Sip, Dip & Flip on a Santa Barbara Vacation in California

Santa Barbara, Calif. -- Sipping is a given for wine aficionados on vacations in Santa Barbara, California. If you didn't catch an independent film, Sideways, which featured to fictional Southern California men on a bonding trip to wineries and restaurants in Santa Barbara County, never mind. Suffice to say that this wine country rivals any, anywhere! In fact, a little known fact is that wineries in Napa and Sonoma wine countries in Northern California actually purchase grapes from the fields of this Central Coast region, to enhance their perfect wine products.

Sip Santa Barbara's vintage and boutique wines.

If you seek a sip trip, Santa Barbara is a best bet on the Central Coast. Affordable, centralized, casual, comfortable, and offering enough wineries to fill many vacations, this is the spot to check in and begin exploring the wineries and wine tasting throughout the region. One winery worth checking out among many is Lafond Winery and Vineyards with award-winning wines, Pinot Noir, and Syrah. Located in Buellton, the winery is open for tasting, 6855 Santa Rosa Road, Buellton CA 93427. lafondwinery.com

Dip into oceans of opportunity.

Dip into the water of the Pacific Ocean, the soothing pool at the Harbor View Inn across the street from the beach, or relax into a spa treatment at Bacara Resort, one of many spas in the city of Santa Barbara. If getting wet isn't your thing, then head out to Lake Cachuma for a boat tour to watch birds that dip into the lake reservoir. October through February guests can take eagle cruises on the pontoon boat that spends two hours in the lake, guided by a naturalist who will help you spot the nests and places where the migratory Bald eagles can seen. March through September offers nature tours. If you love the great outdoors, there are some opportunities to camp at the lake. Operated by the County of Santa Barbara Parks Department, a fee is charged for admission and boat tours. sbparks.org

Not to be overlooked on a Santa Barbara visit are the whale watching tours that are offered year-round. If you've never seen a gray whale raise itself up out of the water and dive back in again, this is one of the best tours you can take. Condor Cruises offers extensive tours throughout the year with expert naturalists who provide narratives for your awesome journey. Take a jacket, and a camera to catch all the action. condorcruises.com

Flip a jack and chow down on outrageously tasty treats.

You'll surely flip when you dine on a breakfast at Sambo's, the original shop in a chain of famous restaurants that became known for their breakfast meals, including pancakes, or flapjacks. Memorabilia line the walls of this treasure that sits along the waterfront, offering spectacular views, comfort foods, and old-fashioned tureens of coffee left at table. Oh, they serve real butter without even asking!

Food is a forte in this vacation town that also serves as a college town with its unique, one-of-a-kind restaurants ranging from Indian cuisine to vegetarian, Italian, Mexican and barbeque. You won't go hungry in Santa Barbara, where a variety of meals and prices offer not just tasty treats, but also unique seats. The vibrant downtown State Street restaurants include al fresco dining so you can watch the shoppers pass by and soak up the vibe with live music, while oceanside and pier restaurants provide forever views from Stearns Wharf, or Cabrillo Boulevard.

The in-town offerings range from casual and eclectic to nightclub atmospheres. For a really upscale affair, head over to Bacara's Miro restaurant, based on the works of the famous artist. The intimate restaurant serves gourmet cuisine in a relaxed setting, making it something special. What the restaurant does well is presentation. The plates, the art (including Miro) and intimate setting make for a memorable night. You can also opt for the hotel's more affordable menus at Bistro restaurant, and find some great offerings ranging from fish to chicken, and other meats, sushi and salads seasonally.