My parents (in their 70's) will be visiting in June. Do you have any suggestions on
things to do with them that don't involve wineries, restaurants (Mom is on a rigid,
gluten-free diet) or strenuous exercise?
COMMENT 171439
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2011-05-09 12:17 PM |
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The next full moon will be on Tues May 17th. On or around that date would be a perfect time to take a sunset cruise on the Sunset Kidd. Watch the sun go down on the way out and the full moon rise on the way back. Unforgettable night for only $40 per person.
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COMMENT 171441
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2011-05-09 12:18 PM |
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Do a tour of the town in the Landshark, I am a native and keep wanting to go on it. I did a similar one in Austin and had an awesome time.
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COMMENT 171442
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2011-05-09 12:18 PM |
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Sorry...didn't see June. The full moon in June is on Wed June 15th.
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COMMENT 171445
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2011-05-09 12:23 PM |
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Go for a drive up on Camino Cielo.
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COMMENT 171447P
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2011-05-09 12:25 PM |
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Art Museum?
Play at Ensemble Theatre
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COMMENT 171448P
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2011-05-09 12:26 PM |
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The Lake Cachuma nature boat cruise is fun
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COMMENT 171452P
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2011-05-09 12:35 PM |
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Natural History Museum Courthouse, Tower for the awesome views & Sunken Gardens Stroll butterfly Beach & the Four Seasons grounds - perhaps have lunch or dinner Drive up Gibralter Rd. to the top of Camino Cielo and then back to 154 - amazing views if it's clear
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DARYL
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2011-05-09 12:44 PM |
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We did the Landshark tour with some out-of-town friends once. The land part was okay, but once we got out in the harbor it was great! It's definitely colder once you're in aquatic mode, so be sure to take warm clothes.
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DARYL
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2011-05-09 12:44 PM |
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Oh! 452P reminded me: the Natural History Museum will be having its Butterflies Alive exhibit - definitely worth a visit!
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COMMENT 171458P
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2011-05-09 12:46 PM |
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The dinner theater at Circle Bar B is a lot of fun: http://www.circlebarb.com/dinnertheater.php Star Party at the Natural History Museum, June 11th at 8:30:
http://www.sbnature.org/gladwin/521.html
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COMMENT 171462
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2011-05-09 12:51 PM |
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The Trolly. Best way to see Santa Barbara
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COMMENT 171465
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2011-05-09 12:56 PM |
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Oxnard
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COMMENT 171466
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2011-05-09 01:01 PM |
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Picnic lunch at Goleta Beach, then a ride through the UCSB campus and then short tour of IV (just for kicks) With visitors, I always tried to avoid the freeway and travel more tree lined streets. Show off the Mission and then go up the APS to see the vista of SB from above. A drive up the coast to Solvang area is always refreshing. And then come back through the wine and horse country. It is all beautiful.
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COMMENT 171467
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2011-05-09 01:03 PM |
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The Landshark! It's really enjoyable. The tour guide gives some really great SB history with humor too. I'm a local and learned some things I didnt know. And going out in the water and checking out the adorable sea lions if fun too.
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COMMENT 171469P
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2011-05-09 01:09 PM |
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The Little Toot gives trips from the harbor to Stearns Wharf. Much more authentic than the tourist trap of the "landshark."
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EDHATBARBARA
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2011-05-09 01:26 PM |
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Chumash Casino and perhaps a show there.
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COMMENT 171476
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2011-05-09 01:30 PM |
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Botanic Gardens Natural History Museum
Museum of Art
Historical Society Museum
Shoreline Park
Franceschi Park
Art Show - Sunday on the beach
SB Mission
25 cent trolley up and down State Street
Solvang / Casino / Santa Ines Mission
Road trip to Carpinteria and Ojai
Road trip to Goleta / Gaviota Coast / Lompoc / La Purisima Mission / Jalama
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COMMENT 171487
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2011-05-09 01:43 PM |
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If mom's on a specific diet, how about a trip to the farmers market one morning, followed by a homemade lunch with all the stuff you just got on the beach or in a park? The summer concert series will be going on by then, right? That might be fun.
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COMMENT 171491
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2011-05-09 01:51 PM |
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My dad always enjoys a picnic on the beach. We especially enjoy Walking at El Cap at low tide. Never crowded and the beach access is not overly strenuous. If you do a picnic, you can control the menu for mom.
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COMMENT 171494P
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2011-05-09 01:54 PM |
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Just a heads up since several people have mentioned the Landshark. There is a steep set of stairs to get on board so if your parents have balance issues it might not be the best choice. But it is a great little tour!
