Midweek is Primetime ~
To Visit The Santa Ynez Valley –
In the era of flexible work schedules and social distancing, a midweek visit to the Santa Ynez Valley has never been more appealing or more attainable. The Santa Ynez Valley in Santa Barbara Wine Country has always offered an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. That is particularly true during weekdays.
On California’s Central Coast, late summer and fall are typically the most coveted of seasons in the Santa Ynez Valley — filled with the energy that comes from the sunshine of summer and the fall harvest that breathes life into the Santa Ynez Valley’s world-class wines. That energy is present this year, too, making weekdays the newly coveted, quiet time to visit.
The weekday quiet offers a welcome calm, fostering an environment perfect for those in search of a peaceful, healthy escape. And what’s more – many Santa Ynez Valley inns, hotels and tour companies have created special midweek promotions to take advantage of by traveling Sunday through Thursday.
Only 30 minutes from Santa Barbara, two hours northwest of Los Angeles, and a scenic four-hour drive south of San Francisco, the Santa Ynez Valley is easy to get to but can feel a world away on any day. By visiting Sunday – Thursday, you’ll get more freedom to explore the Santa Ynez Valley’s farm-to-table culinary scene and its world-class wineries.
Last-minute planners are given a reprieve to make a spur-of-the-moment decision, with plenty of midweek availability and affordability at the Santa Ynez Valley’s eclectic mix of lodgings, such as the modern luxury found at The Landsby, hip boutique hotels such as the Skyview Los Alamos, and intimate B&Bs like the Ballard Inn.
Classic California
Yet the character of SYV’s six distinct communities — which range from classic California wine country to Northern Europe to the Old West — is still easily experienced. Instead of crowds, visitors find that in midweek, winemakers have more time to deeply discuss their varietals and vintages. Prime outdoor seating at the region’s best restaurants, many of which face capacity limits, is easier to find, too.
Ballard | Buellton | Los Alamos | Los Olivos | Santa Ynez | Solvang
Hiking, Biking, and Horseback Riding
During the midweek, the Santa Ynez Valley’s hundreds of miles of trails — from scenic vineyard-to-vineyard strolls, to more challenging hikes rewarded with fields of wildflowers or incredible sea-to-valley vistas — are less traveled and offer just a bit more solitude. Experiences such as a horseback ride through the vineyards of SYV or a bike ride down the country roads offer the peace we are all seeking.
Never has there been a better opportunity to get away from everything, especially the crowds.
Plan Your Midweek Stay
Start planning your midweek stay, research events and attractions, book lodging and activities, and create a custom travel itinerary.
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