The summer is flying by and August is full of fun things to do here in Santa Barbara! With sunny weather and gorgeous beaches, it’s time to get outside and explore. The water is warm, dive in!

Photo credit: Blake Bronstad, Courtesy of Visit Santa Barbara

Old Spanish Days Fiesta
When: July 30th–August 3rd
Where: Downtown Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara’s rich heritage comes alive during the first week in August with the music, dance, and pageantry of Old Spanish Days Fiesta, the granddaddy of city celebrations, reaching back to 1925.

Kayak & Snorkel Tours at Channel Islands National Park
When: Every day in August
Where: Scorpion Anchorage on Santa Cruz Island
The water is at its warmest and clearest most days in August making incredible conditions for snorkeling and kayaking at the Channel Islands. See the California State Fish, the Garibaldi, bat rays, kelp forests, seals, and other species off the coast. Plus, explore some of the largest and most beautiful sea caves in the world! — Book Now

Santa Barbara Rodeo Days
When: August 1-3, 2025
Where: Earl Warren Showgrounds
This three-day celebration marks a new chapter in local tradition, with a bold, reimagined festival that honors Santa Barbara’s Vaquero roots while introducing fresh experiences for all ages. Guests can enjoy professional rodeo action, a vibrant carnival, live music, and family-friendly fun that blends western flair with coastal charm.

Santa Ynez Wine Tour
When: Every day in August from 10am to 5pm
Where: Includes pick-up/drop-off in Santa Barbara and transportation to Santa Ynez Valley
Spend a day wine tasting in Santa Ynez Valley on a wine country tour! — Book Now

Free Summer Cinema
WHEN:
• August 8 – My Dog Skip
• August 15 – Isle of Dogs
• August 22 – Marley and Me
• August 29 – Dog
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.  

Sunset Kayak in Santa Barbara Harbor
When: Every evening in August
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

Butterflies Alive! at the Museum of Natural History
WHEN: Every day in August
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.

Gaviota Coast Kayak Tour
When: Every day in August
Where: Haskell’s Beach
Kayak 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

The post Fun Things to Do in Santa Barbara: August (2025) appeared first on Santa Barbara Adventure Co..

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

The post Fun Things to Do in Santa Barbara: June (2025) appeared first on Santa Barbara Adventure Co..

The post Prisoners Vs. Scorpion appeared first on Santa Barbara Adventure Co..

CAMP INCLUDES:

• Friendly and knowledgeable guides
• Snacks, water refills, & sunscreen are provided (sack lunches should be brought daily)
• All necessary gear for activities, including a free SBACo Hat for every camper!

Camps are both fun and educational. Guides will give interpretation regarding one of the most biodiverse and productive ocean systems in the world, as well as the national marine sanctuary in our backyard. Campers may even have a chance to get a close-up look at marine invertebrates and other sea dwellers. Campers are also able to learn a new sport that they can enjoy for a lifetime.

Throughout the various activities, they will build confidence in themselves and in others while learning skills that will translate well into many life experiences.

SAMPLE ITINERARY:

One of the best parts about private summer camps is our ability to customize them to your preferences and needs. Prefer to do a 5 day surf camp? We can absolutely do that!

COST

1 – 4 campers: $2,800

Additional campers: +$650/person

Upgrade to a Day trip to Channel Islands National Park, with kayaking: +$200/person (GREAT VALUE!)

The fun isn’t limited to children, adults are welcome to join too! Have you been social distancing with a neighbor family? We are happy to accommodate both families together!

Ready to get your campers outside? Send us your Registration Inquiry and we will follow up as soon as possible.

The post Private Summer Camp Options in Santa Barbara appeared first on Santa Barbara Adventure Co..

Learn To Surf – Experience the waves of the Pacific Ocean with our surf instructors who have over 25 years of experience. Find the best local breaks in the area while mastering the fundamentals of one of Santa Barbara’s favorite past times. Afterwards, relax on the beach, read that book you’ve been meaning to finish and enjoy the views!

