It’s time to break out your favorite sweater because Fall is around the corner! We welcome cooler days perfect for hiking, camping, wine tasting, and more. Here’s how you can catch us hanging out this October:

California Avocado Festival
WHEN: October 3rd – 5th
WHERE: Downtown Carpinteria on Linden Avenue between Carpinteria Avenue and 6th Street
Three days of peace, love, and guacamole await, with over 60 live bands across three stages, dozens of vendors, delicious food, and plenty of ways to celebrate all things avocado. From unique eats to local crafts and non-profits, it’s a vibrant community gathering in the heart of Carpinteria.

Santa Barbara Harbor & Seafood Festival
WHEN: October 18th
TIME: 10 AM-5 PM
WHERE: Santa Barbara Harbor
This is your opportunity to meet all the local fishermen who catch fish in the area! Come to various food booths like fish tacos, oysters, mussels, barbecued albacore, fresh crab, clam chowder, and seafood paella. There will be live music as well!

Ultimate Sea Cave Kayak Tour at Channel Islands National Park
WHEN: Select days in October
WHERE: Scorpion Anchorage on Santa Cruz Island
This epic, full-day adventure is our longest kayak tour and is available only through the fall. Guests will kayak in and out of scenic sea caves and through giant kelp forests in one of the most biologically diverse marine areas in the world. — Book Now

Visit a Pumpkin Patch
WHEN: Every day in October
Get in the Fall-spirit by visiting a pumpkin patch. Here are a couple of options in town:
• Big Wave Dave – La Cumbre Plaza in the Macy’s parking lot
• Lane Farms Pumpkin Patch – 308 S. Walnut Lane, Goleta, CA 93117

Santa Barbara Oktoberfest
WHEN: October 4th
TIME: 11AM-5PM
WHERE: Chase Palm Park
Enjoy German music, food, beer, games, and dancing in a lively, family-friendly atmosphere. Guests can also join a best-dressed contest, with proceeds from tickets benefiting a local mental wellness residential center.

Harvest Season Santa Ynez Wine Tour
WHEN: Every day in October from 10 am to 5 pm
WHERE: Includes pick-up/drop-off in Santa Barbara and transportation to Santa Ynez Valley
Harvest season is here in Santa Barbara Wine Country. Join us for a wine tour during this beautiful and festive time of year! — Book Now

Santa Barbara Vintners Festival
WHEN: October 18th
TIME: 1-4 PM
WHERE: Vega Vineyard & Farm
Sip your way through wines from 50+ local wineries, taste regional cuisine, and enjoy live music while wandering vineyard grounds, with early entry offering a more intimate experience with winemakers and chefs.

Harbor Wildlife Kayak Tour
WHEN: Every day in October
TIME: Departing at 10 AM and 1 PM
WHERE: Santa Barbara Harbor
Join us for a relaxing introduction to kayaking where we’ll take a 2-hour paddling adventure around the Santa Barbara shoreline. This tour is the perfect half-day activity and a great introduction to the exciting sport of sea kayaking. Fun and affordable for the whole family! — Book Now

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Summertime is well underway in California! With sunny days and warm nights, there’s no shortage of fun things to do around here. Check out some of our favorite places and tips for enjoying the best Santa Barbara has to offer in July.

Fourth of July Celebration
WHEN: July 4th
WHERE: West Beach
The City of Santa Barbara’s traditional Fourth of July beachfront celebration will be back again and ready to build upon the fabulous events in years past. The festivities will be held at the beautiful Santa Barbara waterfront along West Beach on Independence Day for an afternoon and evening of food, music, fireworks, and fun for all ages.

Harbor Wildlife Kayak Tour
WHEN: Runs daily at 10AM and 1PM
WHERE: Santa Barbara Harbor
Join a fun and relaxing kayak tour around the Santa Barbara harbor. This is the perfect half-day activity filled with incredible views from the water and local marine life sightings. — Book Now

Concerts in the Park
LINEUP: 
• July 3 – The Molly Ringwald Project
• July 10 – Captain Cardiac and The Coronaries
• July 17 – The Academy
• July 24 – Soul Majestic
TIME: 6-7:30PM
WHERE: Chase Palm Park
Enjoy an evening of free live music along Santa Barbara’s waterfront. This annual concert series is hosted in partnership with the PARC Foundation.