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COMMENT 171500
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2011-05-09 02:03 PM |
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The Mission Rose Garden
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COMMENT 171506P
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2011-05-09 02:22 PM |
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Don't forget PCPA. The plays are wonderful. It's a pretty drive to Santa Maria but if you opt for the outdoor theater in Solvang, be sure to dress warmly. Eat at home early and enjoy the drive up.
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COMMENT 171512
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2011-05-09 02:26 PM |
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Cold Spring Tavern. Yes, it's a restaurant, but with some history.
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KIDS
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2011-05-09 02:37 PM |
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Lotusland
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COMMENT 171523P
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2011-05-09 02:40 PM |
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Check in with the Santa Barbara Visitors Bureau, 1601 Anacapa Street. I am sure they can give you many suggestions.
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COMMENT 171528
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2011-05-09 03:01 PM |
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Hit the bars on lower State Street.
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COMMENT 171531
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2011-05-09 03:06 PM |
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I second lotusland
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AQUAHOLIC
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2011-05-09 03:17 PM |
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I third Lotusland, yes, it's a big piece of real estate, but the tours are wonderful and leisurely paced. You could stop in at Pierre LaFond in the village for lunch out on the patio...great salad bar. Stop in Whole Foods or Lazy Acres for lots of Gluten-free options and head to Los Olivos, or even Solvang (70 y/o's might like the kitschy little town) via 154 and back the coast.
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COMMENT 171546
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2011-05-09 03:38 PM |
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Another vote for an easy afternoon at Lotusland. Also, my gluten-free, veg. GF suggests the Sojourner Cafe as a great option for eating out given mom's diet restrictions
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COMMENT 171558
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2011-05-09 04:26 PM |
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Drive by Oprah's house 1600 block of East Valley Rd. The Biltmore offers free guided tours of their gardens. Check out activities offered at some of the retirement communities.
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MYOPINION
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2011-05-09 04:26 PM |
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Recently walked down Linden Avenue in Carpinteria. Lovely with plenty of shops and benches to set a spell.
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COMMENT 171560P
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2011-05-09 04:31 PM |
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Santa Barbara Orchid Estate at the south end of Patterson. Easy to stroll down the aisles of blooming orchids.
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RIBES
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2011-05-09 05:14 PM |
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Lotusland is great. It is a two hour, 1.5 mile leisurely walking tour. If you specify they are slow movers, or need a wheelchair (LL has them to borrow) they'll provide you with your own docent who adapts the tour to your needs. It is a vintage Santa Barbara (well, Montecito) history lesson coupled with lovely gardens. Check it out at lotusland.org.
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RIBES
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2011-05-09 05:21 PM |
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Lotusland is great. It is a two hour, 1.5 mile leisurely walking tour. If you specify they are slow movers, or need a wheelchair (LL has them to borrow) they'll provide you with your own docent who adapts the tour to your needs. It is a vintage Santa Barbara (well, Montecito) history lesson coupled with lovely gardens. Check it out at lotusland.org.
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COMMENT 171584
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2011-05-09 06:04 PM |
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Just had visitors that were slow walkers...took the Lake Cachuma boat tour they loved it. Drove to Jalama Beach and had the burgers, strolled Carp and ate an early dinner at the Palms.
They loved all.
Los Olivos is also a good place to stroll and eat lunch.
All the activities took the better part of the day.
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COMMENT 171610P
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2011-05-09 08:55 PM |
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My 70+ year old dad who has difficulty walking much, enjoyed Lotusland. We had a lovely and pleasant guide who utilized a wheelchair for him part of the time (they have them there; he did not have his own). Next time he visits, I will try to remember to take him the the SB Carriage Museum: http://carriagemuseum.org/around_the_museum.htm
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COMMENT 171614
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2011-05-09 09:18 PM |
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Granada Theater for almost world class symphony at middle class prices.
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COMMENT 171633P
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2011-05-10 06:46 AM |
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Lotusland, treat at Pierre Lafond's on San Ysidro, walk around Biltmore beach area, Vedanta Temple on Ladera, Calli-Bresson chocolate shop on Carpinteria Ave in Carp and then down Linden. They'll have a very satisfying day!
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PATRICK
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2011-05-10 06:59 AM |
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If you do anything in the Montecito area, you might consider a walk up Cold Springs Trail to the bench. It is a short distance up the lower flat part of the trail and is a nice place to sit and watch the creek and soak in SB's beautiful front country nature.