Horseback Riding– Ride along the beach on horseback, with majestic mountains on one side and the Pacific Ocean on the other. Los Padres Outfitters offer guided horseback rides, both daytime and sunset. Their horses are suitable for all skill levels and their guides love to share a totally unique way to experience the beach. They can even prepare a picnic lunch for you to enjoy – you’re welcome to bring your own wine.

Tide Pooling at Coal Oil Point– Just a few minutes north of Santa Barbara, check out several low lying rock formations brimming with sea life for an experience you’ll never forget. Take a nice long walk during low tide, spotting barnacles, mussels, anemones, sea hares, crabs & more! Be sure to check when low tide is for the best experience – it could be morning, mid-day or afternoon.

Stand Up Paddle Lessons– Enjoy a unique view of the American Riviera while enjoying an ocean sport quickly becoming a favorite among locals. Most tours see wildlife including sea lions, seals and sea stars.

Beach Art – Take some inspiration from British artist Andy Goldsworthy and challenge yourself to create natural art using only the elements around you, from sand & rocks to shells and seaweed. As the artist said,“It’s just about life and the need to understand that a lot of things in life do not last.”

Andy Goldsworthy

Combing for Sea Glass – Grab a re-usable bag and head to the beach nearest you! Comb the surf and surrounding area for weathered glass, a process that takes 20+ years for the signature characteristics of bottles long ago broken & tossed aside to develop. Spring tides and the first low tides after a storm are the best. Sea glass can be used for many fun projects from wall decor to jewelry. Take this opportunity to pick up any miscellaneous trash as well so we can all continue to enjoy pristine beaches.

Gaviota Coast Kayak Tour

Santa Barbara’s Gaviota Coast is a great spot for a short paddle and super fun beach day. Located on rural and undeveloped coastline, this is a beautiful area rich with marine life. We often see dolphins, sea lions and other marine life while on the water. At mid-day you’ll stop for deli lunch, served on a secluded beach. As the trip progresses, your guide may offer a fun series of kayak challenges and games. This unforgettable trip provides great opportunities to swim, play or just float. It’s perfect for all ages of swimmers.

Bring Your Pet – If you are lucky enough to have a four-legged friend, Hendry’s Beach this the perfect haven for you. Dogs are permitted off leash for a long stretch of perfect coastline. There are several great spots tucked along the cliffs where you can kick back while your dog goes wild in the surf. You can end the day with a nice meal at the Boathouse, a tasty brunch and seafood spot right on the water.

Volunteer for a Beach Cleanup – Interested in combining some relaxation and fun with a way of giving back? Consider volunteering for a local beach cleanup. There are many companies in Santa Barbara that have participated in the Adopt-A-Beach program who organize events throughout the year.

What other activities do you do on the beach?

The post Things To Do on the Beach in Santa Barbara appeared first on Santa Barbara Adventure Co..

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.

The post Where can I get lunch for my trip to Channel Islands National Park? appeared first on Santa Barbara Adventure Co..

The Seasons

Of course, as the seasons change, so does the day length and the ferry times. Summer days depart from Ventura Harbor at 8 or 9 am (later departures are sometimes available) and arrive back to the mainland around 6 pm. Winter (off-season) boat rides often depart at 9 am and leave the island around 3 or 3:30 pm, so you’re left with less time to explore the island. For more detailed ferry schedules and to book your round-trip boat ride to the islands visit Island Packers. Please be sure to book your ferry tickets well in advance during holidays and peak season (late spring to early fall).

The Boat

Most visitors that have only one day on the Channel Islands choose to take a shorter boat ride (1 to 1.5 hours from Ventura Harbor) to Scorpion Anchorage or Prisoners Harbor at Santa Cruz Island. That will maximize all of the adventurous activities you can do on the islands.

The Activities

In a day’s time, if you’re ambitious, you could fit in what we call the Island Trifecta: Hike, Kayak, and Snorkel* (*during the warmer months: May-October). Please check out our blog about What to do in the Channel Islands National Park for more!

