EXCURSIONS

Figueroa Mountain Farmhouse is located in one of the most scenic and geographically diverse regions of the country. A short drive will take you up to the high mountains of the Los Padres Forest, or down to the Santa Ynez valley, or less than an hour away is the seaside resort town of Santa Barbara.

The Santa Ynez valley 20 minutes away is the center of a world-renowned wine-growing and tasting industry. Recently made famous by the movie “Sideways”, you can spend a day picknicking and touring wineries, in-town tasting rooms and picturesque vineyards. The towns of Solvang and Los Olivos also offer boutique shopping, restaurants and hospitality. Solvang was settled by Danes and the entire downtown is in the architectural style of an old Danish village. The valley has 2 major golf courses open to the public.

If you wish to do a day hike or even an overnight camp-out, the Los Padres forest 10 minutes away offers hundreds of miles of trails and well-maintained campsites. Here is where you will find the much-photographed wildflowers in the Spring. If you like to fish, Cachuma Lake is a half-hour drive; campsites are available at the lake subject to reservation.

There are nearby ranches that offer horse-back riding. Or you are welcome to bring your own horses and support facilities and ride throughout the thousands of acres of preserved wilderness adjacent to the Farmhouse property. If you prefer bicycling, the country and mountain roads make for a pretty ride. The region is used by top cycling teams for their training, so you can find a challenging ride too.

For a full-day excursion, or a night on the town as a change from Farmhouse life, make the drive to Santa Barbara – known as “America’s Riviera” for its seaside beauty, Spanish architecture, palm trees and mountain backdrop. Here you can enjoy white beaches, ocean sports and activities, museums, theaters and over 100 restaurants and night spots in the downtown core alone.