September is upon us! The days are warm and the sun is shining. People are at the beaches, kayaking the shoreline and surfing the breaks. Here are some of the fun things to do this month.

Santa Barbara Sea Glass & Ocean Arts Festival
WHEN: September 13th & 14th
TIME: Sat (10am-5pm) | Sun (10am-4pm)
This one-of-a-kind Southern California event celebrates sea glass, art, and community with local artists, nonprofits, and ocean lovers coming together for a weekend that offers something for everyone.

Ultimate Sea Caves Kayak Tour at Channel Islands National Park
WHEN: Select days in September
WHERE: Scorpion Anchorage on Santa Cruz Island
This epic, full-day adventure is our longest kayak tour and is only available during the summer season through November! 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

Santa Barbara Surf Film Festival
WHEN: September 26th & 27th
WHERE: Lobero Theatre
Santa Barbara’s surf culture blends tradition and innovation, shaping the global surf scene for over 50 years. This two-day event at the historic Lobero Theatre celebrates that legacy through films, art, and storytelling from the surf community.

Goleta Lemon Festival
WHEN: September 27th & 28th
TIME: 10am-6pm
WHERE: Girsh Park, Goleta
Goleta’s most anticipated event returns with delicious food, family fun, live entertainment, classic cars, Safety Street, pie-eating contests, and local arts and crafts.

Gaviota Coast Kayak Tour
WHEN: Every day in September
TIME: 9:30am-12:30pm
WHERE: Haskell’s Beach, Goleta
Join us on an exploration of the Gaviota Coast, one of the few remaining sections of undeveloped, open coastline in California, and home to more than 1,500 species of plant and animal life. — Book Now

First Thursday Art Walk
WHEN: September 4th
TIME: 5-8pm
On the first Thursday of each month, galleries and venues open their doors for free access to visual and performing arts. Visitors can enjoy art openings, live music, receptions, lectures, wine tastings, and interactive activities while exploring downtown.

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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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May is here and Santa Barbara is buzzing with fun activities for everyone. Pop on your shades and get ready to make the most of this beautiful spring month in Santa Barbara!

Discovery Sea Cave Kayak Tour
WHEN: Every day in May
WHERE: Scorpion Anchorage on Santa Cruz Island
This guided kayak tour is perfect for those wanting to explore Channel Islands National Park by land and sea. First, join us for a paddle through sea caves and kelp forests. Aftward, our guides will point you in the right direction for a spectacular wildflower hike. — BOOK NOW

Santa Barbara Restaurant Week
WHEN: April 25 – May 4
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. 

Mother’s Day Sunset Kayak Tour
WHEN: May 11
TIME: 6–8PM
Surprise your mom with a picturesque Santa Barbara ocean sunset on a guided kayak tour in the Santa Barbara Harbor. Includes brief kayaking orientation, all necessary gear, discussions on Santa Barbara history and wildlife, and a knowledgeable guide. This tour is great for all kayaking skill levels from beginner to advanced. — 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, mouthwatering fair food, and a creative projects display in the exhibit hall.

Cupcake & Wine Tour
WHEN: Every day in May
TIME: ~10AM to ~4PM
Love wine and treats? Savor a cupcake and wine pairing on this all-inclusive tour featuring wine tasting in Santa Ynez Valley, a delicious locally-sourced lunch, and a knowledgeable guide for the day. — BOOK NOW

I Madonnari Italian Street Painting Festival
WHEN: May 24 – 26
WHERE: Old Mission Santa Barbara
Held on the Memorial Day Weekend at the Old Mission Santa Barbara, this annual festival presents the opportunity to view artists of all ages creating street paintings ranging from classical to original images.

Santa Barbara Arts & Crafts Show
WHEN: Every Sunday in May
TIME: 10am to 6PM
WHERE: Cabrillo Boulevard from Stearns Wharf to Calle Cesar Chavez
Set along the scenic beachfront at Chase Palm Park, the Santa Barbara Arts & Crafts Show offers a relaxed, open-air atmosphere where visitors can meet local artists, learn about their craft, and even watch them at work. Every piece is handmade by Santa Barbara County residents, making it the perfect place to find a unique, locally crafted gift.

