An Evening Under the Stars

Alta Vista Tours' stargazing experience at Lake Cachuma reveals a side of Santa Barbara I never knew existed, complete with breathtaking views and a cup of hot chocolate.

By Lucia Johansen

When I signed up for a stargazing tour, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. My knowledge of stars begins and ends with astrology, which is pretty limited. So when I found myself spending an evening under the stars, accompanied by expert insight, I was about to discover a whole new perspective on the night sky.

The evening began at a meeting point in downtown Santa Barbara, where I met Julie, the owner of Alta Vista Tours. What started as a wine tour company eventually grew into something much more when Julie decided to bring a Santa Barbara Night Sky Tour to life. After experiencing it for myself, I can confidently say she created an experience that is nothing short of magical. 

In addition to its stargazing experiences, Alta Vista Tours offers a variety of excursions, from a Santa Ynez Valley Wine Tour with a gourmet picnic lunch, to a vineyard massage and wine experience that’s officially earned a spot on my Santa Barbara bucket list.

As the sun began to set, we boarded a luxurious Mercedes Sprinter that made the 30 minute drive to Lake Cachuma that much more comfortable. From the moment I stepped into the van, every detail felt planned and taken care of. I was able to sit back, relax, and enjoy the beautiful drive. With classic road-trip songs from Fleetwood Mac and Prince, the drive to Lake Cachuma felt less like transportation and more like part of the adventure. 

We arrived just as the sun was setting, and I had the chance to take in the beauty of Lake Cachuma. As the light began to fade, it became immediately clear why this location is ideal for stargazing.

Although guests are encouraged to dress warmly, Alta Vista Tours goes above and beyond to ensure their guests are comfortable throughout the evening. Blankets and gloves were provided, along with the choice of hot chocolate or tea—the perfect addition to a night spent beneath the stars. Comfortable chairs were thoughtfully arranged, inviting us to take in the breathtaking view in awe. 

What set this tour apart was the expertise of our guide. Our astronomer for the evening was a UCSB PhD student. Their passion for astronomy was contagious. Any question I asked was met with a thorough and intelligent answer. I was astonished by their vast knowledge of the stars. 

For the next 90 minutes, we explored the night sky using a high-powered telescope. Our guide gave us close-up views of planets, pointed out constellations, and showed us the Milky Way. Sadly the Sagittarius constellation wasn’t up that evening, but that didn’t stop me from searching for it.

Lake Cachuma is one of the darkest locations on the Central Coast, making it the ultimate place to observe the night sky free from the glow of the Santa Barbara city lights. As I looked up, I realized I had never seen so many stars in my life. Everywhere I turned, another star seemed to appear. It truly was captivating, enchanting, and even more beautiful than I could have imagined. One of the most memorable moments came when I correctly guessed the North Star, a small victory from luck that I was probably far too proud of.

As a Santa Barbara local, I only wish I’d signed up for this tour sooner. From the exceptional hospitality, to the stunning setting at Lake Cachuma, it’s an experience that everyone should have the chance to enjoy. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend getaway or have lived in Santa Barbara for years, I highly recommend adding this experience to your itinerary. It was undoubtedly an unforgettable evening under the stars.