Local Deals for California Central Coast

For $25, Travelzoo subscribers can embark on a wine-tasting experience in Solvang, in the heart of Santa Ynez Valley wine country. This Local Deal for two people includes five tastings each at four wineries, including award winners like Rideau Vineyard and Blackjack Ranch Vineyards and Winery, featured in the film "Sideways." Save nearly 75% on this package, regularly $92.

Travelzoo subscribers can enjoy a wine experience for two at Curtis Winery in the Santa Ynez Valley -- complete with a private winery tour, tastings, charcuterie plate and bottle of wine -- for $25, regularly $70.

For $22 per person (reg. $45), Travelzoo subscribers can cruise the wildlife-rich waters of the Channel Islands National Park during a three-hour whale-watching excursion. Two can book this trip for $40, regularly $90, and save more.

Travelzoo subscribers can set sail on a deep sea fishing excursion through the Channel Islands while saving up to 50% on regular prices. Trip-goers will cast a line for species like rock fish, lingcod, barracudas, halibut and seabass on this nine- to 10-hour journey. Choose from four options:

Hit the links at the Central Coast's only 27-hole course, Blacklake Golf Resort in Nipomo. With this Local Deal, golf an unlimited number of holes in a single day and get cart rental, a bucket of range balls and lunch for $29, normally $84. Or, get the deal for two for $55, regularly $168.

Witness "one of the most splendid land-and-sea wilderness areas on the planet" (Fodor's) during a sea life tour around Channel Islands National Park. For $39 per person (reg. $80), spot wildlife like dolphins, sea lion colonies, migratory sea birds, orcas and blue whales on these four-hour "SeaFari" trips. They set sail around Anacapa Island's rugged north shore and include a light meal.

The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village consistently ranks among the country's best, and this year is no exception. TripAdvisor recently named it one of the top 10 U.S. hotel spas, while Conde Nast Traveler rates it highest of any LA-area hotel spa (and No. 12 nationwide). For $199, regularly $329, this deal includes a massage, facial, glass of bubbly or smoothie, and pool access.

Regarded by the Santa Barbara Independent as a local favorite, Bucatini will "knock your socks off" with its pasta and pizza, according to Zagat. For $29, two can enjoy an alfresco three-course lunch for two (between 11 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.) with wine at this downtown trattoria. This meal would regularly cost $66.50.

Skip the trip to the store and order six bottles of premium wine with this Local Deal from Virgin Wines, part of the world-renowned Virgin brand. Virgin Wines, which just arrived in the U.S. last year, is now offering Travelzoo subscribers a case of wine worth up to $94 for only $29. Sales tax and shipping charges of $19.99 are not included.

Sharpen your culinary skills with this Travelzoo-exclusive deal for a 90-minute gourmet cooking class plus dinner with Santa Barbara Premiere Catering for $39, regularly $100.

One of the top wineries to visit in the Santa Ynez Valley according to Wine Country Getaways, Rideau Vineyard is also a reader favorite -- 98% of Travelzoo subscribers who've visited with past offers enjoyed their experiences. For $35 (reg. $149), two can stop in for the following:

For $49, regularly $114, start off a night on State Street with a festive dinner for two at Aldo's Italian Restaurant, a Gayot pick for Best Outdoor Dining in Santa Barbara. Located in the Janssens-Orella Adobe House -- built in 1857 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places -- this spot offers a "lovely" setting and "attractive courtyard" (Gayot).

Steal away to a resort in Los Osos with picturesque views of the ocean sand dunes and Morro Bay with this exclusive Travelzoo Getaway. This $119-per-night package from Sea Pines Golf Resort (regularly $234) includes a bottle of Volatus wine as well as dinner for two at the resort's casual grille. Visit over the weekend for $159 per night.

Cast a line into the depths of the Pacific during a full-day, deep sea fishing trip from Central Coast Sportfishing. For $49, depart on an eight-hour excursion from Morro Bay that includes rod rental, tackle and fish cleaning, regularly $95.25. In addition, you can take home up to 12 of the fish that you catch.

Gayot ranks Seagrass Restaurant among the "best Santa Barbara Valentine's restaurants," and Zagat calls it the area's "best seafood." Now, two can dine at this top-rated eatery with an $89 five-course chef's dinner for two that's regularly $190.

Take your golf game to the coast with a day on the green at the seaside Avila Beach Golf Resort, voted "Best Golf Course in SLO County" in 2011 by the New Times. For $45 per person, regularly $89, Travelzoo subscribers can visit on a Monday-Thursday and play a full round of golf with cart rental, range balls, lunch and a drink at the resort's bistro.

Avila Beach Golf Resort was named "Best Golf Course" in SLO County both this year and last by the New Times, which says the seaside links provide "an unforgettable experience." For $39 per person, play 18 holes with cart rental, lunch at the grill and a glass of wine Monday-Thursday, regularly $83.50. Weekends are $10 more.

