Santa Barbara's Refugio Ridgeline |
We're promoting bicycle tourism along the Central California Coast
Into biking and horseback riding? Try this awesome, car-free, 2-day itinerary that offers a mix of road surfaces, from highway shoulder to rough W. Camino Cielo. Begin at the Goleta AMTRAK Station, end at the Santa Barbara AMTRAK Station.
Looking for a robust riding weekend getaway? This adventurous 2-day route qualifies; it offers a gradual climb to a remote ridgeline route with forever views high above the Santa Barbara coast.
Leave the car behind and hop on the Pacific Surfliner in San Diego, Irvine, Anaheim, or Los Angeles – your bike rides free. This car-free itinerary starts from the Goleta AMTRAK Station.
You start this route by leaving Goleta to the west along Hollister Ave, soon you enter the 101 Fwy northbound, where you'll hug the shoulder for 7 flat miles, where headwinds aren't uncommon, to your first night's stay.
As you approach El Capitan State Beach you'll breathe a sigh of relief as your highway riding segment concludes. Next you'll be choosing from some very compelling lodging options.
Both El Capitan and Refugio State Beach offer camping along the coast. But if roughing it isn't part of your weekend fantasy then head north on Refugio Road to the Circle Bar B Ranch, advance reservations are a must. You'll enjoy a hearty dinner in a magical setting; in the morning take time for a horseback ride.
As Day 2 begins you'll power your way up to Refugio Pass. The climb is gradual; at the pass you'll turn onto W. Camino Cielo for more climbing, which follows the ridgeline for the next 18 miles. Pack extra water and snacks for this route finale – there are no services until Santa Barbara.
As you approach the final segment you'll enter the busy Highway 154, but you'll soon exit onto N. San Marcos Road for a quick return to Santa Barbara.
Santa Barbara offers the complete spectrum of fine restaurants and lodging. For something classy and cool, consider the charming Upham Hotel. Something sublime? Go for the forever views from the Belmond El Encanto, or hang out at the beach at the Hotel Milo.
You'll have a big appetite, so cruise State Street for its abundant restaurant options; explore the small plates at Smithy, or the, "every night is a party night," at the Palace Grill.
Hop back on the train at the Santa Barbara AMTRAK Station for your car-free, congestion-free, return trip home.