Spring has sprung, and it’s time to bring out the Easter baskets, decorate eggs, and embark on exciting egg hunts! If you’re spending your Easter holiday in Santa Barbara, there’s no shortage of delightful events for you and your family to enjoy. Here are some of the top Easter celebrations in the area:

The Great Egg Hunt at Elings Park
DATE: April 19
TIMES: 10AM (Ages 0-3), 10:30AM (Ages 4-6), 11AM (Ages 7-10)
WHERE: Elings Park Softball Fields
Enjoy the sunshine, a bounce house, face painting, and an appearance from the Easter Bunny! Delicious Claudia Coffee Bar will be available to fuel your adventure. Please bring your own baskets.

The Great Easter Egg Hunt at Rosewood Miramar Beach
DATE: April 20
TIMES: 12 PM (Ages 6 and under), 12:45 PM (Ages 7 and older), 2 PM (Ages 6 and under), 2:45 PM (ages 7 and older)
WHERE: Rosewood Miramar Beach
Celebrate Easter with the entire family along the American Riviera and get a chance to meet the Easter Bunny himself! 

Easter Breakfast, Brunch, & Egg Hunt at El Encanto
DATE: April 20
TIMES: Breakfast 7–10AM, Brunch 10AM–2PM, Easter Egg Hunt 1PM
WHERE: El Encanto
Among El Encanto’s gorgeous gardens, fuel up on seasonal specialties with an a la carte breakfast menu or brunch buffet before their legendary Easter egg hunt.

Easter Kayaking at Channel Islands National Park
DATE: April 20
WHERE: Channel Islands National Park, Santa Cruz Island
Discover the beauty of California’s sea caves with a day trip to Channel Islands National Park. Departing from Ventura Harbor, you’ll have the chance to spot dolphins and marine life during your ferry ride to Santa Cruz Island. Once you arrive, groups can explore the captivating caves by kayak, and take advantage of opportunities to snorkel or hike. — BOOK NOW

If you’re aware of any other fun Easter weekend events in the Santa Barbara area that we may have missed, please share them in the comment section below. We hope you have a fantastic Easter celebration, wherever you choose to spend it!

The post Easter Egg Hunts in Santa Barbara (2025) appeared first on Santa Barbara Adventure Co..

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. 

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

The tour will pick up your group in an air-conditioned shuttle in the morning. We will preview the day and head up to Santa Ynez Valley. Once there, you will enjoy wine tasting at some of the areas best wineries. Your group will visit beautiful Los Olivos and enjoy an incredible cupcake and wine tasting. Your guide will cover local human history and insight into wine region along the way.

The post Tasty Cupcake and Wine Tour appeared first on Santa Barbara Adventure Co..

1.  Cupcake and Wine Pairings

Enjoy a romantic and relaxing day alongside your love in the Santa Ynez Wine Country with everything taken care of by your guide. After being picked up from your hotel in our Mercedes Sprinter shuttle, we will enjoy a beautiful drive to wine country with ocean and vineyard views along the way. Your tour includes several wine tastings and a romantic picnic lunch. The highlight of the day is tasting the decadent wine-infused cupcakes that pair so perfectly with the glass in your hand. Experience the Tasty Cupcake and Wine Tour! We have our classic Santa Ynez Wine Tour throughout the month as well.

2. Bike and Picnic in Wine Country

If you are a more active couple looking for a romantic day in Santa Ynez wine country, explore the area by bike. Cycle between wineries in the famous Santa Rita Hills. Your guide will bring everything you need for the day and biking is fully van supported so you can ride in the van if you get tired. This Valentine’s Day have a real adventure, but book soon as space is limited on the Wine Country Biking Tour.

3. Channel Islands Kayaking

This year, SAVE 10% February 14-18th! Use discount code CHILOVE10 at checkout. For couples who enjoy nature and beautiful ocean views, visiting the Channel Islands is a trip you will never forget. This is the ultimate Valentine’s Day adventure. The kayaking tour explores the natural setting around Santa Cruz Island, with incredible wildlife viewing opportunities, and enjoying the crystalline waters below. After kayaking, guests usually have time for a short hike on the island or snorkeling before traveling back to reality! If a day “away from it all” is what you need, then check out the Channel Islands Kayak Tour.

