Your Guide to West Coast Vintage Vespa Days 2024

Get ready to rev your engines and experience the thrill of West Coast Vintage Vespa Days 2024. As a longtime Vespa enthusiast who’s attended the past three Vintage Days in Los Gatos and Santa Rosa, California, I assure you this event, hosted by the Vespa Club of America, is a must for any Italian-made scooter lover.

Picture a weekend filled with classic Vespas, scenic rides, and camaraderie with fellow Vespa aficionados, fondly known as Vespisti.

From show-stopping bikes to thrilling group rides, there’s something for everyone who loves vintage Vespas. Ready to learn more about West Coast Vintage Vespa Days 2024? Let’s go!

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Are you wondering “What is a Vespa”? Check out this brief history from Vespa Pizzeria in South Carolina 🍕🌴 and this article from Italy Magazine. 🇮🇹 ¡Ciao Bella!

Fast Facts about West Coast Vintage Vespa Days 2024

• What: West Coast Vintage Vespa Days 2024
• Who: Hosted by Vespa Club of America
• When: September 13th to September 15th, 2024
• Where: Santa Barbara, California
• Getting There: 
  • Driving – from CA Interstate 101 North or South, or Pacific Coast Highway / CA-1
  • Flying – Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA) or Hollywood Burbank (BUR)
  • Riding – Pacific Coast Highway / CA-1 and back roads
• Weather: Mild coastal climate, average 60-78° F, a bit cooler in the evenings
• Budget: Bring enough to cover your hotel stay or campground, meals, drinks, souvenirs, rally packs, and a raffle. Santa Barbara is a coastal resort town popular with tourists, so it’s a little more expensive than some California areas.
• What to Pack: Layers for a temperate, mountains-to-ocean climate, mostly casual, riding gear, dress-up outfits optional
• Special Note: As the name indicates, West Coast Vintage Vespa Days is a vintage Vespa rally, meaning your scooter must be a Vespa, 25 years or older, with a metal body and manual transmission. 1999 scooters and under, come on and join the fun this year!

Rally History of West Coast Vintage Vespa Days

2021: Los Gatos, California

The first Vintage Vespa Days was in 2021. The event was held at the Los Gatos Lodge, with a weekend-long rally that attracted hundreds of vintage Vespa riders and enthusiasts from far and wide, but mainly in California.

The weekend included a meet and greet, epic rides through the mountains and Highway 1 to Half Moon Bay, a buffet BBQ lunch, and a Concours d’élégance – elegance competition – at Byington Winery.

2022: Los Gatos, California

In 2022, Vintage Vespa Days returned to Los Gatos Lodge in Los Gatos, California.

There was no concours d’élégance but instead, riders enjoyed touring the crisp-air mountain roads, a catered box lunch at a relaxing campground, and DJs spinning 45s at Narrative Fermentations Brewery.

Due to being scheduled on Mother’s Day Weekend, the second annual event drew a smaller crowd than the premiere, but the rides were equally as fun as the inaugural year.

Adding West Coast to Vintage Vespa Days

In the third year, 2023, the Vespa Club of America added the words West Coast to Vintage Vespa Days, with an idea going forward to have Vintage Days in different cities along the United States West Coast.

With places like Eugene, Oregon showing an interest in hosting the next West Coast event and Amerivespa 2025 happening in Portland, Oregon, the addition seems right on time.

2023: Santa Rosa, California

For 2023’s event, VCOA moved the rally several miles north of Los Gatos to Santa Rosa, CA.

Headquartered for the weekend at The Sandman Hotel, Vintage Vespa Days 2023 featured long rides to downtown Sonoma, awards, swag bags, and a vintage raffle bike won by Patricia Sandman, who traveled with her husband Burke, from Shelbyville, Indiana.

The Sandmans – no relation to the hotel – operate a Vespa dealership with Burke’s brothers Brent and Blake. In a show of true community, Rallygoers were thrilled for them to take home the prize bike, a two-tone, 1979 P200.

🛵 Love to ride? Find out how to join the Vespa Club of America today. Become a Lifetime Member and receive special memorabilia!

The Weekend Plan for West Coast Vintage Vespa Days 2024

⚠️ Disclaimer, please read! Rallygoers know best – just because it appeared online or was rumored to happen doesn’t mean it always will. Plans can change so it’s best to check online forums, social media, and websites in advance for any last-minute updates to the West Coast Vintage Vespa Days itinerary and weekend plan.

Friday, September 13th

Evening Meet and Greet. This informal meetup welcomes guests to the weekend event and is often a quieter, smaller gathering. A sunset ride will take rallygoers along the beautiful Santa Barbra coast to the Pressroom, 15 E. Ortega Street in downtown Santa Barbara where DJs will be spinning records.

