What we’re about
Santa Barbara Social is intended to be welcoming and inclusive to all.
Activities will be local, regional or long distance. The common thread will be a focus on doing whatever activity as good decent social fun.
Come find out
Meetup is about helping people new to town make friends as well as those not so new in town.
What or where is "The Central Coast?"
It includes: Avila Beach, Baywood-Los Osos, Beach Cities, Capitola, Carmel-by-the-Sea, Carpinteria, Catherine Hill Bay, Central Coast, Ettalong Beach, Gosford, Greengrove, Grover Beach, Half Moon Bay, Hollister, Jilliby, Killcare, Lincoln City, Marina, Monterey, Morro Bay, Mount White, Narara, Newport, North Coast, Ourimbah, Oxnard, Pacific Grove, Paso Robles, Patonga, Pearl Beach, Pismo Beach, Pretty Beach, San Luis Obispo, San Simeon, Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz, Santa Maria, South Coast, Terrigal, The Entrance, Ventura, Wadalba, Watsonville, Yarramalong.
Activities for Newcomers of all ages- parties and get-togethers. Dining-in, Cheers, TGIF, outdoor life, camping, walking, hiking, trekking, kayaking, cycling, sailing
Other things like shared interests including gardening, performing arts, local heritage, food & wine, travel and more.
Come get social with us
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Featured International Meetup Trips for 2025 & 2026Link visible for attendees
Overseas travel takes a lot of planning in advance. Flights, Time-off, dog sitters . . . Here are our Featured International/Overseas Events so you have the time to get things planned to be able to join.
Jun 28-Jul 11, 2025 Spain and Portugal with Running of the Bulls! (waitlist only)
Aug 10-20, 2025 EPIC MACHU PICCHU! vis Short Inca Trail or Train!!
Aug 10-20, 2025 The Salkantay Trek EPIC MACHU PICCHU!
Sep 15-24, 2025 Bali & Singapore: From Animal Sanctuaries to Urban Elegance
Oct 12-23, 2025 Jordan: Dana to Petra Trek with bonus of Wadi Rum
Oct 19-31, 2025: Petra to the Pyramids. Dead Sea, Sphinx & Nile Cruise
Feb 08-18, 2026 Northern Lights. A Scandinavian Odyssey!
Feb 28-Mar 11, 2026 India's Golden Triangle with HOLI and Dubai Extension
Mar 29-Apr 09, 2026 Cherry Blossoms in Japan
Jun 05-14, 2026 Costa Rica Eco Adventure
Jun 18-27, 2026 Mt Kilimanjaro Trek! One of the 7 Summits
Jun 27-Jul 06, 2026 Serengeti Photo Safari! "Africa’s Best Wildlife Show"
Jul 05-14, 2026 Gorilla Trekking in Uganda and Rwanda
Sep 09-20, 2026 France Culinary Explorer! Food, Wine, Cheese, Cooking Lessons
Sep 20-Oct 03, 2026 Meetup on the Orient Express
Mar 06-16, 2027 Galapagos Islands ExpeditionDo you have questions on ANY of the above?
What to do next?
How to attend?
What to pack?
What's included and not included?
Or any question you might have!!!The most simple thing is to send a meetup message to https://secure.meetup.com/messages/?new_convo=true&member_id=273063881
In your message say which one and we can get the ball rolling from there and get you info.
The other easy way is to fill out our form. You can check-box several events that way.
https://forms.gle/cQdqYw74gAYqphXX8ALSO . . .
We have a monthly Q & A video conference call to answer it all!
Rsvp on this event and join us on the listed date at 6pm Pacific time.
Here is the link to join https://meet.google.com/irp-rnyi-fgbRSVP here and we will send you a reminder too!!
- The Salkantay Trek EPIC MACHU PICCHU!! Experience wild PeruAmtrak-Sba, Santa Barbara, CA
Discover the awe-inspiring journey to Machu Picchu with our three distinct options, each offering its own charm and adventure. As a Meetup, we travel as a group and still are able to tailor your Machu Picchu adventure according to your preferences and interests.
This event is for the hikers and trekkers, interested in The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu. This is a 4-Day hike on the ancient and remote footpath located in the same region as the Inca Trail where massive snow-capped mountains collide with lush tropical rainforests. It is less travelled than the Inca Trail, with breathtaking vistas! Considered by many the better alternate to get to Machu Picchu. It is also not that heavily regulated with government taxes and fees. Hence, the good price!
