride and groom’s who may be considering this space for their wedding. Most reviews online are from a guest’s perspective. I would love to offer the light and lines point of view from a local Santa Barbara wedding photographer who has been shooting there for over eight years.
As someone who sees spaces in terms of light, composition, and experience, Firestone Vineyard has a bouquet of options to play with. The visual artist in me loves the elevation Firestone has over the valley. The bluffs on the side of the vineyard overlook layers of hills a vines. Layering elements into a photo elevates the ‘wow’ factor of a picture. The length of the lawn allows me to play with compression and background layers. This makes it ideal for both portraits and for intimate ceremonies.
I specialize in candid wedding photography and so for me, having quiet locations are key to creating great images. Spaces that are separated from where the guest’s arrive gives me the ability to facilitate still, quiet moments where the bride and groom can connect authentically without people watching or an audience. Spaces such as the bluffs, the courtyard, inside the vineyard, and behind the large doors of the barrel room allow me the isolation to play and capturing their authentic personalities.
Firestone’s Vineyard has large trees organically roaming throughout the vineyard. The combination of leading lines in the rows in vines contrasted with the natural placement of the large trees blends perfectly with the direction of the sun light during golden hour just before sunset. One of my favorite places to play and create is in the vines.
A close second to the vines is the barrel room. From the photo in my review you can see that the artist inside me is a kid in a candy shop when it comes to the spacing and placement of the barrels. The isolation of light in the barrel room paired with the length variation of barrel size is a dream to create in. It’s the perfect space to bring in my controlled directional photography light and create. It’s almost like a large, quiet, photo studio where I can control all the light and play with all the layers of barrels.
I’ve been photographing weddings in the Santa Barbara & Santa Ynez area for many years and have experienced how different spaces unfold from a guest’s and day-of perspective. The views, lines, composition, layering, and lighting of Firestone Vineyard is a playground to create in as an artist. I LOVE photographing and creating amazing art in this space!
Matt Roberts — Google review
We may have got unlucky but the lady who served our flight was not into it. She gave us our first serve and then left us for 20 minutes. Others in the taste room would not fill in for her and just stand there thinking if we should leave. When she returned she just served the next flight without comment and the next. She was looking at the cell phone most of the time. Well, we paid and left. The wine is good and the grounds really beautiful but the impression not good
Old Mission Santa Ines, established in 1804, serves as both an active Catholic parish and a museum offering tours and a gift shop. It provides visitors the opportunity to explore the history of indigenous peoples and missionaries through art and workmanship exhibits.
Step back in time to Old California. This is an active Catholic parish that is beautifully maintained. The tour is worth taking and exploring the art, workmanship and history of the indigenous peoples and Missionaries. The gardens are well maintained and calming. The grotto area depicts San Juan Diego kneeling before Our Lady of Guadalupe. Also, the outdoor Stations of the Cross allow you to reflect on our Lord's Passion. There are picnic tables under the shade trees for a nice lunch. The restrooms are clean, parking is convenient and do not forget to visit the gift shop.
KM Sanchez — Google review
I've been to a lot of Missions. I grew up in So Cal. This one feels a little different. It's not crazy crowded like San Juan Capistrano, for example. It's really chill and the surrounding landscape is beautiful. Vineyards and farms, as well as the Dutch town of Solvang surround this mission. I don't think I would spend a lot of time here, but it's worth an hour or so. I tried to enter the church but it was closed. Take a nice walk around the grounds then go get some yummy Dutch treats in town.
Susan Hermosillo — Google review
Beautiful old church. Glad I stopped by. The surrounding area is beautiful as well, it has great views of the landscape. There are many rooms that have artifacts and information, so plan to spend some time here appreciating everything if you are interested in this kind of stuff.
Adam N-A — Google review
One of the beautiful and peaceful spot nearby the busiest town. You can walk here from the town. They do have tours but unfortunately I couldn’t register for it as there were private events going on both times.
The view from the park next to the church is beautiful. They have benches over there. Just sit and experience the beauty.
