Santa Ynez Valley

13 Best Affordable California Vacations

"A pastoral valley of small towns where wine culture coexists with family-friendly outdoor tasting rooms and affordable foodie finds. Popular tasting spots include laid-back wineries with outdoor patios and curated tasting flights, a few standout farm-to-table pairings and weekend barbecue options, plus a picnic-style winery experience bookable in advance. Non-wine activities include free local museums and events, a short waterfall hike, and a quirky ostrich-and-emu farm with low-cost admission; lodging ranges from modest inns to stylish budget-friendly motels and boutique properties." - Chelsee Lowe Chelsee Lowe Chelsee Lowe is a Los Angeles-based writer with an obsession with good eats and interesting stories. She regularly contributes to Travel + Leisure, TravelAge West, Ventura Blvd, and L.A. Parent, writing about food, family travel, and more. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines