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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April is the perfect time to experience Santa Barbara. As the “American Riviera” comes to life with spring, our coastal paradise boasts a variety of events and attractions for all tastes and interests. From fun outdoor adventures to leisurely wine tastings and art events, there’s something for everyone.

Santa Barbara Earth Day Festival
WHEN: April 26 & 27
WHERE: Alameda Park
Experience two days of climate leadership at the longest-running public Earth Day celebration in the U.S. Engage in conversations with climate leaders, enjoy musical performances and art contests, and connect with over 200 eco-minded exhibitors. Don’t miss the green car show, plant-forward food court, beer and wine garden, kid’s zone, and main stage entertainment.

Sea Cave Kayak Tour at Channel Islands National Park
WHEN: Every day in April
WHERE: Scorpion Anchorage on Santa Cruz Island
Channel Islands National Park is a haven for wildlife, flora, and world-class sea caves. Join our experienced guides on an unforgettable island kayak tour. We’ll share stories and fascinating facts about the area’s history and ecology. Spring is arguably the most beautiful season on the island with lush green hillsides and wildflower blooms. — BOOK NOW

Santa Barbara Restaurant Week
WHEN: April 25 – May 4th
Get your appetites ready for the return of Santa Barbara Restaurant Week! This annual event highlights our city restaurants and wineries. All participating restaurants will present delicious pre-fixe menus. Don’t miss your chance to try special menu items at some of the best restaurants in Santa Barbara. 

Santa Ynez Wine Tour
WHEN: Every day in April
TIME: ~10AM to ~4PM
Celebrate springtime in Santa Ynez Valley! Discover the latest wine vintages, newborn animals, and vineyards with spring blooms. — BOOK NOW

Santa Barbara Fair & Expo
WHEN: April 24–27 & May 2–4
WHERE: Earl Warren Showgrounds
Experience endless family adventures at the Santa Barbara Fair & Expo, where over thirty exhilarating carnival rides await to twist, twirl, and spin you into a world of fun. For the youngest guests, a dedicated kiddie rides and games area ensures age-appropriate excitement. Revel in non-stop entertainment, live music, adorable farm animals, a petting zoo, and mouthwatering fair food. Discover the talents of youth and adults alike as you explore the creative projects displayed in the exhibit hall.

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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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The tour will pick up your group in an air-conditioned shuttle in the morning. We will preview the day and head up to Santa Ynez Valley. Once there, you will enjoy wine tasting at some of the areas best wineries. Your group will visit beautiful Los Olivos and enjoy an incredible cupcake and wine tasting. Your guide will cover local human history and insight into wine region along the way.

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Your tour reservations are made at a few of our several partner wineries in the valley, including but not limited to:

• The Brander Vineyard
• Vincent Vineyards & Winery
• Sunstone Vineyards & Winery
• Andrew Murray Vineyards
• Rusack Vineyards
• Roblar Winery
• Fess Parker Winery & Vineyard
• Rideau Vineyard

In addition to the spectacular winery visits, there’s opportunity for exploration of the valley via bicycle, tasting notes and wine pairing for cupcakes, a stop at Rancho Olivos for olive oil tasting, or a jaunt to Clairmont Lavender Farm. It’s easy to have an unforgettable experience in Santa Ynez Valley, just mention any particular interests you have in your reservation, and our guides will do their best to accommodate your requests.

Perhaps you’re already a member at wine clubs in the Valley, or want a little more flexibility with your day: book our Wine Country Shuttle for your transportation needs. We provide your group with pick up and drop off from wherever you’re staying, and a driver for the day to explore Foxen Canyon and Los Olivos area vineyards and tasting rooms.

After a great day tasting in the Valley, you can expect to return to Santa Barbara around 5pm, just in time to enjoy a delicious meal at one of Santa Barbara’s best restaurants. Your driver is even able to drop you off at the restaurant directly if you can’t wait!

Book your tour now at www.winetours-santabarbara.com.

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Once you’re on the road, enjoy the breathtaking scenery of California’s Central Coast as you cross the Santa Ynez mountain range towards the charming town of Los Olivos: four square blocks of pure country charm packed with over 40 world-class wine tasting rooms.

Depending on which Wine Tour you’ve booked, your guide will provide transportation to 2-3 wineries and tasting rooms in the area throughout the day, where you’ll meet the local vintners and taste a selection of their premier wines. Take your time at each winery; be sure to take a stroll around the vines, sample their food pairings, and at a minimum, take lots of pictures! You can always tag us in your posted photos–@sbwinetours–we love to see our guests enjoying Wine Country.

At the end of the day, be sure to ask your guide for dinner recommendations in Santa Barbara, or check our blog on some of Santa Barbara’s Tastiest Eateries. Your guide can drop you off at a restaurant or the downtown area if you’d prefer to grab a bite before heading home for the night.

If you’re a local Airbnb host, we’d love to hear from you! We are happy to provide fliers and cards as resources to your visitors. Contact our office via phone or email.

