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

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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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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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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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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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On the day of the event, they dive down and retrieve items, often by tethering ropes to larger items and having volunteers hoist up garbage. Volunteers load up wheelbarrows full of trash and cart it up to the dumpster. Santa Barbara Adventure Company enjoys participating in the Santa Barbara Harbor Clean Sweep because it’s a way to give back to the community and to our environment which we all share.

The ocean is a common resource and we need to work together to protect it and help make it safe for ocean life. Andrea Dransfield, an employee at Santa Barbara Adventure Company, states

“I do the harbor clean-up every year and it’s very rewarding. I take it upon myself to make sure all sea creatures collected along with the garbage are safely returned to the sea.”

During the clean-up, a record number of two-spotted octopi were seen hiding in the garbage. We even found an octopus nest in a pipe! Last year only a couple octopi were found so this is good news for the populations in the harbor. We also found many small white eggs covering the surfaces of several items we pulled up. They may be octopus eggs but we are not sure. Please comment if you know what kind of eggs these are!

Among the tons of trash recovered from the harbor this year, we found a microwave, glasses/cups, an uncorked wine bottle, a bicycle, garbage bins, steps, brooms, a fisherman’s receiver, and more!

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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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Guided sea cave kayak excursion includes: kayaking gear (paddle jackets, helmets and wetsuits as necessary), double kayak, knowledgeable guide(s), kayaking lesson, natural history and marine ecology.

Starting point and time: Ventura Harbor, 7am or 8am with a return to the harbor around 5pm. Actual start and finish times for kayaking may vary.

Destination: Scorpion Anchorage, Santa Cruz Island, Channel Islands National Park

Level of difficulty:  Beginner through advanced welcome. Children under 12 must ride in double kayak with a parent.

Cost: $215 adult, $197 child under 12 years old for the Adventure Tour. (Includes ferry boat transportation). Single kayaks are an additional charge of $15 per kayak.

What if I already have ferry boat tickets?
Then the cost is $153 per adult and $143 per child under 12 years old for your tour. Please call our office if you have any questions about this process.

Group Discount Rates: $143 per adult and $133 per child under 12 years old (16+ people). Group discount rates cannot be used with other promotional discounts.

Additional discounts may be available for non-profit, scouts and school groups. Please call to inquire. 

Paddling time and distance: 2.5 miles, 2.5 – 3 hours of island kayaking.

Highlights: Marine mammal sightings (Dolphins!) on the boat ride, incredible Channel Islands kayaking, Channel Islands National Park visitors center, options for snorkeling and hiking, and an overall amazing island experience.

What if I want to snorkel?

We have snorkeling equipment for rent on the island. There are 5mm and 7mm wetsuits, hoods, fins, snorkels and masks.

Is food provided?

No, please bring your own food for the day. There are a number of convenient options for purchasing food nearby Ventura Harbor. Please see the link below for more information.

Additional Information on preparing for your Channel Islands Day Trip

Overview

Scorpion Anchorage is within a Marine Protected Area and also a part of the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary. No other area of the park offers as many sea cave kayaking, snorkeling and hiking opportunities. Some of the most beautiful sea caves in the world can be found at Scorpion Anchorage.

Santa Barbara Adventure Company is an authorized kayak guide and outfitter for the Channel Islands National Park. We are the number one choice for Channel Islands outfitting and tours. Dangerous conditions may exist at any time of the year, and we cannot guarantee cave exploration.

PLEASE NOTE:
If your preferred date is less than 2 days from now or is not available in our online reservation system, please call us and we can probably fit you in!
(805) 884-WAVE or toll free (877) 885-WAVE.
Letsgo@sbadventureco.com

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Programs We Offer

Field or Beach Olympics – Fun, upbeat competition!  Teams strategize, communicate, and work together to successfully complete each challenge before moving onto the next.  The team that successfully completes the most challenges in the allotted time wins!  Facilitated at any beach, park, or conference room.

Low and High Ropes, Zip Lining – Teams develop strategizing, teamwork, leadership/ followership skills. Individuals breaking down barriers, personal comfort zones, reaching their highest potential!  Facilitated at various sites on the Central Coast.

Wine Country Bike Tour or Wine Blending – 2 Great ways to see the sites and get to know your team! Join us on a bike ride through the gorgeous wine country of Santa Barbara with well-deserved stops to sample local wine varietals. Or let your team create their own wine blend at a local urban winery, with the best tasting results bottled and sent back home!

Orienteering, Great Race, & Geocaching – 3 Different Programs that challenge your groups navigation, creativity and teamworking skills. Teams use GPS or a basic map and compass to find their way to challenge points.  Teams must successfully complete each challenge before moving on to next point.  Facilitated in nearby hiking trails or downtown location.

Kayak Challenges – Can your team learn a new outdoor skill while working together to complete fun on water challenges? Enjoy the scenic beauty of the Santa Barbara Channel from a number of different locations: On the mainland in Santa Barbara Harbor or Refugio State Beach or make it a full day experience out to Channel Islands National Park!

Bike Build for Charity (CSR) – Teams work together and follow instructions to build a bike from disassembled parts.  Some parts and tools must be traded with another team in order to complete.  Once bikes are built and inspected, they are donated to a charity of your choice.  Facilitated at any park or conference room.

Give us a call at (805) 884-9283 or email LetsGo@SBAdventureCo.com to learn more about how your corporate group can join us for an adventurous team building experience.

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