Chetan Pangam — Google review
This is one of the quite place to visit
1. It is one of the oldest church around
2. The gardens are beautiful
3. You will see the nice forest view from here
Need improvements
1. Not much in gift shop
2. Could have opened church for all time
Mahantesh Paramaj — Google review
Love the missions. I have made it a point to visit everyone of them. And relieved history in a diminute way I recommend to visit all the missions and enjoy the past.
Pancho Villa — Google review
It was not crowded when visiting. Unfortunately did not take a tour. Just strolling outside the premise you'll get to see some nice sights. Great view of land from the parking lot (parking lot on the premise). The small garden is beautiful.
Steve Munguia — Google review
Tremendously gorgeous church which is still in use today. Even if you don't get inside the church, the views near by are enjoyable. From walking around on paved paths, to admiring the architecture, and also looking at the overlook of vast grassy fields, this is an enjoyable visit in Slovang. Not a must visit in the city, but fun nonetheless.
Greater Nethland — Google review
Historic mission with active Catholic Church allows self-guided tours for $8. The tour covers the historic structures, models for past structures, some artifacts, original bells, historical timeline, access to the church sanctuary, the gardens and cemetery. There is also a good bit of artwork associated with the mission on display throughout. A paper guide is provided. There is a small gift shop, which is where you pay for the tour. Free public parking is available outside the mission, a very short walk. There are also restrooms adjacent to the parking lot. These are the only available restrooms for visiting the mission, but it is not a long walk.
LR P — Google review
Parking: free and in front of the mission with a big lot.
Unlike other missions, this one is not state operated, it's a functional parish, the church and grounds have no entry fee. The church might be closed for private events like weddings at times.
The church is beautiful and like old Mexican and European churches with lots of old icons, art and statues! I wish they used the old altar, the new one is out of place for the building.
A must see if your in Solvang
alan royse — Google review
I enjoy visiting Catholic churches, for education, culture and inspiration and to take the opportunity for some quiet time and prayer during business travel.
I visited a few old churches here in the central California coast and am impressed with the longevity of these communities.
This church charges an admission, which I'm happy to pay to help keep open and available to the public. The entrance is to the left of the main doors at the souvenir shop.
You walk from the shop through several rooms that illustrate the history of the mission. I couldn't spend much time here and may come back for more in depth reading.
The museum and church was not busy and I did have time for quiet prayer.
The gardens are beautiful and well maintained. I don't know if it is appropriate to picnic here, but would make for a great stop with family.
Santa Ynez Valley is a picturesque destination nestled among green hills and vineyards, offering a range of tourism amenities across its various communities. It's an ideal spot for a day trip, especially if you're interested in wine tasting. Consider booking a tour with one of the Santa Barbara wine tour companies to ensure a stress-free experience. The valley boasts stunning scenery, delicious wines, and friendly locals, making it a favorite wine region for many visitors.
Such a beautiful place to spend the day. I always love coming here.
Crawford Peitso — Google review
My Favorite Wine Region in California!! (& Ive been to MANY past 30+ yrs)…
Gorgeous Scenery, AMAZING Wine & Nice People!! 😎🍇🍷
Suzanne Rogers — Google review
Beautiful place to escape civilization.
Alan Zoller — Google review
Must be lovely exited to meet the place . This is full of great adventures and beautiful landscapes to enjoy of And built the best plantation full of peace ☮️
Samantha Arvizu — Google review
I was over Solvang yesterday. a little bit disappointing. its getting really dry and hot in summer.
John — Google review
Imense tranquility, and peaceful Nature.🎨😍
elizabeth hestevold — Google review
Remarkable and great prices
Anonymous User — Google review
Amazing wines, beautiful views
Gilberto Martinez — Google review
Love to been at there
Osgood Banty — Google review
santa ynez beautiful valley.
Catalina Pina — Google review
4.6
(33)
•
4.5
(137)
California 93460, USA
27
Lake Cachuma
Lake
Nature & Parks
Bodies of Water
3,100-acre, man-made lake for camping, boating & fishing in a tranquil setting with yurt rentals.