Saturday, September 14th

Daytime Ride. the selected rally hotel is about 20 minutes from downtown Santa Barbara, allowing attendees to enjoy a short jaunt to meet up before the longer ride begins.

The proposed ride will take Vespisti along the ocean past some exclusive parts of Santa Barbara and along the edge of the foothills, promising “curves and swerves” style mountain riding. The ride ends at Elsies Tavern, 117 W. De La Guerra Street in Santa Barbara.

Nighttime Show. A nighttime show featuring The Upbeat, a Ska and Rocksteady band dating back to the 1980s who played 2024 Old Spanish Days Fiesta in Santa Barbara, will get all rallygoers to the dance floor at M-Special, 634 State Street.

With Scooterist Mike Honeyman on trumpet and vocals, this show fits perfectly with the vibe of West Coast Vintage Vespa Days. Fun fact: Mike won the raffle bike, a 1966 Vespa Allstate 150, at 2024’s Rides of March Vintage Scooter Rally in San Luis Obispo, CA!

Sunday, September 15th

Morning raffle and awards. On the final day of West Coast Vintage Vespa Days, rallygoers who purchased raffle tickets participate in prize drawings. These raffles often include everything from tires and oil to a restored Vespa – and vary from rally to rally. This year’s claims to be a good one! With prizes to be determined.

Anyone interested in donating or sponsoring a raffle should reach out to the Vespa Club of America with your always-appreciated generosity.

Mountain Run. While some rally attendees head home after several days of rides and events, the ones who stick around are treated to a daytime ride. This year’s is expected to be a mountain run, with proposed routes through the Gibraltar range, Montecito, and Old San Marcos pass, and promised to be a fun, epic ride to complete a rally weekend.

Where to Stay in Santa Barbara

The Leta Santa Barbara Tapestry Collection by Hilton

Located at 5650 Calle Real in Goleta, just a 20-minute scooter ride from downtown, The Leta Santa Barbara Tapestry Collection by Hilton is the preferred hotel for West Coast Vintage Vespa Days 2024. Welcoming guests with its retro-chic design, the Leta also has an on-site restaurant, a bar, and a large pool.

Looking for food and drink near The Leta? Check out these recommended options

Agave Inn

At the Agave Inn, 3222 State Street in Santa Barbara, guests enjoy colorful, vintage-inspired decor and a complimentary breakfast. Just a 5-minute drive from downtown, this comfy spot is surrounded by shops and dining options, making it a delightful base for exploring the city.

Casa De La Vina Boutique Suites

Situated at 819 De La Vina Street, Casa De La Vina Boutique Suites offers luxurious, spacious suites with private patios, perfect for relaxing after sightseeing. Located within walking distance of downtown, this elegant hotel places you near historical sites and shopping areas.

Where to Eat and Drink

M Special Brewing Company 

Located at 634 State Street in downtown Santa Barbara, M Special Brewing Company tempts visitors with craft-brewed libations, offering a delicious menu from Beast Taqueria featuring tacos, burritos, and special taste temptations like sweet potato flautas.

Along with its other location at 6860 Cortona Drive Suite C in Goleta, this brewery is a must-visit for craft beer enthusiasts who enjoy a lively atmosphere and great food.

The Lark

The Lark, situated at 131 Anacapa Street in the trendy Funk Zone of downtown Santa Barbara, is famous for its decadent, delightful dishes including the frequent-diner favorite crispy Brussels sprouts with Medjool dates. This unique eatery invites guests to savor innovative dishes in a lively setting, perfect for a night out in Santa Barbara.

Jane

Centrally located at 1311 State Street, in a historical Spanish building near the Arlington Theater, one-word-named Jane has offered homemade cuisine in Santa Barbara for nearly 20 years. With a warm, welcoming atmosphere, Jane is the perfect spot for a leisurely meal in the heart of downtown. Recommended: the half papaya and curried shrimp salad with roasted almonds.

Los Agaves

Renowned for its lively atmosphere and being one of four notable locations in the area, Los Agaves, at 600 North Milpas Street, is a popular eatery just a 5-minute drive from downtown. The expansive menu offers diners authentic Mexican cuisine in a friendly setting. Favorite dishes include Camarones Guajillo – shrimp sauteéd in butter with Guajillo Chile, pineapple, and Worcestershire sauce – and the Agaves Burrito with mango pico and chipotle sauce.

Food and Drink Close to The Leta

If you need a short list of spots to hit close to The Leta Santa Barbara Tapestry Collection by Hilton, these places rank high with locals and scooterists. Check their websites for hours of operation.