The Inca Trail is the "tourist" route. We are doing the 1-day hike, which is the second half of the classic Inca Trek and a full day at Machu Picchu. It is shorter and less difficult than the Salkantay. The views are stunning - mostly rainforest canopy and ancient historic sights. Those who are interested in this way to reach Machu Picchu, CLICK HERE to find the event.
The Train is just as it sounds. No long hike. Travel by rail and with less effort. This is intended for people with less mobility or those who wish to glamp it a bit. They will be traveling with the Inca Trail group, but instead of hiking for one full day, can opt for the convenience of the train ride. CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO
Peru is an amazing place with many unbelievable surprises. We are sampling a little bit of everything - from the tall peaks of the Andes, to the majestic Inca ruins, to the Peruvian Jungle and not to forget...the famous Peruvian food and the pisco sour!!! This is a trip of a lifetime indeed!
Come enjoy this beautiful country the way you want. Visit Lima, the capital and sample some of the most famous fusion cuisine. Visit Cusco, the religious and administrative capital of the Inca Empire. Learn about the history of the Inca people and their amazing accomplishments. Then enjoy a stunning 4-day hike on the Salkantay Trail, culminating with a full day spent at Machu Picchu!
Machu Picchu via Salkantay Trail
Price per person for the land portion $2495, Double occupancy (Share)
Single Supplement (Hotels only, share during trek) $370
Secure Deposit Link for Salkantay Trail $251
***Airfare not included***RSVP to receive detailed Day-by-Day itinerary. If you wish to attend, deposit is the only way to secure your spot. Upon paying the deposit, please fill out this Participant's Form.
The deposit is refundable up to 90 day before departure.INCLUDED:
- Hotels in Lima, Cusco, Aguas Calientes.
- Emergency Insurance during Salkantay Trek portions
- Guided Sightseeing Tours in Lima and Cusco
- Breakfast Daily
- Welcome Dinner in Cusco
- Farewell dinner in Aguas Calientes after the trek
- All Meals during the Trek
- Hotel/Airport Transfers
- Porters and Professional Guides during the trek
Not Included
- International and domestic airfare
- Any other meals not stated
- Gratuities and personal expenses.
- Travel Insurance when not on the Trek portion (we can give you a quote for that)
This event is posted to several groups. The number of RSVP does not reflect the actual number of participants. CLICK HERE for the main/central post.
If you need information on this or any of our other international events**FILL OUT OUR GOOGLE FORM **
Got Questions?
Specifics about Salkantay Trek . . . Message to Marc
(Marc-screen name Oddie) https://secure.meetup.com/messages/?new_convo=true&member_id=273063881
All things flights and sign ups message to Anna
https://secure.meetup.com/messages/?new_convo=true&member_id=131297062OR . . . .
We do a monthly Travel Q&A Zoom. CLICK HERE to RSVP for our monthly A & A Zoom
Come to the zoom, ask questions, meet others attending, be social.CLICK HERE to join in and see all our other events
SOT 2000318-10
- Bali & Singapore: Elephant Sanctuary - Scenic Beaches - Urban EleganceLos Angeles International Airport, Los Angeles, CA
Two destinations combined in one awesome Meetup trip! Come along on an incredible journey for 7 days in Bali and 3 days in Singapore!
We designed this adventure especially for our Meetup group to showcase the best of both destinations, from the beauty of Bali’s nature to the bustling city of Singapore, all while connecting with fellow travelers who share our passion for exploration. Breathtaking landscapes, rich culture, and unforgettable experiences await!
We will visit:
· Ubud
· Kintamani with Mount and Lake Batur
· The Sacred Tirta Empul temple
· The iconic Bali Swing.
· The Sacred Monkey Forest
· Kuta
· The stunning Uluwatu Temple
· Taro’s Elephant Park
· SingaporeWe will Experience:
· Shirodara Massage with hot oil, herbs and flower baths
· A close encounter with elephants in their sanctuary
· Kecak Balinese dance show
· The Gardens by the Bay in Singapore
· A Night Safari in the tropical jungle
· Iconic landmarks like Merlion Park, Thian Hock Keng Temple and Singapore’s ChinatownLand Tour cost $3640 per person, double occupancy
(we match roommates for those wishing to share)
Solo occupancy an additional $790
***International airfare not included***A $350 deposit will guarantee your spot for this awesome Meetup Adventure:
CLICK HERE for secure deposit link
***Your deposit is fully refundable up to 90 days before the departure***Upon submitting the deposit, please fill out THIS FORM:
What’s Included:
· 9 Nights’ Accommodations – Ubud, Kuta & Singapore
· A flight from Bali to Singapore
· 9 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 3 Dinners
· Naturalist Guide (during activities)
· All activities listed
· All transportation during the tour
· Airport Transfers to/from hotel (in/out)What’s Not Included:
· International Airfare
· Optional excursions
· Travel insurance (highly recommended)
· Personal expenses
· Meals not listed in the itinerary
· TipsRSVP to the event to receive additional info
OR
Message me, Ekaterina, directly. I will be happy to answer all your questions and help with arranging the airfare too.
