Page 138 - 2014 Travel Guide to California

SPECIAL
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EVENTS 2014
SANTA BARBARA INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL Jan. 30-Feb. 9, Santa Barbara sbiff.org
SAN LUIS OBISPO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL March 5-9, San Luis Obispo
slofilmfest.org
TASTE OF SOLVANG March 12-16, Solvang solvangusa.com
OJAI STORYTELLING FESTIVAL May 1-4, Ojai ojaistoryfest.org
PASO ROBLES WINE FESTIVAL May 16-18, Paso Robles pasowine.com/events/winefestival.php
CALIFORNIA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL May 17-18, Oxnard strawberry-fest.org
I MADONNARI May 24-26, Santa Barbara imadonnarifestival.com
LOS OLIVOS JAZZ & OLIVE FESTIVAL June 7, Los Olivos losolivosrotary.org/olivefest.html
SUMMER SOLSTICE CELEBRATION June 20-22, Santa Barbara solsticeparade.com
SAN BENITO COUNTY SADDLE HORSE SHOW & RODEO June 27-29, Hollister
sanbenitocountyrodeo.com
CALIFORNIA WINE FESTIVAL July 17-19, Santa Barbara californiawinefestival.com
136 2014 T R AV E L G U I D E TO C A L I F O R N I A
SADDLING UP for a ride at
Rancho Oso Guest Ranch &
Stables, Santa Ynez Valley,
left; you can get Arne’s
famous Aebleskiver Danish
pastry at Solvang Restaurant
in downtown Solvang, above.
The Great Outdoors
Even though Santa Barbara and San Luis
Obispo are larger than the rest of the beach
towns, there’s enough space throughout the
Central Coast region to find ample breathing
room. Hike to the top of Bishop Peak, the
tallest of the Nine Sisters, a chain of volcanic
peaks. Take advantage of some sweet surf
spots and catch the perfect wave. Head out
from Santa Barbara on a whale-watching tour
to see some of the largest mammals in the
Pacific Ocean.
On the Carrizo Plain, considered the
largest single native grassland in the state,
it’s possible to see surface fractures of the
San Andreas Fault. The Los Padres
National Forest stretches across the scenic
Coast and Transverse ranges, and offers a
wealth of opportunities for fishing,
hiking, camping and bicycling. Kayak
among tide pools and kelp forests where
sea otters live in Morro Bay, or just amble
along miles of scenic beaches and dig your
toes in the sand.
LAURA KATH. RIGHT: JEREMY BALL/SOLVANGUSA.COM. OPPOSITE: JOLANDA/SHUTTERSTOCK; SPIRIT OF AMERICA/SHUTTERSTOCK