• The Nugget Goleta, 5687 Calle Real – steaks, salads, seafood, and Sunday brunch with mimosa specials
• Break Time Sports Bar, 5977 Encina Road – drink specials, signature cocktails, billiards, and light snacks
• Captain Fatties, 6489 Calle Real, Suite D – a community-based, Goleta-favored, independent brewery established in 2013
• Nikka Ramen, 5701 Calle Real – traditional Japanese ramen house restaurant featuring tasty noodle soups and a unique ramen burrito
• Cody’s Cafe, 4898 Hollister Avenue – a local favorite since 1995 serving diner-style breakfast, lunch, and dinner
• Cajun Kitchen, 6025 Calle Real – a breakfast and lunch café featuring inspired comfort food with vegetarian and vegan options

What to Do in Santa Barbara

The Santa Barbara County Courthouse

The Santa Barbara County Courthouse, located at 1100 Anacapa Street, with its stunning architecture and panoramic views from the clock tower, is a must-see. Visitors can explore the beautiful mural room and enjoy free admission, making it an ideal stop for history buffs and architecture enthusiasts.

Open on weekdays, the Courthouse closes at 5 p.m., and visitors are not admitted after 4:30 p.m., so arrive early to enjoy everything this landmark offers.

🚁 Feeling Adventurous? Book a helicopter tour and see Santa Barbara from the sky!

Stearns Wharf

California’s oldest working wharf, 217 Stearns Wharf, offers a delightful mix of shops, restaurants, and marine life exhibits. With no admission fee, Stearns Wharf is the perfect spot for a stroll to enjoy the coastal scenery, sounds, and smells of the ocean near Santa Barbara.

If you’re up for a longer visit, consider touring the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, open Wednesday to Monday, and the Sea Center, open daily. Both operate from 10 AM to 5 PM and tickets start online at $11.00 US.

🚲 Love fresh air? Rent an eBike and easily see all of Santa Barbara’s best sites!

The Old Mission Santa Barbara

Be sure to visit this historic Spanish mission with its beautiful landscape and impressive architecture. The Old Mission Santa Barbara, 2201 Laguna Street, is open daily from 9:30 AM to 5 PM with tickets starting at $15.00 US. Experience the tranquility of The Old Mission Santa Barbara’s mausoleum, its museum of historical artifacts, and its multiple lush gardens.

🏍️ Prefer to sightsee while you ride? Tour Santa Barbara in a private tandem sidecar!

How to Get To Santa Barbara

Driving

Even with the eminent possibility of traffic, driving to Santa Barbara is typically an easy, scenic venture through California. The city is located along convenient routes whether you’re coming from the north or south.

From the north, take US-101 South or Interstate 5 towards Los Angeles, depending, of course, on your place of departure. Heading in from the south? Take US-101 North or Interstate 5 towards San Francisco or Eureka. Both routes offer scenic interstate drives directly to Santa Barbara.

Flying

If you’re flying to the event, the Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA), serviced by American Airlines, Delta, Southwest, and United, is a great option for fast travel. Taxis, rideshares, and shuttle services are available to transport you downtown or consider renting a car for the weekend.

For those flying into nearby airports like Hollywood Burbank (BUR) or Los Angeles International (LAX), these offer a greater selection of flights and airlines, plus both are about a two-hour drive to Santa Barbara.

While you can’t bring a vintage Vespa as carry-on luggage, many rally attendees who fly will borrow a bike from a friend. Some even find being around the community and excitement enough to fulfill their passion and express their love of little Italian bikes.

About Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara, California, with its rich history dating back to the Spanish mission era of the late 18th century, has evolved into a vibrant coastal city known for its Mediterranean vibes.

Over the past 50 years, Santa Barbara has seen significant growth and development, transforming from a quaint beach town into a metropolitan, cultural mecca. The city has improved its infrastructure, expanded its arts and entertainment scene, and enhanced public spaces, making it a desirable place to live.

While the cost of living is relatively high, reflecting its desirability and prime location, residents enjoy a fine quality of life with many activities to choose from including weekend visits to nearby Santa Maria Valley, attending annual celebrations and international festivals, and shopping in locally-owned, upscale boutiques.

🙏🏽 Special thanks to VCOA President Josh Rogers, Lori Braithwaite, Dan Ciccone, Mike Honeyman, Jim Palmer, and Gareth Richards for the information and photos used in this article. It’s always fun riding Vespas with all of you! xoxo 😘

Wrap Up

West Coast Vintage Vespa Days 2024 in Santa Barbara is turning out to be the ultimate end-of-summer celebration for scooter enthusiasts. With scenic rides, stunning vintage displays, and a warm community of fellow Vespisti, it’s an event you won’t want to miss. 

Get in on this amazing adventure—grab your Vespa, use the list of recommended travel resources, and join us for a memorable celebration of vintage scooters. See you there!