Downtown Santa Barbara Farmers Market
WHEN: Every Saturday and Tuesday in May
WHERE: 00 East and 00 West Blocks of Carrillo Street and the 900-1000 blocks of State Street (Saturdays from 8am-1pm) / 600-800 blocks of State Street (Tuesdays from 3-7pm)
Shop local fresh vegetables, fruits, flowers, small plants and specialty items.

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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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Spring has sprung in Santa Barbara and we are loving it!

Northern migrating gray whales and many species of birds are an amazing sight to see; wildflowers and lush green hillsides create picturesque landscapes all around; all this combined with warmer water and longer days make March the perfect time for outdoor adventures.

Here are some fun ideas on how to best enjoy early spring in Santa Barbara:

Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour
WHEN: 3/5 & 3/6
WHERE: The Arlington Theater
Featuring two nights of the world’s best films on subjects ranging from ice climbing and high-altitude ballooning to mountain culture and the environment, the tour delivers adrenaline-packed thrills alongside profound messages about human potential and the natural world. An entirely different program of films screen each night.

77th Annual Santa Barbara International Orchid Show
WHEN: March 7-9
TIME: 9AM – 5PM
WHERE: Earl Warren Showgrounds
Experience one of the oldest, largest, and most prestigious orchid shows in the United States, reflecting the rich agricultural and orchid-growing history of Santa Barbara County. 

Sea Cave Kayak Tour at Channel Islands National Park
WHEN: Every day in March
WHERE: Scorpion Anchorage on Santa Cruz Island
Channel Islands National Park is home to abundant wildlife, flourishing flora, and world-class sea caves. Our experienced guides love to take guests on incredible island kayak excursions share stories and fun facts about the area’s history and ecology. March is a particularly great time to see the spectacular “blowhole” phenomenon of water shooting out of caves in geyser-like formations. — BOOK NOW

St Patrick’s Day Pub Crawl
WHEN: March 15
Dress in green, rally up your friends and come celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at one of the biggest special event pub crawls of the year. Wristband grants you access and drink specials at multiple different venues all within blocks of each other. Each guest receives a St. Patrick’s Day bar crawl kit with a map of the participating bars and pubs, drink coupons & welcome shots at select venues!

Santa Ynez Wine Tour
WHEN: Every day in March
TIME: ~10AM to ~4PM
Get a taste of this spring’s newest local varietals from our very own wine country on a super fun wine tour through Santa Ynez. — Book Now

First Thursday Art Walk
WHEN: March 6th
TIME: 5-8 PM
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.

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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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We would like to think every day is going to be sunny and bright in Santa Barbara, but on occasion the rain will come down. Luckily there are several interesting and fun things to do on these wet occasions.

Here are five of our favorite things to do when it rains in Santa Barbara:

1. Visit the Natural History Museum – Located just behind the Santa Barbara Mission, there are lots of fun and interesting exhibits to explore at this museum. The entry fee is very reasonable, $12 which includes free parking.
2. Read a book or check out a new one at the Santa Barbara Library. Open from 10am to 8pm Tuesday through Thursday, this is a great place to spend a rainy afternoon. Or check out a book and head to your favorite coffee house.
3. Drive to Santa Ynez and visit some of California’s best wine tasting rooms. Some wineries offer winery tours throughout the day, to make the trip educational as well as delicious!
4. Go kayaking. Now I know what you are thinking; kayaking, in the rain? But with a full body wetsuit and the right equipment kayaking in the rain can be an invigorating experience. Gliding through the water with the rain sprinkling around you is a beautiful thing. Don’t knock it until you’ve tried it!
5. Cook! And if you don’t know how – take a class. Santa Barbara City College offers several adult education cooking courses from Cake Decorating to Making Healthy Foods for Kids. You’re never too old to learn something new.

What is your favorite rainy day activity? Let us know in a comment below.

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Santa Barbara is a great place to spend your day. Here are some of our favorite ways to celebrate the 4^th of July outdoors in Santa Barbara:

– Beat the firework crowds with a Sunset Kayak Tour in Santa Barbara Harbor. Enjoy a beautiful Independence Day sunset from the water before landing just in time to catch the 9pm Santa Barbara fireworks lighting up the sky.

– Learn a new skill! Take a surf lesson at Santa Claus beach or stand up paddle lesson in the Santa Barbara harbor.

– Celebrate independence with an exhilarating bike ride from the Mountains to the Shore.