OR
Click Here to fill out our google info request form to receive detailed itinerary on this or any of our other international adventuresStill have questions?
We do a monthly Q&A Travel Zoom on all our events
https://www.meetup.com/moretoexplore/events/296044209/
Come to the zoom and ask any questions. Great way to get the info you want without all the other fluff. As well as meet us and other attendees.We believe in good decent social. This event is cross posted to several other groups and the number of RSVPs on each is not reflective. We have a set of sister groups where we post our local free, local/regional camping, and our overseas events too.
Click Here to see all our other fun eventsSOT 2000318-10
- The Dana to Petra Trek w/ bonus of Wadi Rum. A Jordan Discovery Adventure.Los Angeles International Airport, Los Angeles, CA
Our Meetup group is off on another thrilling hiking adventure to exotic faraway lands! This time, we are trekking in Jordan, where breathtaking views of sandstone cliffs, narrow gorges, and vast plains unfold against the backdrop of the Great Rift Valley.
The Dana to Petra trek, also known as the Dana Wadi Trail, is one of Jordan's most renowned hiking experiences. It takes us through a diverse range of landscapes, offering a mix of natural beauty, historical significance, and cultural encounters.
The trek begins from Dana village, a charming and ancient small town, known for its stone houses and traditional architecture. It is located in Jordan's largest nature reserve - Dana, which also gives the name of the trek. The Dana Trail spans a variety of ecosystems, from lush woodlands to arid desert.
In addition to the amazing hiking experience, our Meetup trip provides a unique cultural exposure. We will have the opportunity to interact with local Bedouin communities and even stay in a Bedouin camp, experiencing their hospitality, traditional food, and way of life.
The trek culminates in the ancient city of Petra, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Entering Petra from the "backdoor" via the Monastery (Ad Deir) is a unique experience, offering a less crowded approach to this iconic archaeological site.
The actual trek from Dana to Petra covers approximately 50 miles and it will take us 6 days. The trek is considered moderately challenging, with some sections requiring good physical fitness due to rugged terrain and long distances.
The whole trip, however, is 12 days as we are spending some time sightseeing and visiting some of the amazing tourist spots of Jordan. In addition to Petra we will see Amman, Madaba, Mt Nebo, Dead Sea and Aqaba at the Red Sea.
Limited size to 24 attendees total. This trip will fill up extremely quickly.
Price per person, double occupancy: $3990
(we match roommates)
Single Supplement $710 or total price for a solo accommodation: $4700
The only way to secure your spot is a $350 deposit
Click Here for Secure Deposit LinkDeposit is refundable up to 90 days before the departure (less PayPal fees).
Click Here and Fill out this Form if you are making a Deposit******Airfare from/to the US is not included********
Message direct to Anna (flights and itinerary)
Message Direct to Marc (trekking and trip information)Inclusions:
· Meet & assist at Amman International Airport and arrival and departure transfers
· 10 Nights accommodation at hotels and camping sites
· Meals as described in the itinerary
· Transportation except during the hike
· Entrance fees as per the program
· Professional Archaeological Licensed English-Speaking Guide through all touring days only
· Professional Licensed English-Speaking Hiking Guide during hiking days (6 days: day 3 – day 8)
· 6 Full day Camping equipment, such as tent, mattress, blankets, water, bathroom, showers, 3 meals a day, luggage transfers
· Bottled water every throughout all days
· 3 hours tour in Wadi Rum by the open Bedouin
· Portage at Airport & Hotels.
· All applicable taxesWe offer a 9-day optional extension to Egypt: Pyramids, Sphinx, Nile cruise & more. CLICK HERE FOR INFO.
For people who are not interested in the hiking option, we have a regular trip (not involving hiking) from Petra to the Pyramids, with Nile Cruise. CLICK HERE FOR THIS OPTION.
Have more questions?
Click here to message Anna
Click here to message Marc
AND/OR
Come to our monthly Q & A Zoom on all international trips we offer. Meet others attending, be social, or come and get any questions answered.
AND/OR
Fill out this form: Click Here for our Overseas Trip Request Form for more info on this or any of our international events.We believe in good decent social. We have a set of sister groups we post our local free, local/regional camping, and our overseas events too.
Click Here to see all our other eventsSOT 2000318-10