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COMMENT 171645
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2011-05-10 07:01 AM |
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Go to Alice Keck Park at about 6pm on Wednesday night (any Wedenesday night during daylight savings time). Pretty flowers and plants and an old-time music jam session. Free.
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COMMENT 171661
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2011-05-10 07:28 AM |
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25 cent electric shuttle has two great site-seeing routes--along the Waterfront (Cabrillio Blvd) from the Marina to the Zoo--and Downtown--from Stearns Wharf up State Street to Sola. You really get a great view of Santa Barbara for a low, low price!
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COMMENT 171695
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2011-05-10 08:16 AM |
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I agree Lotusland is a good activity. They used to have a "slow walkers" tour -perfect for seniors.
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BOOKSALELADY
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2011-05-10 08:25 AM |
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Someone mentioned the Ensemble Theatre. Just want to point out that from June 2-26 they will be showing "The Fantasticks," which ought to be a nice show for both generations.l
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COMMENT 171712
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2011-05-10 08:32 AM |
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When 70 yr. olds visit I take them on a historical car ride including the Mission, the old Indian water reserve, the Rose Garden, the museums, the parks, the Presidio area, the old Jimmy's Oriental Garden (for our Chinese history). Then I let them choose what they want to return to see. Shoreline Park, Alice Keck Park are excellent flat places to have a gentle stroll. Out of towners tend to enjoy walking on the wharf and harbor, eating local seafood. The Landshark is fun and gives visitors a little more history. My husband's uncle was an old farmer. I took him along the old stage coach route to Cold Springs Tavern. He loved it.
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MYOPINION
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2011-05-10 08:59 AM |
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Alice Keck Park Memorial Gardens Easy walk, benches abound, a suprise around every turn.
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COMMENT 171738
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2011-05-10 09:08 AM |
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Circle Bar B theater for a Sunday matinee. There is a meal involved but it would be very easy not to have gluten. It is such a wonderful experience and a beautiful drive there.
The play in June will be Bullshot Drummond, a comedy. We went last Sunday and had a wonderful time.
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SBBOOKWORM
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2011-05-10 09:35 AM |
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I second the MIssion Rose Garden. It's spectacular right now. Some of most beautiful & fragrant roses are along the inside wall to the mountain side of the fountain. Tamora is one of my favorites. One of the most beautiful times to go is around 5:30 or 6:00. Bonus--@ 6 the Mission bells ring. (Say hi to the volunteers working there. One might be me!)
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COMMENT 171758
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2011-05-10 09:40 AM |
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Our Zoo is one of the best in the nation! Never had a bad time at the Zoo.
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COMMENT 171766
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2011-05-10 09:49 AM |
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We took my folks to Circle Bar B when they visited last summer- they LOVED it and still talk about it. My Dad was on oxygen and having issues with circulation in his legs, so the owners gave him a ride down the steep drive and back up after the show- super people there!
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COMMENT 171800
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2011-05-10 10:51 AM |
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Noquoi Falls. Short walk. Nice.
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COMMENT 171810
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2011-05-10 11:16 AM |
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Casa del Herrero and the Mission Rose Gardens (the Mission itself has a restroom, if needed while at the Rose Gardens)
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COMMENT 171832
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2011-05-10 12:26 PM |
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I am overwhelmed by the huge response to my inquiry. Thank you so much for all of the suggestions. You are all awesome and I know we'll have a great time now!
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COMMENT 171845
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2011-05-10 01:07 PM |
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I didn't realize 70 was old, I guess I better start rethinking. Gluten free should be not too difficult to handle if she knows her restrictions and allowances. Walking is good unless one is physically restrained. Good suggestions offered by everyone...have fun! and Bless all 70 year olds...
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COMMENT 171892P
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2011-05-10 04:08 PM |
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Nojoqui (excuse spelling!) is lovely, but the little hike up to the falls might be hard on some older folks ....
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COMMENT 172666
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2011-05-12 09:28 PM |
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There is a miniature horse farm in Santa Ynez that is free, and open on certain days. You would need to ggogle it or call the Valley Journal for where it is.
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COMMENT 172667
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2011-05-12 09:30 PM |
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Stow House and railroad museum at Lake Los Carneros. The little restaurant called Simply Pies has gluten free and lunch specials, I think.
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COMMENT 173746
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2011-05-16 02:13 PM |
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On a clear day I always take visitors to the top of the Courthouse Tower to see the wonderful view in all 4 directions with maps below telling you what you are looking at. It's a great way to see the ocean & mountain birds eye-views. The elevator to the tower closes at 4p.m.
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