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Posted June 2006
Getting Natural in Santa Barbara
By Heather
Irwin
SANTA BARBARA—Surrounded by beaches, wildlife, gardens and
plenty of open sky, Santa Barbara is a year-round playground
for outdoor adventurists. After you've had your fill of swirling
and spitting through Wine Country, take a get-away of another
type: see the great Southern California coast by kayak, paraglider…or
just on foot. We've collected some of the best adventures for
this exciting region.
Cachuma Lake Wildlife Cruise
Naturalist-guided 2-hour cruise focuses on wildlife, flora, cultural
history, and geology. Fridays 3 to 5 pm, Saturdays 10 am to
12 pm and 3 to 5 pm, Sundays 10 am to 12 pm. Meet at the
Cachuma Lake Marina 30 minutes before departure. $15/adults
$7/kids (12 and under). $6 Park Admission per vehicle. Reservations:
(805) 686-5050 weekdays, (805) 686-5055 weekends.
Santa Barbara Musuem of Natural History
Sharks, toads and condors? The museum features several interactive
exhibits featuring local creatures including channel sharks;
a toad exhibit and "Bringing the Condors Home", the
story of the decline and recovery of the endangered California
condor.
2559 Puesta del Sol Road, Santa Barbara; 10am to 5pm Daily, Saturday
and Sunday, Adults $8, Senior (65 and over) $7, Youth 13-17 $7,
Children 2-12 $5, Under 2 free. (805) 682-4711
Santa Barbara Botanical Garden
Internationally acclaimed artist Patrick Dougherty's latest sculpture "Toad
Hall" is open to the public. The artist constructed this
original work entirely from willows in early 2005. Massive in
size, this impressive new piece features a two-story willow tower
and a maze of pathways and chambers to explore and delight. Dougherty
chose the name "Toad Hall" from the children's book "Wind
in the Willows." Visitors may view this spectacular new
work, walk through and around it. Guided tours weekdays at 2:00
p.m., weekends at 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. 1212 Mission Canyon
Rd, Santa Barbara; March - October: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. November
- February: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (805) 682-4726
An evening kayaking
trip with the Santa Barbara Adventure Company
This twilight trip is a great way to end a full day. Meet just
before sunset for a comprehensive kayaking lesson. Then head
out to sea in single or double kayaks to watch the colors change
and stars appear. While the sky's transition from day to night
is reflected on the water, guides offer astronomy facts and
myths, pointing out constellations and visible planets. This
tour operator offers a variety of other activities, including
day kayaking, surfing lessons, hiking and paragliding. Contact
them at www.sbadventureco.com, or at (888) 773-3239.
Visit the
Channel Islands
The five islands and surrounding waters that comprise the Channel
Islands National Park and the Channel Islands National Marine
Sanctuary offer a unique and rich nature experience throughout
the year. Traveling to the islands you have a chance to view
many types of marine life including several species of seals,
sea lions, whales and dolphins, as well as pelagic fish, and
sea birds. Island Packers offers cruises to this incredible
region just minutes from Santa Barbara. www.islandpackers.com/isltrips.html
or (805) 642-1393 Go Paragliding
Paragliding is initially so simple that most new students fly
within their first class. This is a sport where you get to
have fun right away and then continue with at fast learning
curve. Within just a few days you might be soaring for hours.
Your arms seem like wings as they control the paraglider above
you; your flying position is as comfortable as a recliner.
www.eagleparagliding.com or (805) 968-0980. |