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CNN Travel is a great resource for travel tips and inspiration along with insider guides, fascinating stories, video experiences and stunning photos. Recently, our Santa Barbara Wine Country Tours had a special guest, Tomeka Jones! Tomeka reports on travel, running, arts, and apps for CNN Travel. She joined the adventure company by doing the Bike and Wine Tour through Santa Ynez Valley. 

On their tour, they started with a wine tasting at Brander Vineyard. From there, they started the bike portion of the tour and rode to Rancho Olivos for an award winning olive oil tastings. The bike ride continued to Rideau Vineyard for their final wine tasting. Santa Barbara Wine Country Tours provided the luxury shuttle with friendly guides who shared the natural history of the Santa Ynez Valley with the guests.

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1. Kayaking in Channel Islands National Park

For the outdoor enthusiasts, a little adventure would be right up their alley! We have the Channel Islands National Park in our backyard. A visit to either Prisoner’s Harbor or Scorpion Anchorage will leave you mesmerized. Our Adventure Sea Cave kayaking tour meets daily at Scorpion Anchorage on Santa Cruz Island from December 21st-January 5th. Our Prisoners Harbor Kayak Tour is available on most other dates year-round. Kayaking the Channel Islands National Park is a fun and exciting way to explore a different side of the park.

2. Go Biking As A Family

Check out this great list of  9 Popular Bike Trails in Santa Barbara to enjoy with your family and friends! Our favorite route is biking from Leadbetter Beach to Butterfly Beach along the waterfront.

Our Mountains to Shore bike tour offers incredible views of the area as you bike down Gibraltar Mountain alongside one of our guides. We stop often to share natural history & interpretation of everything you are seeing.

Or…if everyone in your family is over 21 come bike the Santa Ynez Valley with us on our Wine Country Bike Tour.

3. A Wine Tour

Tired of giving wine enthusiasts a bottle of your favorite? Let Santa Barbara Wine Country Tours take the wheel and send them on a wine tour to the beautiful Santa Ynez Valley, Napa’s So-Cal sister, to pick out some new favorites of their own. Enjoy three wine tastings and a gourmet lunch while learning about what makes our wine region so unique.

4. Membership to a Local Museum

A great family friendly experience is a year-long membership to the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, which also includes entrance to the Sea Center on Stearn’s Wharf and more than 330 other museums and science centers worldwide. An excellent gift for folks who have a passion for the natural world, from planets to intertidal wonders and everything in between.

5. A Gift Certificate for any outdoor activity!

If you’re itching to give an adventure but don’t want to limit the options, a Santa Barbara Adventure Company gift certificate that lets your loved ones decide themselves is a great choice! From surf and SUP options, to kayaking and bike tours, there is undoubtedly a perfect match to pick from.

What are some of your favorite gifts to give? Let us know!

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It’s 70 degrees with a light coastal breeze, and the sun doesn’t set till 8 pm. Yep, it’s that time of year! School is ending, and not just for the summer, for many of Santa Barbarians its graduation! Whether you are that lucky graduate or their loving family,  June marks that special time of year for commencement and celebration, and with this awesome weather where better to celebrate than outdoors? But with so little time, what to do?

If your coming up for the day…
take advantage of the coastal climate with a graduation picnic at Goleta Beach or Ledbetter. If a restaurant is more your style, there are a variety of delicious coastal dining options including the Beachside and Boathouse, or for other recommendations see Dinning and Santa Barbara.

So you’re here for the weekend…
and need something to do while your Gaucho is prepping for graduation? Then go Wine Tasting in Santa Barbara’s beautiful back yard, Santa Ynez, famous for Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and more. Or wait till your grad is all done and go tasting with the whole gang for a group discount!

Coastal Kayaking is another great way to get outside and appreciate Santa Barbara’s rare beauty. Just north of Goleta is Naples and Gaviota, some of the last remaining undeveloped coast of southern California. At one of the only freeway exits along this stretch of coast is Refugio State Beach where you can escape and kayak, soaking up the benefits of this undeveloped rarity where harbor seals, dolphins, and sea lions call home.

If the plan is to make a week long holiday out of it…
then consider, is water or land more your thing? If the answer is land then camping might be just for you. Carpenteria, Refugio, El Capitan State Beaches are all still open for reservations. And if camping in comfort sounds more appealing, consider El Cap Canyon luxury cabins. Or its sister, Ocean Mesa campground, just inland of El Capitan State Beach, which offers a café, pool, and hot tub and showers to its campers, along with trailheads to several hiking trails into the hills.

Lastly but not least is my personal favorite, the sea caves at Santa Cruz. While the Channel Islands look great from Santa Barbara, nothing compares to the view paddling through the rugged and timeless caves at this rarely visited national park.

Spending a day away from the mainland was the last tick I made off my bucket list as a senior at UCSB. What’s on your graduate’s Santa Barbara bucket list?

Photo: Guide Jen Brown on her graduation day at UCSB.

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