Snorkel Tours at Channel Islands National Park
WHEN: Available Sundays in July at 11AM or 1:30PM
WHERE: Scorpion Anchorage on Santa Cruz Island
Explore beautiful kelp forests and sea life in a marine protected area (MPA) off the coast of Santa Cruz Island. — Book Now

The Swiftest Recovery, Island Fox Chronicles — Photography by Chuck Graham
WHEN: Every day in July
WHERE: Santa Barbara Maritime Museum
TIME: 10AM to 5PM
Discover the inspiring story of the island fox’s comeback through stunning, intimate wildlife photography by Chuck Graham—captured while paddling the Channel Islands and hiking remote trails. This powerful exhibition reveals the beauty, resilience, and conservation success behind one of America’s fastest wildlife recoveries.

Santa Ynez Wine Tour (All-Inclusive)
WHEN: Every day from 10AM to 5PM
Spend a day wine tasting in Santa Ynez Valley on a wine country tour! Includes pick-up & drop-off transportation, lunch, tastings, and a knowledgeable guide. — Book Now

Free Summer Cinema
WHEN:
• July 11 – 101 Dalmatians
• July 18 – The Sandlot
• July 25 – Best in Show
WHERE: Santa Barbara County Courthouse
TIME: 8:30PM
UCSB Arts and Lectures is excited to announce the return of the free cinema series! The 2025 theme is “Dog Days of Summer” and will feature feel-good movies that span multiple decades and genres starring our favorite furry friends.  

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Whether you love to spend your days at the beach, backcountry hiking, wine tasting, or visiting museums, there is so much fun to be had in Santa Barbara during the month of June!

Zoo Brew
WHEN: 6/7
TIME: 5-8PM
WHERE: Santa Barbara Zoo
Enjoy tastings from 30+ breweries and vendors while strolling the Zoo’s hilltop and enjoying an ocean view. General admission ticket includes unlimited beer tastings and one souvenir glass. Pub food and merchandise are available for sale as well. This event is for ages 21+.

Juneteenth Block Party
WHEN: 6/14
TIME: 11AM – 6PM
WHERE: Plaza del Mar
Juneteenth Santa Barbara is a local celebration of the national recognition of Black Independence Day. It is a collaborative effort to showcase Black culture, talent, and joy in Santa Barbara County. This event is a free community block party. 

Sunset Kayak in Santa Barbara Harbor
When: Every evening in June
Where: Santa Barbara Harbor
Enjoy a relaxing sunset ocean kayak tour around the Santa Barbara harbor & shoreline. This tour is fun and affordable for the whole family! Plus, it’s great for all sea kayaking skill levels including beginners to advanced. — Book Now

SYV Pride Parade & Festival
WHEN: 6/14
TIME: 11AM – 4PM
WHERE: Downtown Solvang
The Pride Parade will roll through downtown Solvang with floats, music, and more, ending with a Pride Festival in and around Solvang Park. Open to adults and kids of all ages, the festival will feature live music, food vendors, a beer and wine garden, bounce houses, face painting, and more.

Photo by Danielle Methmann, courtesy of Visit Santa Barbara

Summer Solstice Celebration
WHEN: June 20 – 22
WHERE: Alameda Park
The Summer Solstice Parade and Festival is one of the largest art events in Santa Barbara County. Spectators can expect to see vibrant displays of artwork, costumes, performances, and more.

Sea Cave Kayaking at Channel Islands National Park
When: Every day in June
Where: Scorpion Cove at Santa Cruz Island
Explore sea caves on an exciting guided kayak tour at Channel Islands National Park. About 25 miles off the California Coast, the Channel Islands are like a step back in time due to their isolation over thousands of years. You’ll see up close unique marine life, plants, and birds found nowhere else on Earth! — Book Now

Santa Barbara Lavendar Festival
WHEN: June 28
WHERE: Great Meadow at Santa Barbara City College
An arts and crafts festival celebrating creativity through the artistic expression of lavender. This event will feature over 75 artisans and small businesses.

Butterflies Alive! at the Museum of Natural History
WHEN: Every day in June
WHERE: Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History
Walk through a beautiful garden while nearly 1,000 live butterflies flutter freely around you. The exhibit features a dazzling variety of butterflies, from local favorites to exotic tropical species. Learn about the life cycle and behavior of these spectacular invertebrates while observing them up close.

Santa Ynez Wine Tour
WHEN: Every day in March
TIME: ~10AM to ~4PM
Get a taste of the best local varietals from our very own wine country on a wine tour through Santa Ynez. Voted Best ‘S.B. Wine Tour Company’ in the Santa Barbara Independent’s Reader’s Choice Poll. — Book Now

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With early wildflowers starting to bloom, and mild temperatures, February is the perfect time of year for outdoor activities like camping, hiking, and kayaking. Strap on your adventure shoes, because there are a lot of fun things to do nearby this month:

Santa Barbara International Film Festival
WHEN: 2/4 to 2/15
WHERE: The Arlington Theater, Lobero Theater, Riviera Theater, and more
The Santa Barbara International Film Festival celebrates its 40th anniversary in beautiful downtown Santa Barbara. Film enthusiasts can enjoy special panels, award ceremonies, and films at some of the city’s most historic theaters. 

Valentine’s Day Wine Tour
WHEN: February 14th
TIME: 10AM-5PM
WHERE: Includes pick-up/drop-off in Santa Barbara and transportation to Santa Ynez Valley
What better way to enjoy a romantic Valentine’s Day than with a wine tasting excursion in scenic wine country? Let us take care of all the details while you bask in the beauty of breathtaking sights and sip the distinctive flavors of Santa Barbara Wine Country. — Book Valentine’s Day Wine Tour

Santa Barbara Antique, Decorative Arts Vintage Show & Sale
WHEN: February 21-23
TIME: Fri & Sat 11AM–6PM, Sun 11AM–4PM
WHERE: Earl Warren Showgrounds
Stop by and browse a selection of vintage goods from the 17th Century to the Mid-century. The showroom will feature over 60 quality dealers from around the country, offering an array of merchandise to please any shopper.

Adventure Sea Cave Kayak Tour at Channel Islands National Park
WHEN: Every day in February
WHERE: Scorpion Anchorage on Santa Cruz Island
February at Channel Islands National Park is famous for flowering giant coreopsis, lush/green hillsides, migrating sea birds, breeding seals & sea lions, and spectacular marine geysers known as blowholes. — Book Now

First Thursday Art Walk
WHEN: February 6th
TIME: 5-8PM
On the first Thursday of each month, participating galleries and venues offer free access to visual and performing arts in a fun and social environment. Venues feature attractions such as art openings, live music, artists’ receptions, lectures, wine tastings, and hands-on activities.

Harbor Wildlife Kayak Tour
WHEN: Every day in February
TIME: Departing at 10AM and 1PM
WHERE: Santa Barbara Harbor
Join us for a relaxing introduction to kayaking where we’ll take a 2-hour paddling adventure around the Santa Barbara shoreline. This tour is the perfect half-day activity and a great introduction to the exciting sport of sea kayaking. Fun and affordable for the whole family! This tour has a 2-person minimum and the tour may be canceled if less than 2 people book on any tour date. — Book Now

Santa Barbara Certified Farmers’ Market
WHEN: Recurring weekly on Saturday
TIME: 8AM – 1PM
WHERE: Carrillo St (Between Chapala & Anacapa St)
Each week the farmers in the marketplace display a colorful bounty of agricultural products grown right in our backyard. Seasonal diversity is available year-round, rain or shine. Music and entertainment liven the markets while creating a positive ambiance. 

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It’s a New Year and a great opportunity to rediscover your passion for Adventure!

Santa Barbara is an amazing place with warm weather year-round. SB winters are well-known for amazing sunsets, great surf, and perfect hiking weather all day! Plus, last month brought much-needed rain to Central California and as a result, our hillsides are now covered in a beautiful and lush, green flora.

There are so many fun things to do both indoors and outdoors this January. See some of our suggestions below:

3rd Annual ZooLights
WHEN: January 1st–12th
TIME: 4:30-8:30 PM
WHERE: Santa Barbara Zoo
Walk through the Zoo and enjoy an interactive light exhibit, featuring thousands of handcrafted silk-covered lanterns lit with more than 50,000 LED bulbs showcasing animal and nature scenes representing wild places worldwide.

Sunset Kayak in Santa Barbara Harbor
WHEN: Every evening in January
WHERE: Santa Barbara Harbor
Winter is the best time of year for sunsets in Santa Barbara due to seasonal weather patterns including offshore winds. These winds keep the coast fog-free and carry medium and high-level clouds across the sky. Join us for a spectacular twilight sky viewing on our very special Sunset Kayak Tour! — Book Now

Open Mic Music
WHERE: Wylde Works
WHEN: Every Tuesday in January
TIME: 7-11 PM
Join local musicians at Santa Barbara’s best open-mic. Signups are at 6:45 — make sure to sign up early to save your spot. A few spots will be reserved for first timers. Enjoy great music, Hard Jun Kombuchas, Mead, Wine, and beers from Third Window Brew.

Hike up to Montecito Peak
WHERE: Cold Spring Trailhead
LENGTH: 7.6 miles (out & back)
DIFFICULTY: Strenuous
Enjoy the cooler winter weather on a nice, long hike that features a creek, small waterfall, and panoramic views atop Montecito Peak.

Adventure Sea Cave Kayak Tour at Channel Islands National Park
WHEN: Every day in January
WHERE: Scorpion Anchorage on Santa Cruz Island
Yes, it’s true, our Channel Islands kayak tours run year-round! Join us as we explore world-renowned sea caves, giant kelp forests and recreate alongside wildlife that can’t be found anywhere else in the world. — Book Now

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Fall is here and the weather is not changing very much — because this is Santa Barbara! It is still as sunny and beautiful as ever. Guests are out enjoying kayaking and surfing well into the fall and even throughout the winter.

There are many fun things to do around town during the month of November. Here are some ideas:

Go Holiday Shopping
Get your gift shopping done early this year! There are tons of unique shops available along State Street and many more hidden gems off the beaten path. No matter what you decide, make sure to shop local and try to minimize waste.

P.S. Adventure is always the perfect gift! — Shop Gift Certificates

Santa Barbara Half Marathon
WHEN: November 3rd
PRICE: Half Marathon: $152.21 / Santa Barbara Independent 5K: $75.56 / Kid’s Race: Free / Remote Run: $152.21
WHERE: Cabrillo Blvd and State Street
Santa Barbara’s only waterfront Half Marathon will feature a downtown-centric course with stretches along the iconic palm tree-lined Cabrillo Blvd.

Harvest Season Santa Ynez Wine Tour
WHEN: Every day in November from 10 am to 5 pm
WHERE: Includes pick-up/drop-off in Santa Barbara and transportation to Santa Ynez Valley
Harvest season is during September and October in Santa Barbara Wine Country. Join us for a wine tour during this beautiful and festive time of year! — Book Now

Thanksgiving 4-Miler
WHEN: November 28th
TIME: 9:05AM
WHERE: Magnolia Shopping Center
Come out and enjoy the 25th annual running of the original Santa Barbara Thanksgiving Day 4-Miler. The flat and fast course stands apart from many of the local run courses with a start along Hollister Avenue to Turnpike leading to a stretch along the bike path and then winding through neighborhood streets to the finish at Thunderbird Park (on Walnut Avenue – just off Hollister Avenue).

Adventure Sea Cave Kayak Tour at Channel Islands National Park
WHEN: Every day in November
WHERE: Scorpion Anchorage on Santa Cruz Island
Our most popular Channel Islands kayak tour! We’ll explore several sea caves to the east and west of Scorpion Harbor and still leave you with some time to explore this island by foot afterward. — Book Now

First Thursday Art Walk
WHEN: November 7th
TIME: 5-8PM
WHERE: Participating galleries and venues, The Visitors’ Center, hotel concierge desks, host table on State Street, and the Downtown Santa Barbara office located at 27-B East De La Guerra Street
1^st Thursday is an evening of art and culture in downtown Santa Barbara. On the first Thursday of each month, participating galleries and venues offer free access to visual and performing arts in a fun and social environment. Venues feature attractions such as art openings, live music, artists’ receptions, lectures, wine tastings and hands-on activities.

Sunset Kayak in Santa Barbara Harbor
WHEN: Every evening in November
WHERE: Santa Barbara Harbor
November is an AMAZING time of year for EPIC sunsets in Santa Barbara. Enjoy a relaxing sunset ocean kayak tour around the Santa Barbara harbor & shoreline. This tour is fun and affordable for the whole family! Plus, it’s great for all sea kayaking skill levels including beginners to advanced. — Book Now

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Here are five of our top choices!

1) Gaviota Coast Kayak Tour 

For a local kayaking adventure, the Gaviota Coast Kayak Tour is a great option. This tour meets at Refugio State Beach and explores the Gaviota Coast – one of the few remaining undeveloped coastlines in California! A local guide leads the tour, teaching basic kayaking skills beforehand and pointing out the local ecology and history throughout the tour. Lunch is included. This is a perfect half day adventure and a great way to get a new view of the California coastline!

2) Kayaking the Channel Islands 

If you are looking for a longer kayaking adventure, go kayaking in the Channel Islands! This all-day adventure starts in the Ventura area where you meet your guide, board a ferry, and head off to the Channel Islands National Park! For a limited time, we have the Channel Islands Sea Cave Kayak Tour that will run April 11th and 18th ONLY. This tour will be on a chartered boat to the Scorpion Anchorage area to kayak through sea caves weather permitting.

The other tour option will head to Prisoners Harbor, which will explore the north coast of the island. This area has a rich history and beautiful coastlines with a friendly guide who will point out wildlife. Kayaking in the Channel Islands is an experience of a lifetime!

3) Wine Tour in the Santa Ynez Valley 

The Santa Ynez Valley is another great area to explore and there are a variety of wine tours available to experience the region. This area is beautiful in the spring, the hills are green and the wildflowers are
blooming, making for a picturesque spring tour. The Santa Ynez Valley Tour is the classic wine tour and includes door to door shuttle service, wine tasting at three local wineries, fresh and local lunch, and a knowledgeable guide to share knowledge and insights from the area. Other options are available including a Wine and Bike Tour, Cupcake and Wine Tour, Wine County Shuttle service, and even custom group tours. The Wine Tours are a great way to explore the Valley and get a unique perspective of Santa Barbara County.

4) Visit the MOXI

The city of Santa Barbara itself is full of adventures and places to explore, like the MOXI museum. The MOXI is an interactive museum that offers guests a chance to learn and play. Exhibits include everything from interactive sound studios to a fluid dynamic sky garden. Located in the heart of downtown, this museum is great for all ages and has special events and programs for a variety of age groups throughout the year to make your trip even more fantastic.

5) Go to a Festival 

One not to miss spring event in Santa Barbara is the Earth Day Festival. Celebrating it’s 50th year here in Santa Barbara, this festival has two full days of entertainment, music, exhibits, and even a beer and wine garden! With exhibits for all ages and a variety of food options, this event has something for everyone. This festival is a great way to see the local side of Santa Barbara and help a great cause.