Very nice place! Good place for Camping , relax , nice nature , nice clean lake ( no swimming) but you can rent the boat, fishing, food store in the camp with lot of good stuff (food , souvenirs, bbq stuff some fishing stuff, toilets and showers (showers was dirty .. ) and toilet on the water, good restaurant, live music
Thanks !
Filip B. — Google review
Beautiful lake with clear water and surrounded by green hills. We stopped here for about 30 minutes and hiked down from the parking lot all the way to the water. Located in the valley, there are numerous little streams that bring rain water from the hills into the lake. Definitely worth a stop if you are in the area.
Sandeepa Dey — Google review
This is an above average campground with good amenities, proximity to Solvang, and access to a nice lake/reservoir. The RV sites are ample & have full hook-ups. Tow vehicles are not counted as a 2nd car so you can actually have a 3rd vehicle for $10 per night extra. Make sure the rangers designate your tow vehicle as a tow vehicle with the window permit on check-in.
You can have a tent buddy-camp next to an RV on the RV sites, but tenting only at RV sites is not permitted.
Notable Pros: (1) Proximity to lake via various marked hiking trails from most camp areas (2) Fairly well-stocked General Store with firewood, ice, liquor, RV accessories, etc. (3) Rangers were very helpful, present & courteous throughout - unlike the CA State Parks/Beaches (4) boat rentals available & being on the lake with a motorized boat was GREAT!
Cons: (1) Dog run was horrible, dry, foxtail & burr infested and simply not suitable for pets. Our neighbor stated she would take her dog to Solvang for morning walks. Keep the pooches on the pavement at all times. (2) Disc Golf course was a mixture of dirt, dry grass, and back trails...not inviting in the least & scenery was dismal. (3) General Store, restaurant & most camp amenities closed on Mondays (4) fishing is advertised, but it is clear the lake is lacking in fish stock - prepare for an all-day fishing excursion with little or nothing to show for it (from shore, in boat, etc.) - this based on inquiring with other fishermen & trying various spots (5) Aggressive racoons ransacking campsites looking for food - we had 4 little burglars in our campsite moving stuff around at 3 AM.
So this camp ground is about a 3.5 star which can easily be a 5 star with some noted fixes. Very dry and dusty and not environmentally pet friendly, but a great location & lake area.
Rob Hdez — Google review
The lake is full thanks to the winter rains. Newer docks and pontoon boats to rent. Great family activity and fishing for trout and bass. One of my favorite places in SB County.
Tom Spadoro — Google review
Loved it. Beautiful Lake, friendly workers, ample space for camping near the lake, I would recommend going down to the lake by sunset or sunrise, I took amazing photos. They have boats you can rent, affordable, reasonable, fast... Not speed boats but more or less a great place to spend a weekend with a small family...
SB Overlander — Google review
It is a nice place to walk around, though there are not a lot of trails. It is pretty. The restaurant is slow and very noisy. We gave up and didn't eat there. The restroom stall latches could use some attention.
Kelli (Wind Poppy) — Google review
My new favorite spot to fish for trout , they stock the lake in the spring with lots of huge trout. Tons of camping and lots of day use areas. Beautiful views all around the lake 👍👍
Brian Varela — Google review
Definitely worth stopping by if you’re in the area 👍👍
If you’re heading to Solvang from Santa Barbara, most likely Google maps will direct you to take CA- 154. It’s a scenic route and you’ll see the lake on the right side.
There is an entrance fee but since I wasn’t really staying for a long time, I really appreciate the ranger who gave me a short time pass just to see the water and the facilities; so that was a really courteous gesture. There are multiple campsite areas, a landing dock for boats, ample parking, convenience store, gas station and there’s one restaurant by the lake.
Dut Kasilag — Google review
The lake is full and recently stocked with rainbow trout. Wonderful camping with lots of amenities.
Geoff White Sr. — Google review
Wonderful spot for camping. Entry fee is only $10 per vehicle. The place is equipped with almost everything a camper needs. Rest rooms, playing areas, gas station, restaurant & grocery store. Recreation is also available with fishing tools & boat rentals. Great place for RV campers with spacious parking areas. Whether you are only spending a day or staying overnight for camping, the scenery & ambience @ the lake is wonderful. April to July I'd say are the best months to camp there
Ammar El-Taher — Google review
Been coming here for 47 years.. lol glad the water Level is up.. finally... the pools are a plus and holiday weekends are crazy. Make reservations. They only have a few 1at come 1st serve spaces. The over flow area is quiet and away from all the bustle. They are also trails you can walk... overall a beautiful area. Day use is $10.00. 6am to 6pm.
