Santa Barbara & the Channel Islands Family Multi-Adventure Tour
Coastal California Fun, National Park Wildlife & Ojai Sunshine
For fun family adventure, the American Riviera and the Galapagos of North America can’t be beat! Take a spin or a hike. Grab a paddle or a board. Ready. Set. Let’s go!
We rate our trips based on a range of activity levels from 1-5.
See this trip's Activity Options & Terrain for more details.
From $5,099 - $5,599/person
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Snapshots from the Trip
Trip at a Glance
Highlights
- Discover dramatic sea caves and pristine beaches as you kayak around Santa Cruz Island—you might even catch a glimpse of the seals, dolphins and whales that call these waters home!
- Bike with your family along the coast to the famous Ventura Pier and enjoy picturesque views along the promenade
- Explore Santa Barbara, known for its stunning coastline, Spanish-style architecture and food and wine culture
- Surf’s up! Kids ride the waves while adults ride from the mountains to the coast on their bikes
- Unwind with the kids at two luxurious hotels and a family-friendly beach resort
Sample itinerary. Trip details may vary by departure.
Start Santa Barbara Airport & Travel Details
- Kick off your family vacation in sunny Santa Barbara with a fun bike ride through downtown’s palm-lined streets and past red-roofed Spanish revival-style buildings
- Pedal along a paved bike path to Goleta Beach for a picnic and views of the mystical Channel Islands in the distance
- Settle in at our luxurious hotel
- Head out with the family on a morning hike featuring beautiful scenery and sweeping views of Santa Barbara and the sun-dappled waters of the Pacific
- While adults spend the afternoon exploring Rattlesnake Canyon, kids join the Kids Adventure Leader for beach volleyball and other sandy activities
- It’s parents’ night out! Kids have a date with a leader for a special dinner sans their grown-ups.
Nights 1-2
Luxury Hotel
An exquisite 78-acre property at the edge of the Pacific Ocean, featuring sea views, infinity pools and a decadent spa. (pool, spa)
Hotels may vary on select departures. Click View Dates and choose a departure to see any variations.
- Adults head out on a morning ride from the shady Santa Ynez foothills to the Pacific Ocean, past golden beaches and laid-back seaside communities
- Kids hang ten with expert surf instructors while parents log miles on their bikes
- Everyone meets up for lunch at the historic Ventura Pier, an iconic spot since 1872
- Soak up the sun and relaxed vibes at our resort and its award-winning beach—sand castle contest, anyone?
Night 3
Deluxe Hotel
This laid-back, all-suites beachside hotel is the perfect place to unwind after a day of biking. (pool)
Hotels may vary on select departures. Click View Dates and choose a departure to see any variations.
- Set sail for the Channel Islands, a little-known national park gem
- Check out the island’s colorful rocky coastline, famous sea caves and kelp forests from your kayak
- Learn about Santa Cruz’s fascinating ecology and rich geological past
- Spend the afternoon with your family exploring—it’s a perfect day for nature-lovers of all ages
- Shuttle to charming Ojai and settle into our family-friendly hotel
- Bike through the beautiful countryside surrounding Ojai
- Stop for a picnic and tasting at a third-generation, family-owned organic farm
- Spend the afternoon browsing Ojai’s shops and galleries or kick back at the hotel
- Cap off your adventure with a hike in Fox Canyon to one last stunning ocean vista.
Nights 4-5
Luxury Hotel
Where Hollywood’s glitterati come to be pampered! This stylish and historic resort offers something for everybody—including a luxurious spa and award-winning restaurant—in a beautiful park-like setting with hillside views in every direction. (pool, spa)
Hotels may vary on select departures. Click View Dates and choose a departure to see any variations.
End Santa Barbara Airport & Travel Details
This trip has an activity level range of 1-3
The hiking routes on this trip include coastal and mountain paths that vary from level to hilly terrain with some steep ascents and descents, uneven sections and potentially muddy conditions in the spring.
Our kid-friendly route options are shorter and have minimal elevation gain. Alternate kids’ activities are offered on days with longer routes. Some sections of our routes are on roads with traffic, and though bike lanes are common, kids should feel comfortable riding with cars.
All breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners
All accommodations on your Backroads trip
All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
Expertise and services of Backroads Trip Leaders
Kids' bikes, trailer bikes, carriers and kid-sized helmets
Bike fitting and equipment support throughout your trip
Lightweight carbon hiking poles
Backroads On Trip App with route maps, elevation profiles, daily snapshots and more
Additional local guides and experts, plus equipment for included activities as detailed in your itinerary
Exclusive activities, tours and cultural experiences, as detailed in your itinerary
All luggage transfers and porterage during your trip
Snacks and beverages between meals
Private cocktail and wine receptions on the first and last nights of your trip
Choice of Backroads cycling jersey, t-shirt or hat, plus water bottle and luggage tag
Detailed Travel Planner with destination tips and pre-trip information
