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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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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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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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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Our answer is always the same – “the best time of year to go is now!” We offer trips year round and guests rave about their experience no matter what month they visit. So while there is no “best” time to go, below you will find a summary of the experiences you could have during the different “seasons”.

Winter: December through February is the peak season for Gray Whale migration, so during the boat ride over and back, as well as during the kayaking portion of the trip, there is a great chance of sighting whales! After the first few rains hit the Islands for the winter, the island will start turning green, making for majestic hiking and picture taking conditions. In addition, for those who enjoy solitude, this is the best time of year to be on the Islands with the fewest crowds. You will generally get a more personal experience with our guides during the quietest time of the year!

Spring: The Island comes alive during the spring! Flowers bloom all over the hillsides and valleys, and the temperature will start rising. For those passionate about plant life and hiking, this is the time to book, as this is the peak season for plants and longer days. In addition, many trips stop requiring wetsuits, as the sun’s heat is enough to keep us warm on the water. Spring is the best time to see birds nesting in the sea caves and offers the highest chance of seeing Orca Whales in the Channel.

Summer: It goes without saying that summer is our most magical season on the island. Blessed with the Mediterranean climate found around Santa Barbara, we get nearly perfect conditions daily: the days are long, the sun is out, the water begins to warm up, and humpback and blue whales are seen in the channel almost daily! If you are looking for the best time to explore caves and enjoy a stunning day on the water, this is the time to go!  Swell is generally the smallest this time of year, which translates into calmer waters and the best opportunities for cave exploration.

Fall: Many locals often call the fall our “second summer” since Santa Barbara usually feels just as pleasant in the fall, as summer does in many other parts of the world. The fall season generally has sunnier, calmer days than the month of June!  In addition to the ideal weather conditions, the winds usually stay calm and the water is the warmest it will be all year.  This water is also the warmest in the fall and while snorkeling is always available year round, this is definitely the most fun time to swim.

Have you traveled to the Channel Islands yet? When is your favorite time to visit? Leave us a comment below and let us know!

You can see all of our Channel Islands Kayaking Tours on our website here.

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If you have an image from the islands, please share it on our facebook page. If you have a favorite memory please share it in the comment section below.

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“The discovery of the Billings is a result of excellent collaboration with the local community,” Robert Schwemmer, maritime archaeologist for NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries said. “Now we can write the final chapter of not only the largest, but the last sailing vessel built by the Hall Brothers during their 30-year career of designing some of the finest ships sailing the Pacific.”

The shipwreck will be protected under state and federal law, and it is illegal to disturb or damage any archaeological sites in sanctuary and park boundaries. The Billings shipwreck remains are now owned by the state of California and managed by the California State Lands Commission. “The Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary and Channel Islands National Park are a world destination for sport diving,” said Chris Mobley, sanctuary superintendent. “For years, divers have shared new discoveries with both federal agencies and we commend them for their spirit of stewardship so these historic resources can be surveyed and shared with the American public.”

About the Channel Islands Marine Sanctuary:
Established in 1980, the sanctuary is an area of national significance because of its exceptional natural beauty and resources. It encompasses the waters that surround Anacapa, Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, San Miguel and Santa Barbara Islands (five of the eight Channel Islands of California), extending from shore around each of the five islands. The sanctuary’s primary goal is the protection of the natural and cultural resources contained within its boundaries.

Historical information courtesy of Justin M. Ruhge
Photo courtesy of the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park.

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Overview

An evening of paddling and watching the night sky. This twilight trip is a great way to end a full day.

We meet before sunset for a comprehensive kayaking lesson. Then we head out to sea in single or double kayaks where we watch the colors change and stars appear. While the sky’s transition from day to night is reflected on the water, our guides offer astronomy myths, pointing out constellations and visible planets. We tour the perfect distance before landing on the beach.

Starting point and time: Santa Barbara Harbor at 5 -7pm. Start time varies during the seasons, check your confirmation.

Level of difficulty: Easy to Moderate.

Cost: $89 per person*

Paddling time and distance: 1-2 miles, 2+ hours on the water.

Minimum Age: Children need to be at least 8 years old and able to share a double kayak with an adult. Children 10 years and older may be able to paddle their own single kayak, depending on their size and strength.

Includes: Marine ecology, all necessary kayaking gear, basic paddling instruction, knowledgeable guide.

*4 person minimum, tour may be canceled if less than 4 people book on any date.

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