Genevieve Martinez — Google review
Cachuma lake water level 93% full for July 2023 visit. We had lots of fun camping over three days.
Sam Bawahab — Google review
Great camping experience, 3 days with friends by beautiful Lake Cachuma above Santa Barbara. Beautiful sunsets, Pot luck bbq kayaks, hikes day trip to Solvang. Everything was great, except the bathrooms were never cleaned the entire weekend. Discussing what 150 campers can do. Bring your own bathroom bucket.
Kat — Google review
4.6
(271)
•
3.5
(236)
California, USA
28
Refugio State Beach
State park
Nature & Parks
Campground
Serene stretch of coast & picnicking spot with a snug, basic campground & scenic views.
Nice day at the beach. You can camp here, on the main grounds not on the beach itself. There are restrooms, a huge grass play area with a swing set. Dogs are allowed on leash on the main grounds, but not allowed on the beach. Sand was soft and clean and lots of seaweed at tide lines. Rolling waves, great for kids. Felt peaceful.
jen westmoreland — Google review
Refugio is a must-visit destination for camping enthusiasts seeking a perfect blend of natural beauty and community spirit. The memories we created at this incredible beach spot will undoubtedly linger, making it a place we long to return to for future adventures. If you're searching for a slice of paradise to pitch your tent, look no further than Refugio.
Richard Shannon — Google review
A gorgeous beach that doesn’t get too busy. Day parking is $10 for vehicles and more for RVs. I’ve been in winter and summer and it’s always a beautiful view. Great for pictures and the waves are alright. Bathrooms on site plus showers. The color of the water is almost like the emerald waters of Miami but not quite. A great beach no less and definitely recommend.
Marcos Quirino — Google review
We stayed in the Bouchard Group camp site. Great location on a bluff, uninterrupted view of the water. There were bathrooms and showers in the group site. Two water sprockets for cleaning. No outdoor sink but plenty of picnic benches. Nice beach with little to no current. Very nice site for group camping.
Jim Hardimon — Google review
Lovely beach, nice campsite with hot showers. Facilities need updating but clean. Need credit card to buy tokens for the showers, minimum 20 dollars!!!! Nice rangers and host. There's even a small shop with souvenirs and basics. Lots of driftwood you can burn
Philippa Walker — Google review
Beautiful views. Campsite, playground great for family picnics. Just no dogs allowed on the beach side. They do have bathrooms near by.
Ms. Hurtado A — Google review
Secluded with lots shade. Very picturesque beach with palm trees.
Best of the three beaches along the Gaviota coast (Refugio, El Capitan, and Gaviota).
Head west along the beach to the rocky area and cliff for nature hike.. Amazing views and nice vistas on top of the cliff.
Ten dollars entry allows you to visit all three beaches in one day with one pass.
Clean restrooms. Clean showers by the gift shop. 25 cent for two minutes. Parking right near the beach.
Sam Bawahab — Google review
It's pretty views. They have picnic tables that are first come first serve. A park grill is at each table. If you want solitude this is NOT the state park for you. Areas are very well maintained so don't bring your mess. I rated 3 stars because dogs are not allowed on the beach and the area that the dogs can be in is on rocky hills and slopes with broken wood.
Jocelyn Mitchell — Google review
The beach is lovely but the campground layout is just too close together for my tastes. You're camping with all your neighbors, no divisions between spots to speak of.
Also, they didn't tell us that there was no on site place to buy firewood. We had to break down camp and go into town to get some. Easily avoidable hassle if they'd just put up a sign or told us at check-in.
It is beautiful though.
Robyn Pearson — Google review
It was wonderful! The accommodations were great. I will certainly return. We had a local seal come up and play in the surf.. a first time experience for me in 30 years of living here in So. Cal.