A romantic trip for two to the Santa Ynez Wine Country awaits at 45% off regular prices. Travelzoo negotiated a deal with the 4-star Ballard Inn that includes accommodations for two, a full cooked-to-order breakfast, wine-tasting passes, a gourmet picnic lunch and a bottle of wine upon arrival.

Downtown Santa Barbara's Blush Restaurant + Lounge offers Travelzoo subscribers an exclusive cocktails and appetizers package, to be enjoyed in the restaurant's inviting interior or lavish patio. For $39, two can experience what Gayot calls the "sultry vibe, specialty cocktails and modish dishes" with four premium cocktails and two gourmet appetizers, regularly a $94 combination.

Pack your bags for a romantic trip to the Santa Ynez Wine Country at 45% off regular prices. This Travelzoo-negotiated deal at the 4-star Ballard Inn includes accommodations for two, wine-tasting passes, a gourmet picnic lunch and a fresh country breakfast.

Zagat gives Seagrass Restaurant a rating of "very good to excellent" (23) for the "scrumptious" and "meticulously prepared" food, and hails the service as "superb." With this exclusive Local Deal, two can dine on a rotating chef's menu at one of Gayot's Top 10 Seafood Restaurants in Santa Barbara for $49, regularly $104.

Explore Santa Ynez's lush wine country with a luxurious four- to five-hour limo tour that includes wine tastings, bubbly and lunch, all for $69 per person. This tour from Gold Coast Limousines regularly costs $159.

Since it opened in April 2010, Lash Day Spa in Summerland has provided luxe skincare and nail services in a boutique setting the Montecito Journal calls "tranquil." The brainchild of girlfriends Lonnie Sims and Ashley Pereira, the spa offers a deal worth its weight in gold: For $55, experience the Ultimate Revitalizing Facial, which includes a 24-karat gold mask. This service regularly costs $250.

Zagat raves that Chuck's Waterfront Grill in Santa Barbara is a "solid surf 'n turfer" that lets diners take in a full view of the "spectacular" harbor. With this exclusive deal, two can dine on a three-course steak and seafood dinner with drinks at this oceanfront venue for $69, regularly $134.

Qui Si Bella is a holistic wellness spa in Santa Barbara that earns a 4.5-star rating from Citysearch users. For $99, experience a spa day with lunch and a glass of wine, regularly $205.

Take in sweeping coastal views while dining on American cuisine with California accents at Bistro 1111 in the Hyatt Santa Barbara. With this Travelzoo-exclusive deal, savor a four-course dinner for two with a bottle of wine for $59, regularly $131.

Hit the fairways for unlimited golf at the 27-hole Blacklake Golf Resort in Nipomo, between Santa Maria and Pismo Beach. This Local Deal is good for an unlimited number of holes in a single day and includes cart rental and lunch for $39, normally $87.

Take your golf game to the coast with a day on the green at the seaside Avila Beach Golf Resort, voted "Best Golf Course in SLO County" in 2011 by the New Times. Get 18 holes of play, cart rental and lunch at the resort's bistro with beer or wine for $49 per person Monday to Thursday, regularly $99. Or, head to the course Friday or Sunday after 11 a.m. with the same package for $57, regularly $114.

Metroactive says that at Giancarlo's Ristorante Mediterraneo, the "soft lighting, Italian ballads and the staff's friendliness hold the place together, sufficient for the food to make the real impression." Taste what Gayot calls "succulent osso buco" at one of its Hot 10 Central Coast restaurants with a three-course dinner for two people with wine for $49, regularly $109. 

Gayot says "it's off the well-beaten path," but "it's worth finding your way to Giancarlo's Ristorante Mediterraneo for some authentic Italian fare." For $49, regularly $111, two people receive a three-course dinner for two with wine at this Morro Bay favorite.

Pack up your clubs and hit the green for unlimited golf at the 27-hole Blacklake Golf Resort in Nipomo, between Santa Maria and Pismo Beach. This Local Deal is good for an unlimited number of holes in a single day and includes a cart rental and lunch for $45, normally $102.

Having opened on Feb. 1, 2011, Blush Beauty Boutique & Spa gives those in the Central Coast the opportunity to be pampered and shop, all in one spot. Now, you can get a mini spa day here for $49, a package that includes a massage, facial, manicure and hand treatment. This package would regularly cost $115 and also comes with a $10 gift card to shop the fashion, home and beauty products.

Peer out from a luxury yacht as the sun sets over the Pacific with this Local Deal from Celebration Cruises Santa Barbara. Our deal experts negotiated a one-hour sunset cruise for two people for $35, regularly $70. You'll take in views of the horizon and Central Coast shoreline while relaxing on the well-appointed Celebration.

