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..

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.

The post Enjoy an evening Sunset Kayak! appeared first on Santa Barbara Adventure Co..

What to Expect While Kayaking in Santa Barbara

Whether you are a beginner or an experienced kayaker, our guides begin your tour through the harbor with safety and skills training to guarantee you have a delightful exploration. As you navigate the waters during one of three tours with options for all ages, you will learn about the history of the region through fascinating stories and get an up-close view of local marine life. Our knowledgeable and experienced guides will accommodate varying points of interest and skill level, delighting all your senses as you take in your surroundings. Whether there are only two in your group or you have more with you, we will make sure that your Santa Barbara kayaking adventure is a memorable experience for everyone.

All of our tours come with all your necessary kayaking gear, lifejackets, and an experienced guide who is equipped to ensure the safety of all on the tour. Starting at a minimum of two-hours, the length, distance, location and time of tours vary by tour type and should be selected to meet your group’s specific needs.

Choose from the following tour types:

Harbor Wildlife Kayak Tour – Best for beginners and parents with children over 5 years old

Gaviota Coast Kayak Tour – Best for those interested in the history and ecology of the area

Sunset Kayak Tour– Best for a late afternoon adventure

Best Places To Eat While In Santa Barbara

This captivating kayaking adventure taking in the refreshing view of the region’s caves, mountains, beaches and it’s diverse marine flora and fauna will work up an appetite best served by dining at some of Santa Barbara’s highest-rated restaurants. Lunch can be provided during an extended version of our tours to prevent wait times and allow you to have a seamless
staycation or getaway in one of the west coast’s most popular hotspots Whether you’re in the mood for Asian-fusion, some of the best Mexican cuisine or your palate is fixed for locally-sourced, fresh ingredients at another of our favorite dining establishments, we can bring the flavor to you or point you to an immersive experience for dinner on-site at a nearby location.

Our favorites include:

Hana Kitchen – Asian-fusion
Mony’s – Mexican
Shalhoob Meat Co. – Tri-tip (they also brew their own beer!) Brophy Bros. – Seafood
The Lark – Light, fresh fare

Whether you’re new to the area, on a vacation or just want an exciting local activity to do with your team or family, our Santa Barbara Kayaking tours are an affordable and enjoyable must-do for all who join. Check out our customer reviews and book your paddling tour with Santa Barbara Adventure Company today!

The post Come Explore the Santa Barbara Coast on Our Coastal Kayaking Tours appeared first on Santa Barbara Adventure Co..