Doris Ramirez — Google review
Stopped by this beach on our way back to LA from solvang because we wanted a place to enjoy our pastries. We drove along the coast and couldn't really find a beach without paying and didn't want to miss sunset. I wish you didn't have to pay however this beach was really nice and that is probably why. We had the beach to ourselves for sunset and it was so lovely. Saw some dolphins too. Nice bathrooms and it seems like it would be a good place to camp along the coast. Idk how much camping is but a day pass is $10
Sammie Peters — Google review
The campground is absolutely beautiful. We had the pleasure of watching dolphins at the beach, and we noticed fishermen catching a good amount of fish. However, there was one significant issue - there seemed to be tar in the water. This tar can stick to any part of your body, and it's nearly impossible to get off, especially if it's on your feet. Washing it won't help much. The best remedy I found was using cooking oil. It's a shame there weren't any warnings about this.
Le Thien Phuc Tran — Google review
Beautiful place. We stopped by at the right moment traveling to Disney was about 4:30ish. Nice place to camp also.
Rafael Padilla — Google review
The beach was beautiful! So many cute squirrels and birds. I highly recommend going in the early morning because beach gets much busier as the day goes on, but up until about 10:30 AM to 11. You pretty much have the beach to your self.
Tracy Saunders — Google review
Refugio State Beach is indescribably beautiful! it's all in the right place at the right time! simply a gift from Mother Earth, this beautiful place!!! is really a visit who!
Carolin Melcher — Google review
Such an awesome place to camp. I loved the sunsets here. The palm trees are iconic of course! It makes you feel like you're in Hawaii, not California. The campground hosts were so friendly and helpful. Take a walk down the beach and your footprints might be the only ones you'll see. The showers and restrooms were pristine and well maintained. You gave a great view of the Channel Islands on a clear day. There's something for everyone. Basketball courts and playgrounds for the kids. You will often see people scuba diving here during the during the weekend and there's a fun little surf spot at the west end of the bay! I can't wait to go back.
Robert Prescott — Google review
This beach was recommended by California native. I also lived in California for about 4 1/2 years myself. Beautiful beach if you get a chance to go there go. There is a parking fee. Enjoy.
Cold Spring Tavern is a rustic and historic Western-style saloon situated on a mountainside, known for its antique-filled interiors and local wine offerings. The menu features American cuisine with an emphasis on wild game, including tri-tip sandwiches and buffalo burgers. Diners can choose one side to accompany their meal, such as onion rings or black bean game chili for an extra charge. Although the food has received mixed reviews with a 3.
Just off the main highway is the coolest little bar and restaurant. It was once a stagecoach stop on the old road that was literally passed over by the Highway. Make a small detour on the old road that actually takes you under the new road and you will be delighted by this little secret gem. Good food, nice staff and often live music can be enjoyed.
Joe StPierre — Google review
Heard so much about this place and finally was able to stop by for lunch on our way up the coast from Santa Barbara.
There's a winding two lane road with a small dirt parking lot for about 10 cars max. The rest of the cars are parked on either side of the road. It's a very cute wooded area and you can walk around while you wait to be seated.
We came for a late lunch at 1:30pm on a Monday and there was a 40 min wait.
The food was good but everything came out so slow. We ordered the onion rings for an appetizer to come out first knowing this, but it didn't come out until the rest of the order. So if you're in a hurry, which luckily we weren't, don't eat here.
They also messed up on our bill so more waiting and flagging down the waitress. They seem short staffed as our waitress was rushing from one table to the next. It's one of those places where you've been to check it off your list but not worth the long wait to return again.
Sharon Black — Google review
Fun adventure. Cool historic sights. Tasty food. Great drinks. But get there early cuz it gets busy. If you plan on eating at the restuarant, reservations are highly recommended.
Susan Ellickson — Google review
Great spot to make a special trip for. Recommend reservations in advance. And definitely get the try tip 🤤🤤. I got mine without bun (my intention was to finish all of the meat - which I did!).
Tanya Zhuk — Google review
Didn't have the food this time around.. but the beer was decent. The atmosphere was chill and i loved the fact it was a hidden gem amoungst the tall trees. People were friendly enough amd it's so rustic... I'll be coming back for the food in a few weeks beautiful place..small but so cool.
Genevieve Martinez — Google review
Tucked up in the mountains about 1 mile off of Highway 154 and about 20 minutes out of Santa Barbara sits Cold Spring Tavern. It’s an old stagecoach stop that’s been serving food and beverages since 1865. Our meal was a huge salad and tri-tip sandwiches, and it was delicious and filling. You can have a drink in the bar if you choose or eat out on the outdoor picnic tables. We were served by Grant, whose quick wit and attentive service added to a wonderful meal.
johnsko Johns — Google review
The barbecue at this place is overhyped, and those who enjoy it probably haven't had better. If you've had barbecue from places like Texas, this doesn't come close. However, the fries and chili were very good. If you're going there for the barbecue, which I think that most people probably are, lower your expectations, it's not bad, but it's not great either. Oh I was also really excited for the onion rings, but they were too greasy. I don’t live too far but if you’re in LA thinking about making the trip out there I wouldn’t bother.
Ralph Flores — Google review
We had the tri tip sandwiches and they were so good! What a delicious lunch, with great horseradish and BBQ sauce. The onion rings were fantastic as well!
Steph Couvrette — Google review
Located at the embrace of the mountains, this restaurant offers a unique dining experience that blends with nature's beauty. The menu features dishes that are freshly made and the dining area only enhance the dining experience, providing a picturesque backdrop for a memorable meal. With its charming atmosphere and delicious cuisine, this mountain restaurant is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered.
Mox Jaeger — Google review
3.5 stars for the food
5 stars for the staff and atmosphere.
Ordered the tri-tip and buffalo burger. Both came with 1 side, we ordered the onion rings and the black bean game chili.(extra $3) The buffalo burger was good, pretty standard with lettuce and choice of cheese and so was the black bean game chili. The Tri-tip sandwich, I really wanted to like it, but it was tough to chew. It does come with the sauces which helped. Tried to order the hot cider but it was sold out. Overall, I would come back just for a drink and enjoy the atmosphere. Staff and live music really made it a wonderful little spot on the weekends.
Daisy Lang — Google review
This place is located in the mountains about 20 minutes north of Santa Barbara - it's amazing. First off the location is beautiful - after all the rain we had the mountains were green and the stream next to the restaurant was flowing. The bar & restaurant are both separate & very rustic - it's charming there's a lot of history behind it.
Food portions were generous & the drinks were great. Love the friendly staff & tri tip sandwiches!
Paty Magana — Google review
My son and I rode up today for lunch and had a great time. The food was excellent and the restaurant had a nice historical ambiance. This contrasted pretty sharply with the ample motorcycle parking, which was also part of the experience. There were people in cowboy hats and others in motorcycle gear, and all were having a good time. California doesn't have a lot of history compared to other states, so the signs describing the stagecoach era made the local history all the more interesting. It was pretty busy, so you should plan to come before or after the lunch rush if you're in a hurry. We left as the musicians were setting up, so unfortunately we didn't get to hear them. We look forward to going back for the full experience. We're already making plans for our next trip.
Jared Padgett — Google review
Perhaps the best decision we made to re-route in search of a good lunch on our way to Solvang from Los Angeles.
The bbq so good, perfection! The soup, the veggie burger. Perfect for sharing size too. The vibe and the ambiance is one with nature like when you are seated outside. Pretty busy for a Monday lunch, was surprised! A lot of cars parked both locals and tourists like us. We did not call to make a reservation but we were seated in 20 minutes.
Leave the blue bird alone as they can be aggressive with your food.
Liberty Avila — Google review
We visited Cold Spring Tavern 🍺, a hidden gem in Santa barbara that's been around since the 1800's. I ordered their famous Tri-tip sandwich and let me tell you , the meat was exquisite 👌 😌. And their butter onion rings are a must. Of course, an 805 was the cherry top of the cake. I was so curious to look around and employees were very friendly to show around and tell us some stories regarding this cabin . I went on a Monday so the close early, i heard the have live misic on the weekends. One thing you need to know is you have to be ready to look for parking and walk a bit 😅. I want to give a 👍 to our waiter Rohnda V. She made our visit so pleasant and answered all of questions.