Root 246, a "jewel of a restaurant" (L.A. Times) in Solvang that's helmed by James Beard Award-winning Chef Bradley Ogden, offers a fresh take on new American cuisine. Travelzoo subscribers can enjoy a special four-course prix fixe dinner for two featuring local ingredients for $69, regularly $144. 

Sitting in the heart of Santa Barbara is the area's only luxury hotel that is part of the prestigious "Leading Hotels of the World." Stay this spring at Canary Hotel, a sister property to Casa del Mar and Shutters-on-the-Beach that also earns an "exceptional" rating on Frommer's, with this special overnight package for two.

Steal away to a resort in Los Osos with picturesque views of ocean sand dunes and Morro Bay with this exclusive getaway for two. Guests will save 50% on this $199 package from Sea Pines Golf Resort that combines a two-night stay with dinner at the resort's casual grill plus six tasting passes to local wineries. Weekends are an extra $70.

Experience the rolling hillsides of the gorgeous Santa Ynez Valley with a Bridlewood Estate Winery tour. For $50, two Travelzoo subscribers can weave through this scenic vineyard while enjoying five wine tastings at different vantage points throughout the property. Regularly $110, this private tour is led by a wine expert who drives guests to each spot on a chauffeured four-person four-wheeler with spacious, cushioned seating.

Nestled in the lush green hills of the Central Coast's wine country is the AAA 4-Diamond Petersen Village Inn, a charming bed-and-breakfast in a setting reminiscent of the romantic Danish countryside. This $135 one-night package for two saves 40% on regular rates for Sunday-Thursday stays through March. As an added perk, Travelzoo subscribers get a bottle of red or white wine to savor, as well as four vouchers to area tasting rooms.

Whisk down Mt. Baldy this winter with two hours of unlimited snow tube rides from The Lifts at Mt. Baldy. For $15 per person, Travelzoo subscribers can tube with family and friends with this all-inclusive package including lift tickets and tube rental, regularly $35.

Ojai Valley Inn & Spa has earned the prestigious AAA 5-Diamond Award for the past eight years, and now Travelzoo subscribers can tee off at the resort's championship golf course -- "exceptionally playable from any set of tees," says Golf.com. For $89, regularly $186, play 18 holes with cart, range balls and a post-round beer.

Soak in oceanfront views at The Spa at Hyatt Santa Barbara with a 60-minute massage and amenity access, including the oceanfront pool, for $59, regularly $135.

Focusing on the rare and undiscovered, Wandering Dog Wine Bar in Solvang gives its customers an exciting experience with every glass. Get this sip-and-swirl Local Deal for two that features two custom wine flights, an antipasti platter and a bottle of wine to take home for $29, regularly $76.

Qui Si Bella is a holistic wellness spa in Santa Barbara that earns a 4.5-star rating from Citysearch users. For $149, experience a couples spa package including an hourlong massage per person, choice of a facial or pedicure per person and two glasses of wine, a combination that regularly costs $310.

Experience wine from the coastal mountains of Central California in Paso Robles Wine Country with this exclusive offer for tastings at 6 top vineyards in the area. Travelzoo subscribers can save nearly 70% on passes to sip and savor the best of the best.

Nestled near Santa Barbara's beachfront, Bistro 1111 in the Hotel Mar Monte welcomes patrons with its breathtaking views, comfortable interior and fresh SoCal cuisine. For $69, dine on a four-course dinner for two (regularly $144) paired with two glasses of signature wine.

Qui Si Bella is a holistic wellness spa in Santa Barbara that earns a 4.5-star rating from Citysearch users. For $99, indulge in an hourlong massage, 60-minute facial and glass of wine, a combination that regularly costs $235 -- saving Travelzoo subscribers more than $130.

Tee off amidst ocean dunes and towering pines with an unlimited golf package from a coastal resort near Morro Bay. Today's getaway for two people includes one night accommodation, a full day of golf with a cart, breakfast or lunch and bottle of award-winning wine. At $149, this package is more than 50% off the regular rate.

Take in sweeping coastal views while dining on American cuisine with California accents at Bistro 1111 in the Hyatt Santa Barbara. With this Travelzoo-exclusive deal, savor a four-course dinner for two with a bottle of wine for $59, regularly $131.

Blush Restaurant & Lounge serves seasonal Californian cuisine that boasts five OpenTable Diners’ Choice Awards including Best Ambiance, Vibrant Bar Scene and Hot Spot. Gayot adds that “nightlife and fine dining collide at this hot-spot in downtown Santa Barbara.” For $39, two can receive specialty cocktails and shared plates, regularly $96.

Retreat to a AAA 4-Diamond Southern California hotel reminiscent of a European countryside inn at 40% off. This Travelzoo-negotiated deal to Westlake Village Inn is an ideal romantic escape for two including weekends, through April.