Santa Barbara truly is a great place to experience Spring Break. With access to so many trails, restaurants, and shops, as well as so many activities, it has something for everyone.

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Food can make or break a good trip, so when you are traveling to the Channel Islands, be sure to put some thought into your meals for the day. Since food vending is not permitted on the islands, you need to make sure to pack all your food ahead of time and bring it with you on your excursion. Here are a few options we recommend for our guests.

1) Pack your lunch at home and bring it with you. This is the cheapest way to get food to the islands. If you are kayaking on the island, there will be storage options for your cooler or pack while kayaking. Please do not pack any glass containers, as items shift in transport and can break. We recommend packing plenty of food and snacks, including items easy to carry in your PFD pocket (granola bars, trail mix, etc.) that you can munch on during your kayak tour.

2) Pick up lunch on your way to the dock. There is a Von’s Supermarket at 2433 Harbor Blvd. It usually opens at 6am. You can pick up items there to bring with you for the day. If you are purchasing your food the morning of your trip, be sure to leave plenty of extra time. The ferry boat will depart on time and it is never fun when a guest misses the boat.

3) Lastly, the ferry boat does have some snacks and drinks for sale onboard. We would not count on purchasing food for lunch on the boat, but in a pinch, you could grab some drinks, chips and a candy bar.

Have a great trip and if you have any questions, just call our office.

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1.  Cupcake and Wine Pairings

Enjoy a romantic and relaxing day alongside your love in the Santa Ynez Wine Country with everything taken care of by your guide. After being picked up from your hotel in our Mercedes Sprinter shuttle, we will enjoy a beautiful drive to wine country with ocean and vineyard views along the way. Your tour includes several wine tastings and a romantic picnic lunch. The highlight of the day is tasting the decadent wine-infused cupcakes that pair so perfectly with the glass in your hand. Experience the Tasty Cupcake and Wine Tour! We have our classic Santa Ynez Wine Tour throughout the month as well.

2. Bike and Picnic in Wine Country

If you are a more active couple looking for a romantic day in Santa Ynez wine country, explore the area by bike. Cycle between wineries in the famous Santa Rita Hills. Your guide will bring everything you need for the day and biking is fully van supported so you can ride in the van if you get tired. This Valentine’s Day have a real adventure, but book soon as space is limited on the Wine Country Biking Tour.

3. Channel Islands Kayaking

This year, SAVE 10% February 14-18th! Use discount code CHILOVE10 at checkout. For couples who enjoy nature and beautiful ocean views, visiting the Channel Islands is a trip you will never forget. This is the ultimate Valentine’s Day adventure. The kayaking tour explores the natural setting around Santa Cruz Island, with incredible wildlife viewing opportunities, and enjoying the crystalline waters below. After kayaking, guests usually have time for a short hike on the island or snorkeling before traveling back to reality! If a day “away from it all” is what you need, then check out the Channel Islands Kayak Tour.

4. Inspiration Point Hiking

One of Santa Barbara’s most scenic hiking trails is the trail to Inspiration Point. Bring a picnic to enjoy at the top with your loved one while enjoying sweeping vistas from Point Conception down to Malibu and all the way out to the Channel Islands! Be prepared – bring plenty of water, a first aid kit, your cell phone and layered clothing. You can check out the route and how to get to the trailhead on the Santa Barbara Hikes website.

5. Go Ride a Bike

Take a lovely seaside ride on some of Santa Barbara’s awesome bike trails. Check out the scenic and vibrant waterfront area, beautiful Butterfly Beach, the Douglas Preserve and stop by the historic Mission. If you are feeling like a longer ride, why not head out to the Ellwood Butterfly Reserve to check out the Monarch Butterflies.

Already have Valentine’s Day plans? Adventure Company offers gift certificates to plan a trip for the future. Please share any ideas you might have in the comment section below. Happy Valentine’s Day from the Santa Barbara Adventure Company crew.

Looking for more options? Follow SB Adventure on Facebook, we post specials and offers regularly!

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