EXPLORE Santa Barbara

There are seaside escapes. Then there’s a gentle crescent of California coast connecting breathtaking beaches, soaring mountains, verdant vineyards, elevated enclaves and eclectic communities. Where the sea and mountains feel as one, the sun feels more golden, and the valleys overflow with a bounty of color. Discover what Santa Barbara has to offer, from exhilarating outdoor adventure to an incredible variety of local food and wine.

If you are in town for the conference early, make plans to join NAFER and Santa Barbara Channelkeeper for a coastal clean up on Sunday morning, October 27. More information is posted below along with a registration link. New in 2024, all conference attendees have the afternoon of Monday, October 28 open for hosted group excursions. Explore the four options available below and book a NAFER hosted excursion for the opportunity to explore Santa Barbara with your colleagues and fellow 2024 Annual Conference attendees.

NAFER Community Service Event

Arriving early early in Santa Barbara? Join fellow NAFER members and conference attendees on Sunday, October 27 from 10:00am to 12:00pm for a coastal cleanup with Santa Barbara Channelkeeper.

Trash is making its way into our oceans at an alarming rate, so Santa Barbara Channelkeeper organizes frequent clean-ups that mobilize hundreds of volunteers every year to remove trash from beaches and creeks and prevent it from polluting the Santa Barbara Channel.

NAFER volunteers will work with the Santa Barbara Channelkeeper team at Haskell's Beach located adjacent to the Ritz, fully equipped with cleanup essentials: buckets, trash bags, gloves, and grabbers. Before dispersing to collect trash, attendees will receive a brief educational and safety presentation. Participants are encouraged to wear clothes you are willing to get dirty! NAFER Volunteer T-Shirts will be provided. 

Register to participate HERE.

NAFER Hosted Excursions

Booking a NAFER hosted excursion is a great opportunity to explore Santa Barbara with your colleagues and fellow conference attendees! NAFER will take care of coordinating excursions, purchasing tickets, and making timed reservations. All you have to do is show up! Book an excursion below or add to your conference registration for guaranteed entry and a great afternoon.

Please note, all excursions are subject to cancellation if there is not enough interest. Transportation to/from excursions is not included. 

Tickets for NAFER hosted excursions can be purchased during conference registration or by clicking the shopping cart icon beside the item you are interested in, then clicking "Add Item". Once you have added a ticket to your cart, additional tickets can be added to the order by selecting "Excursions" from the drop down menu at the top. 

All excursion tickets must be purchased by September 20, 2024. Due to limited availability and requirements with our tour companies, no refunds will be given for cancellations made after September 20, 2024.

Catamaran Cruise - $120
2:00 - 4:00 PM

Experience the beauty of Santa Barbara on a coastal catamaran cruise. Sail along the coast and breathe in the salt air, with the Santa Ynez Mountains and the Channel Islands surrounding you as the backdrop. Take in the American Riviera while sailing alongside an entourage of dolphins, sea lions, birds, and maybe even some whales! There will be a cash bar selling beer and wine onboard. 

*Shuttle Bus Transportation will be provided.

Click to purchase: 

Horseback Riding - $180
2:00 - 4:00 PM

The ride begins at Circle Bar B Ranch headquarters and follows the trail out the back gate, through the gorgeous fern-lined Indian Canyon, and past splashing waterfalls. The trail then climbs out of the canyon to enjoy the dramatic vista: the rugged Santa Ynez Mountains, the Pacific Ocean, and the Channel Islands off the coast of Santa Barbara. The thrill of seeing nature up close is yours on this popular ride, from hawks soaring on thermal currents, to rich foliage in the fall, and profusions of wildflowers in the spring. No matter what time of year you take this trip, you will enjoy some of the most memorable nature and private horseback riding trails and views on the California coast. Gratuity is included in ticket cost. 

*Shuttle Bus Transportation will be provided. No cancellations - refunds cannot be given for this excursion.

Click to purchase: 

Wine Tasting - $150
3:00 - 5:00 PM

Join us at the Bacara Wine Tasting Room onsite at the hotel and embark on a sensory adventure through the captivating wines of Santa Barbara, where every sip tells a story of passion, tradition, and unparalleled craftsmanship. The wine tasting includes a selection of 4 wines (2 red, 1 white, and 1 rose) and charcuterie + cheeseboard.

Click to purchase: 

Golf - $120
1:00 - 5:00 PM

Enjoy an afternoon of golf at the Sandpiper Golf Club, one of the best courses in Santa Barbara with breathtaking ocean views, and a favorite course for golfers in California. Price includes tee time and cart use. Club rental is $60 onsite. Shoes are available for purchase, if needed. 

*Shuttle Bus Transportation will be provided.

Click to purchase: 

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