66 | FRONTDOORS MAGAZINE During your stay, set aside time to stroll through the downtown district’s many shops and boutiques. If you crave the Pacific, local outfitters of all types wait in the harbor with whale watching, dolphin chasing and cruising Channel Islands National Park . Touted as the “Galapagos of North America,” the chain of five islands is home to more than 2,000 plants and animals, many of which can only be found on the islands. Wildlife enthusiasts will be thrilled to see California sea lions, cormorants and the world’s fastest-flying bird — the peregrine falcon — while keeping their eyes peeled for the endemic island fox. As one of four host cities of the California Wine Festival, culinary adventures are everywhere. Plan ahead with reservations, but we also recommend exploring the breezy, casual cafes along the way. Before taking off for the day’s adventures, head to Helena Avenue Bakery for takeaway pastries, a full menu of decadent toasts or delicious breakfast tacos. You can even pre-order picnic items and pop into the Santa Barbara Wine Collective next door before taking off for the countryside or boating fun. Wandering downtown at lunchtime, happy hour or dinner? Check out La Paloma Café , the old-school Spanish- and Mexican-influenced establishment that recently reopened after a 37-year hiatus, serving up oak-grilled nopales, vegetable pozole verde and Santa Maria-style Angus tri-tip. For casual fare, try Lucky Penny for artisanal pizza, Loquita for Spanish tapas, wood-fired seafood and paella, or The Lark , named for the sleek overnight Pullman train of the Southern Pacific Railroad that serviced Santa Barbara from 1910-1968. All three restaurants are located in the arts district, now called the Funk Zone. FROM THE ROAD Sea caves at the Channel Islands National Park Photo by Santa Barbara Adventure Company/ Courtesy of Visit Santa Barbara Paella at Loquita Photo by Loquita/Courtesy of Visit Santa Barbara

FRONTDOORS MAGAZINE | 67 fffiff flffi flffi Harris Stage Lines Mt. Olive Organic Farm Tin City Bruce Munro: Lights at Sensorio Vina Robles Amphitheatre Paso Robles Central Coast Lavender Farm To Cayucos To Morro Bay To Hearst Castle Add-In Adventures Want to extend the fun? These attractions are mere minutes from downtown Paso Robles. (Reservations highly recommended.) Hot Springs — three Paso Robles locations Balloons Over Paso (hot air balloon tours) Harris Stage Lines (stagecoach tours) — 4.5 miles Tin City (tasting & food experiences) — 4.5 miles Mt. Olive Organic Farm (olive tasting) — 5 miles Vina Robles Amphitheatre (concerts) — 5 miles Bruce Munro: Light at Sensorio — 5 miles (walk-through light show) Central Coast Lavender Farm — 6 miles Cayucos — 23 miles Morro Bay — 28 miles Hearst Castle (San Simeon) — 37 miles Road-Trip Time Ready to wine and dine? Paso Robles, the unofficial capital of Central Coast winery offerings, is a scenic two-hour drive from Santa Barbara. If you want to stretch out your tour, several historic spots are worth a stop or even an overnight stay. Swing into Cold Spring Tavern as you venture north for a peek into an 1868 stagecoach stop and some of their hearty food and charm. If something a little more elegant is your style, make a reservation at the Fess Parker Wine Country Inn . The children of the late actor Fess Parker have continued his fantastic 19-room inn, charming restaurant and wine-tasting experiences. From there, watch for wineries to pop into as you travel up the 101 to Paso Robles. If you’re looking for one more stop or stay on the coast, the Dolphin Bay Resort on the cliffs of Pismo Beach is worth a detour for the views alone. The Funk Zone Photo by Max Whittaker/Courtesy of Visit Santa Barbara Courtesy Dolphin Bay Resort & Spa