Last, please be sure not to miss your boat! The ferries are on a tight schedule, which means day visitors should plan to be waiting by the pier for the boat no later than 15 minutes before your ferry is scheduled to depart.

~Wishing you happy trails!~

The post Channel Islands National Park Day Trip appeared first on Santa Barbara Adventure Co..

We spotted a beautiful elephant seal pup. The little guy enjoyed a nap and then went back into the ocean. A Channel Islands Fox came over to enjoy some shade by the kayaks.

We all enjoyed an inspirational view of the Pacific Ocean on the ride home. It was an amazing day of kayaking and exploration. It is a trip I am sure everyone will remember for a long time.

The post Spring at Channel Islands Park appeared first on Santa Barbara Adventure Co..

Painted Cave Kayaking: Get ready for a full day at sea. Explore Painted Cave, one of the largest seacaves in the world! Painted Cave is within a Marine Protected Area and also a part of the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary. Enjoy breakfast & a hot lunch, as well as whale watching on the boat ride where you may spot sea lions, otters, dolphins, marine birds and whales. Snorkel the protected kelp forest after kayaking the massive sea caves. This is an adventure you will remember for a lifetime. Select dates only.

Snorkeling Tours at Scorpion Anchorage: On our guided snorkel tour at Scorpion Anchorage, guests receive expert knowledge while exploring the beautiful kelp forests and along pristine coastlines. Guides will offer discussions of marine ecology and natural history of the islands while guests view sea life up close. This is the only snorkeling tour in all of Channel Islands National Park!

Birding by Kayak Tour: On Sunday, June 3, beginner and expert birders alike will have the opportunity to see endemic species on land and sea on the birding by kayak tour. As you paddle along the rugged shoreline, find Brandt’s and Pelagic Cormorants nesting on the cliff edges and Pigeon Guillemots flying in and out of their nests in rock wall crevices as we paddle through sea caves, California Brown Pelicans flying above and diving into the crystalline waters surrounding the Channel Islands, with the occasional Peregrine Falcon or Osprey appearing. After getting off the water, we’ll explore the island on foot in search of the endemic Island Scrub Jay! 

If you have any questions or need help booking or deciding what is best for you or your group, let us help! Call us at 805.884.WAVE

The post Summer Channel Islands Tours appeared first on Santa Barbara Adventure Co..

Catch a movie at the Arlington Theater
The Arlington Theater at 1317 State Street will be showing holiday favorites throughout the holiday. This historic theater is a great venue for catching a show. The interior has been decorated to resemble a historic village complete with twinkling lights on the ceiling. Relax and enjoy some ction!

Check out of the holiday lights on the SB Trolley Lights
This 90 minute tour takes you to some of the best light displays in town. Snuggle up with a blanket and enjoy all the flashing decor Santa Barbara has to offer. This tour is offered the 9th through the 22nd, but does often sell out – so call in advance to book your date.

Visit one of Santa Barbara’s beautiful parks
There are several parks through out the city for guests of all ages to enjoy. Chase Palm Park sits across from the shoreline, features a marine themed play structure. Downtown you will find Alice Keck Park Gardens featuring a duck pond and wandering paths. Here is a list of other parks in the Santa Barbara area. For the adventurous at heart, there is also the Channel Islands National Park just off the coast of Santa Barbara.

Book an fun activity for the day
If you love to get out and see the sights, then book a biking tour, kayaking trip or SUP tour. Santa Barbara Adventure Company has trips departing every day and can work with groups big or small. The holidays are best when you can come together and explore – let us help you plan a day of bonding and fun this season.

From our family to yours, Santa Barbara Adventure Company wishes you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! I hope these suggestions help you make the most of the holiday season, and provide fun for the whole family. If you are looking for some more suggestions and tips, check out all the other trips we offer or give us a ring (805-884-9283)  or send us an email and we will be happy to plan an unforgettable adventure customized just for your needs.

The post Santa Barbara Christmas Events and Activites appeared first on Santa Barbara Adventure Co..