Santa Barbara, CA Adventure Stories | RootsRated

An Off-the-Beaten-Path Guide to the Perfect Weekend around Santa Barbara

From catching waves in the Pacific Ocean to hiking in the Santa Ynez Mountains, here's how Chaco spends a weekend in Santa Barbara.

23 Must-Visit American Cities for Outdoor Adventure Travel

From the rolling mountains of the Southeast, to the jagged peaks of the West, here's our breakdown of 23 American cities that you should visit at least once in your lifetime.

All Trails Lead to this Hidden Gem

Santa Barbara's Cold Springs Tavern is an amazing destination in itself, but heading there after visiting one of these five trails is something special.

Insider Tips From Pro SUP Rider Dave Figlioli

SUP pro Dave Figlioli, based in Santa Barbara, offers his insider tips on how to make the most of SUP this spring and summer.

A Look into Trevor Gordon's Nomadic Life of Adventure

Santa Barbara native Trevor Gordon lives a nomadic life ready for adventure at a moment's notice via a custom camper and 36-foot sailboat.

Behind the Lens with Adventure Photographer Branden Aroyan

A chat with world-class photographer Branden Aroyan, who is based in Santa Barbara, and shares some of his secrets with RootsRated.

The Santa Barbara YarnBomber Strikes Again, But Gets Foiled by Mother Nature

The Santa Barbara YarnBomber installs an elaborate work that includes aliens in the Los Padres National Forest, but it's destroyed by wind.

Battle for The Queen: The 32nd Annual Rincon Classic Surf Contest

Along the shores of Santa Barbara, the wait has officially begun for one of California’s most prestigious surf contests: The Rincon Classic.

Theresa Nealon : Sophisticated Speed

Theresa Nealon is an accomplished sprinter and runner who embodies the spirit of the versatile runner.

Q&A with Santa Barbara Ultra Runner Chris Douglas

Chris Douglas is a runner who looks for the toughest terrain around and finds the quickest way up! His version of fun is in line with his spirit for adventure. Learn more about Chris in his Q&A.

Q&A with Santa Barbara Runner Theresa Nealon

Theresa Nealon excelled as a collegiate runner and now serves as a coach -- but still gets in plenty of running of her own. Learn more about her in our Q&A.

Riviera Running

Though some may say southern California's weather doesn't change year-round, in fact, the autumn months are most enjoyable for running in Santa Barbara.

Chris Douglas: Always Moving

Chris Douglas is an endurance athlete who is equally adept running with a group or taking on the hardest races in the world solo.

Santa Barbara Running Advice with Tyler Hansen

Santa Barbara running is tough. Tyler Hansen helps you develop a strategy for hitting the hills and running strong.

Stand Up Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara has hopped "on board" the SUP revolution with enthusiasm, and here are four ways to enjoy it, from beginner paddling to surfing.

Insider's Guide to Surfing Campus Point

Surfing in Santa Barbara is great year-round, but things really heat up in September and October, and RootsRated has your back for the things you need to know.

Chasing the Santa Barbara Sun

Seeing the sun rise or set in Santa Barbara is truly an awe-inspiring and wonderful experience that should be done as much as possible, and not just the random time or two.

Pier to Peak Run

The Pier to Peak run is a Santa Barbara classic, whether you're participating in the official race in late August or taking a solo trip, and RootsRated brings you the Inside scoop.

Bluffs, Breaks, and Brews

Carpinteria is a small-town paradise neighboring Santa Barbara that affords beautiful bluffs, good breaks, and even delicious brews at the nearby brewing company.

Surf & Turf

Santa Barbara's perfect position between mountains and sea makes it an unbeatable city for surf & turf combos of mountain hiking and beach playing.

5 Best Climbing Spots in Santa Barbara

There are so many climbing spots in Santa Barbara that it's sometimes difficult to choose the very best ones. But with the Insider's Guide, we bring you the 5 best.

Ultra-Endurance in Santa Barbara

In the last two years, endurance mountain biking races in Santa Barbara have skyrocketed, no thanks in part due to Robert Gilcrest.

Matt Organista

Matt Organista, a 25-year-old Carpinteria-native is leading the three-sport triathlon charge locally this year after picking up another victory at the

Common Ground

Common Ground is a film about people and their land, and it strikes to the core of many peoples' sense of awe and wonder for the landscape.

Pedal For People

The Wine Country Bike Trek is a great way for people to have a great life experience while helping a charity. You can pedal for people.