Chfelina Sol — Google review
Great rustic architecture and atmosphere. Came for lunch and the food was really good. Definitely worth ordering a few things off the menu.
Service wasn’t the best.
christopher du plessis — Google review
This is a great stop if you’re in the Santa Barbara area. The place was pretty packed around lunchtime and the musicians were starting to set up too, but we were just passing by and didn’t have time to linger around. However, we did drop some cash on souvenirs and enjoyed the scenery and learned about the history and how Wells Fargo is connected to this place. It seems like the parking situation is very limited and the space available is reserved for bikers only, but one can park alongside the curving road on either direction and take a short or long walk (depending how busy it is) back to the Tavern. There’s a stream/spring there so this place it shady and cool since it’s tucked into the mountain side.
Lily M — Google review
A great tri-tip sandwich for those who appreciate the underwhelming cut as much as I do. The first question I asked our amazing server when we arrived was what they were cooking up over-top the coal grills that were fired up out front.
The steak was seasoned well, great balance of smoke from the coals and sweetness from a soft simmer it went through I am assuming to rewarm; which did not overcook the steak or make it chewy as I was worried about, made for an awesome sandwich. The excellent sauces (in-house horseradish/mustard and BBQ) paired with the steak and a great roll made for a simple, well executed sammy.
The environment is rich with ambiance and loads of old timers. The place has been around since the 1860s, and I couldn't help but feel like I had just walked in after a long days travel by stagecoach... I had just got through driving 4 hours through crappy bumper to bumper L.A. traffic, which made it all the better.
10/10 recommend. Could see how this spot can get packed easy. Its a pretty niche place, tucked away in the hills, definitely worth it.
John-Paul Klingensmith — Google review
We were recommended this spot by a local. So unique! We drove out on a rainy Friday afternoon. The restaurant serves lunch until 3pm then closes and reopens at 5pm for dinner. We decided on dinner so we had drinks at the bar and dried off by the fireplace while we waited. There’s no cell service and no wifi, so you really get to be present and enjoy the company of those you’re with. It was such a nice change of pace.
The woman who works in the shop taking reservations is super friendly. And the bar staff was very nice as well.
The food in the restaurant was very good. Our waiter, however, was very pushy and only seemed interested in us ordering specific apps and dessert. We were also seated next to the area where the restaurant staff congregates and you can hear their conversations because we were the only ones there - so I’d ask for a table away from the front room. As much as we enjoyed the food and our time at the bar, I was glad to leave.
We drove by again the next day when the weather was nicer. They have live music on Saturdays and the outdoor area is open. It seems like that would be a lot of fun.
Diane Brewer — Google review
This place did not disappoint! We had a lovely lunch here before taking a drive through the surrounding area to enjoy the bridge and the views. The buffalo burger and chili were delicious as was the cobbler. Our server was very friendly and helpful. It was cozy, with a warm fire and rustic decor. It was well worth the trip and we're looking forward to eating there again.
L Bowed — Google review
Located in the outskirts of Santa Barbara, nestled in the mountains, Cold Stone Tavern exudes charm with its welcoming log cabin aesthetic. Upon arrival, we were greeted with warmth and hospitality. Eager to sample their offerings, we started with the tritip sandwich, which was expertly cooked and incredibly flavorful.
Despite arriving a bit early, we secured a spot by adding our name to the list and patiently waited until the restaurant opened at 11:30 am. Once seated, the service was prompt, and our orders were taken swiftly. I opted for both the bison burger and the grilled cheese sandwich, and both exceeded my expectations, earning a solid 10/10 rating. Moreover, the prices were surprisingly reasonable, considering the quality of the food.
The experience was enhanced by the serene surroundings, allowing us to fully embrace nature while indulging in delicious cuisine. I'm already looking forward to my next visit to Cold Stone Tavern for another round of their delightful tritip sandwich and to soak in the mountainous ambiance once again.
