With Summer officially one week away, ideas of how to spend these lazier months are front and center. Our town remains quaint and we are fortunate enough to have oodles of activities right out our front door. Where land meets sea, Santa Barbara residents are able to enjoy easily accessible hiking trails in our front country and the option of exploring our coveted beaches.  When you’re looking for a little something different, try a stay-cation. Daytime fun can be had with the grandkids, as a couple or a solo excursion, right here in your own backyard. Here are a few of our favorites:

1. The Lil’ Toot: Santa Barbara’s very own “cheerful” water taxi offers reasonably priced daily cruises from The Santa Barbara wharf, to the Santa Barbara harbor, along with sunset cruises, private charters and kids parties.
2. Santa Barbara Museum of Art: As a world renowned art museum, SBMA offers more then galleries of antiquities and impressionist’s masterpieces. They also offer a number of educational programs, camps and free activities for the whole family. Take advantage of Free Thursdays, Interactive Studio Sundays and their impressive complimentary Film Series.
3. Santa Barbara Blueberries: A short drive up the coast, this locally-family-owned ranch is as beautiful as it is tasty . Open 7 days a week May 7, through Summer, means any day is a good day for walking the ranch all the while filling your buckets with this tasty blue treat for your smoothies, pies or just to eat by the handfuls!
4. Railroad Museum: Located at Goleta’s Lake Los Caneros, the South Coast Railroad Museum is a registered historic place and offers weekend admittance for model train viewing, railroad riding, as well as a history lesson of the Southern Pacific Railroad.