– Head out to the Channel Islands for a day trip to kayak the incredible sea caves. You’ll be back in time to catch dinner and enjoy fireworks in Ventura or Santa Barbara. You could also camp on Santa Cruz Island and catch multiple fireworks displays from the mainland.

– Kick start your evening festivities with a bike tour through Santa Barbara’s Wine Country.  Come explore the Santa Barbara wine region with a bike tour. Enjoy a picnic style lunch, wine tasting and a fun guide who will show you the way. This is one of our most popular summer tours, available most days during the Summer season. Call or check online 805-884-9283.

– Catch the 55th Annual 4th of July Parade begins at 1:00 p.m. at Micheltorena Street, proceeding down State Street to Old Town Santa Barbara, concluding at Cota Street. Over 175 agencies will parade to a patriotic theme for the community to enjoy. This event is coordinated by the Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation. Contact www.pcvf.org or (805) 259-4394 for more information.

– Visit the Old Mission Santa Barbara (2201 Laguna Street) for a special 4th of July Art Show and view 80 incredible artisans for one of the largest and longest running art shows in California! Grab a bite to eat and enjoy the sights and sounds of this long running art show. Free parking and admission! 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

– Hang out in Stearns Wharf and enjoy the Stearns Wharf Merchants Association Festival. Live music will start beginning at 12:00 p.m. and Santa Barbara’s fireworks show begins at 9 p.m. While waiting for the fireworks show to begin, the wharf offers many attractions including live music by Tequila Mockingbird and others along with face painting; ice cream, sherbet, candy, popcorn, fudge, and cotton candy; jewelry, hats, leather goods, art, crafts, gifts, toys, shells, mineral, and fossils; wine tasting; bait and tackle along with fishing gear rentals; palm reading; fresh fish, shellfish, steaks, prime rib, fish and chips, burgers, cocktails, exotic tropical drinks, and more! You can even enjoy a child-friendly water taxi ride and interactive Sea Centermuseum. There’s something for everyone!

We wish everyone a happy and safe 4^th of July.

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Refugio State Beach

Refugio State beach hosts a long stretch of undeveloped coastline, where various types of wildlife can be spotted daily. This beautiful beach also has palm trees planted along the creek and campground area for shade. This is a great location for kayaking, provided by Santa Barbara Adventure Company!

Alice Keck Park and Kids World

If you are downtown and need a great spot to relax for lunch, let the kids roam or take an afternoon nap – this is the place. The gardens include a pond filled with turtle and koi, as well as a gazebo and many walkways and paths. All the plants in the garden are chosen specifically to be able to thrive in Santa Barbara’s climate. Just across the Street you will find Kids World, an amazing play structure with swings, climbing and much more.

Chase Palm Park

This park runs from East Beach to Stearns Wharf.  On the harbor side there is a long bike and rollerblading trail, a skateboard park, a recreation house and access to the beach. There is grass for soccer and other activities. On the other side of the street there is a pond, music pavilion, merry-go-round, playground and many paths.

Shoreline Park

Shoreline Park is one of Santa Barbara’s most popular parks and includes a playground, a whale watching area, as well as a  Japanese garden. It also has a clear view of the Channel Islands on a virtually cloudless day. Walking from the Harbor to Shoreline Park is about 5.8 miles round trip. Santa Barbara Adventure Company offers a Coast Biking Trip that explores this area and often stops at Shoreline Park.

Channel Islands National Park

Are you ready to relax, snorkel and kayak at a home away from home? Channel Islands National Park is the perfect place. Kayaking through the various caves, you may see seals, sea lions, bright colored fish, sea stars, different species of bird and other wildlife. The translucent water paired with the giant kelp beds is very picturesque. Channel Islands National Park also has great campsites available for those who wish to savor its grandiose beauty for more than a day.

These are a few of our favorite parks. If you have a favorite, please share it with us in the comment section below.

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What will you find inside the Santa Barbara Travel Planner?

First, you will find information on what we know best — the trips and tours offered in the area from Channel Islands kayaking to Santa Ynez wine tours. Read about tours that are perfect for a family, business group or romantic get-a-way.  Santa Barbara is full of historic buildings and educational spots – we included all the addresses and tour information for the Courthouse, Mission and much more. We didn’t leave out the essentials – Airport, hospital and pharmacy information — all this is included as well.

Did we miss something? Please let us know in the comment section below so we can continue to make our materials as helpful as possible.

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