Jose Rodriguez — Google review
Was recommended this place after visiting Solvang. Wasn't expecting such a historic and picturesque place.
The food was great and service was also great. Not to mention the ambiance and decor. This is definitely a must-visit restaurant if you are in the area.
Sergio Phan Lung — Google review
Loved the whole atmosphere of this place. They had live music, good food and drinks. Tons of street parking. Tri tip sandwich was excellent. Service was great, couldnt ask for anything more. Price was also decent and not overly priced. Will come back in the future.
DANIEL K. — Google review
Had the tri tip sandwich and onion rings. The onion rings were amazing! We added au jus which was a win. Remote location but cool spot, highly recommend checking it out!
Justin Egertson — Google review
Must swing by if in the area. Their tri-tip sandwich is a game-changer, especially after a nice jog with those breathtaking lake and mountain views.
Pro tips: grab some chips, crush them up, and sprinkle them over your sandwich for an extra crunch that’ll take it to the next level. You won’t regret it!
This protected grove is known for its population of Monarch butterflies.
- place easy to find
- clean, but too many unleashed dogs
-people makes too much noise, please respect the butterfly’s home and. Be silence
- stay within the trees area to be able to see some butterflies, ones you start walking away there are mo butterflies
- if you are up for a longer hike explore the area and bring a bottle of water and a. Few snacks
Respect the butterflies, don’t take any alive or death
Respect the surroundings and Be careful with i fb you see paddles of water can be slipery.
Lorena Ramos — Google review
It’s a beautiful little hike! Though don’t expect to see many butterflies as the population is sadly dwindling. There is parking just on the main road or in the neighborhood. The parking has a donation box. There is a guide explaining everything at the small clearing where the butterflies are.
M Hernandez — Google review
One of the best hikes in Santa Barbara. Relatively easy and the views are AMAZING! Great place to take a dog also
Brian Ivie — Google review
Took a little morning walk this morning. No butterflies this time of the year but this flower was on steroids! 😉
HK S — Google review
We have been here over the years to see the monarch butterflies. Bummed that there were no butterflies. It’s a nice easy hike though there are tree trunks that obstruct the trail that we had to climb over.
Catherine Hunt — Google review
I recommend the whole families have a easy hiking trip here for couple hours. The trail is not steep at all. On the other hand, it is flat and very friendly for the kids. In summer and spring, you will see many kinds of flowers and butterflies everywhere. You can enjoy not only the fun of hiking but also the pretty sea scene. The day I went here was too cold and cloudy. I will visit again for sure!
Wei Hsu — Google review
It’s great to be able to do this short hike and see so many butterflies in the grove. There are so many of them that their wings look like tree leaves until you realize that they’re all butterflies!
Make sure you come prepared to hike though. It’s not long, but wear appropriate footwear at least!
Robin Elliott — Google review
It was very easy to access. There's plenty of parking around. A night my experience there 30 years ago, today there was a sparse population. 30 years ago they were literally covering every square inch of every Branch leave and trunk of the trees. That is not to say that today wasn't
Asher Maslan — Google review
It's amazing to see the monarch butterflies in quantities of hundreds, all in just several trees. Sadly, their numbers have shrunk, so see them while you can. They live on the branches of old eucalyptus trees, primarily in just one part of the preserve.
Al Schwartz — Google review
Not many butterflies in Summer, but the number and variety of flowers, plants, birds and other wildlife is truly staggering. Trails throughout with large shaded areas. Dog-friendly, but closed to bicycle and equestrian use. Trails are all easy and parking is available near the golf course.
LR P — Google review
A beautiful spot to observe the Monarchs as they spend the winter months gathered in this grove of eucalyptus trees. The grove is a short walk from parking and, as an added bonus, it's a short walk beyond the grove for some beautiful views of the ocean from the mesa.
Vaughn Hannon — Google review
The plan was to see the butterflies but we didn’t find them. However, we found the beach, long stretches, pristine and quiet. Only a few other human beings and we stayed apart from each other. Very nice.
Jie Chen — Google review
Lots of Monarchs flying but none clustering in the trees. Probably it is too warm now. This is a eucalyptus forest and smells wonderful.