Dolce Tempo in Santa Barbara County: 6 Days of Biking, Wine, and California Coastal Magic

Backroads’ Santa Barbara County bike tour provides luxury active travel at its finest, blending California’s wine country with spectacular coastal cycling. This “Dolce Tempo” itinerary is designed to accommodate all fitness levels while maintaining the high-end accommodations and curated experiences that travelers expect. Over six days, guests cycle through iconic landscapes—from Foxen Canyon’s rolling vineyard hills to the dramatic Pacific Coast Highway—while staying at exceptional properties like Mattei’s Tavern, Auberge, Belmond El Encanto, and Ojai Valley Inn.

What sets this trip apart is Backroads’ balance of structure and flexibility, and the guides! Guests can choose their level of participation each day, whether cycling every mile or utilizing the support van when needed. The carefully curated wine tastings, from intimate family-owned vineyards like Story of Soil to established estates like Zaca Mesa, showcase the region’s diverse terroir. Equally impressive are the culinary experiences—from discovering Pinza at Nella Kitchen & Bar to hand-bottled olive oil tastings at Ojai Olive Oil—that celebrate Santa Barbara’s farm-to-table culture.

This trip is perfect for active travelers seeking their first multi-day cycling experience, couples looking for a sophisticated adventure, or groups wanting to combine fitness with indulgence. The daily mileage (ranging from 21–34 miles) is accessible to recreational cyclists, while the luxury accommodations provide the perfect recovery after active days. I particularly recommend this for wine enthusiasts who want to experience vineyards beyond traditional tasting rooms and for anyone drawn to California’s coastal beauty who prefers exploring by bike rather than car.

The exceptional Backroads guides elevate every aspect of the journey, providing local insights, ensuring safety, and creating connections between guests that often extend beyond the trip. Their expertise in both cycling and the region’s culture transforms what could be simply a bike tour into an immersive exploration of one of California’s most beautiful counties. For travelers seeking an introduction to luxury active travel, this Santa Barbara County experience provides the perfect gateway to a more adventurous way of exploring the world.

Preparation and packing: No need to bring your own bike—Backroads provides high-quality Trek hybrid bikes that are perfect for the varied terrain. However, I highly recommend bringing padded cycling shorts and your own helmet for comfort. The weather can vary from coastal fog in the morning to warm afternoons, so pack layers. Don’t forget a light jacket for evening dinners, as some restaurants can be chilly.

Fitness level: While marketed to beginners, having some basic cycling experience helps you fully enjoy longer days like the 34-mile Pacific Coast Highway ride. The support van is always available, but you’ll want to be on the bike to experience those magical coastal moments. Consider doing a few longer rides at home before your trip to build confidence.

Wine shipping: Many of the wineries offer shipping, which I highly recommend since you’ll want to take home bottles from Story of Soil and others. Some have wine club options that provide ongoing access to their limited productions. The olive oil from Ojai Olive Oil also ships nationwide—order online after your trip since you’ll likely finish the bottles you buy there quickly.

Timing considerations: Spring through fall offers the best weather, with late spring providing the most wildflowers along the routes. Summer can be busier at popular stops, while fall offers harvest season energy at the wineries. The small group size (typically 12–20 people) creates an intimate experience regardless of season.

Beyond the itinerary: If you have extra time, consider extending your stay in any of the three regions. Ojai Valley Inn offers excellent spa services perfect for post-trip recovery, while Santa Barbara’s State Street provides additional shopping and dining. Los Olivos has more tasting rooms within walking distance if you want to explore further.RetryClaude can make mistakes. Please double-check responses.