what to do
Santa Barbara's year-round temperate climate makes the region a mecca for outdoor sports. One local pastime: ocean kayaking. Pedal & Paddle (805-687-2912) offers a half-day guided tour along the coast for $72. Lotusland (805-969-3767), a botanical garden and estate once o wned by a wealthy opera singer, usually requires reservations to be made about a year in advance (though some lucky souls just walk through the gate).