Take a dip in easy-to-reach naturally heated waters.

The catch with hot springs is they aren’t always easy to get to. There are plenty of burbling waters that seem like a fantastic destination—until you realize they require a 20-mile hike. Take heart: you can drive right up to Big Caliente Hot Springs , tucked within Los Padres National Forest. The drive northeast out of Santa Barbara takes slightly less than two hours. Spring waters naturally warmed to 100° or more are captured in a crude cement tub that comfortably holds about six. It’s a popular spot; visit on a weekday if you want to have the spring to yourself. Stay quiet and you might be visited by grazing deer.

SWIRL, SIP, & SAVOR wines from Central Coast premier wineries complemented with savory and sweet delectable delights at the Santa Barbara Wine Festival. Escape for an afternoon and enjoy the refreshing ambiance of being in nature as you take pleasure in tantalizing tastings of food and wine. This is a must-do summertime favorite and the wine festival you cannot miss.