4. Inspiration Point Hiking

One of Santa Barbara’s most scenic hiking trails is the trail to Inspiration Point. Bring a picnic to enjoy at the top with your loved one while enjoying sweeping vistas from Point Conception down to Malibu and all the way out to the Channel Islands! Be prepared – bring plenty of water, a first aid kit, your cell phone and layered clothing. You can check out the route and how to get to the trailhead on the Santa Barbara Hikes website.

5. Go Ride a Bike

Take a lovely seaside ride on some of Santa Barbara’s awesome bike trails. Check out the scenic and vibrant waterfront area, beautiful Butterfly Beach, the Douglas Preserve and stop by the historic Mission. If you are feeling like a longer ride, why not head out to the Ellwood Butterfly Reserve to check out the Monarch Butterflies.

Already have Valentine’s Day plans? Adventure Company offers gift certificates to plan a trip for the future. Please share any ideas you might have in the comment section below. Happy Valentine’s Day from the Santa Barbara Adventure Company crew.

Looking for more options? Follow SB Adventure on Facebook, we post specials and offers regularly!

The post 5 Things to do for Valentine’s Day in Santa Barbara appeared first on Santa Barbara Adventure Co..

Your tour reservations are made at a few of our several partner wineries in the valley, including but not limited to:

• The Brander Vineyard
• Vincent Vineyards & Winery
• Sunstone Vineyards & Winery
• Andrew Murray Vineyards
• Rusack Vineyards
• Roblar Winery
• Fess Parker Winery & Vineyard
• Rideau Vineyard

In addition to the spectacular winery visits, there’s opportunity for exploration of the valley via bicycle, tasting notes and wine pairing for cupcakes, a stop at Rancho Olivos for olive oil tasting, or a jaunt to Clairmont Lavender Farm. It’s easy to have an unforgettable experience in Santa Ynez Valley, just mention any particular interests you have in your reservation, and our guides will do their best to accommodate your requests.

Perhaps you’re already a member at wine clubs in the Valley, or want a little more flexibility with your day: book our Wine Country Shuttle for your transportation needs. We provide your group with pick up and drop off from wherever you’re staying, and a driver for the day to explore Foxen Canyon and Los Olivos area vineyards and tasting rooms.

After a great day tasting in the Valley, you can expect to return to Santa Barbara around 5pm, just in time to enjoy a delicious meal at one of Santa Barbara’s best restaurants. Your driver is even able to drop you off at the restaurant directly if you can’t wait!

Book your tour now at www.winetours-santabarbara.com.

The post Wine Tasting in Santa Barbara appeared first on Santa Barbara Adventure Co..

Once you’re on the road, enjoy the breathtaking scenery of California’s Central Coast as you cross the Santa Ynez mountain range towards the charming town of Los Olivos: four square blocks of pure country charm packed with over 40 world-class wine tasting rooms.

Depending on which Wine Tour you’ve booked, your guide will provide transportation to 2-3 wineries and tasting rooms in the area throughout the day, where you’ll meet the local vintners and taste a selection of their premier wines. Take your time at each winery; be sure to take a stroll around the vines, sample their food pairings, and at a minimum, take lots of pictures! You can always tag us in your posted photos–@sbwinetours–we love to see our guests enjoying Wine Country.

At the end of the day, be sure to ask your guide for dinner recommendations in Santa Barbara, or check our blog on some of Santa Barbara’s Tastiest Eateries. Your guide can drop you off at a restaurant or the downtown area if you’d prefer to grab a bite before heading home for the night.

If you’re a local Airbnb host, we’d love to hear from you! We are happy to provide fliers and cards as resources to your visitors. Contact our office via phone or email.

The post Wine Tours with a Pick Up from your Airbnb appeared first on Santa Barbara Adventure Co..

CNN Travel is a great resource for travel tips and inspiration along with insider guides, fascinating stories, video experiences and stunning photos. Recently, our Santa Barbara Wine Country Tours had a special guest, Tomeka Jones! Tomeka reports on travel, running, arts, and apps for CNN Travel. She joined the adventure company by doing the Bike and Wine Tour through Santa Ynez Valley. 

On their tour, they started with a wine tasting at Brander Vineyard. From there, they started the bike portion of the tour and rode to Rancho Olivos for an award winning olive oil tastings. The bike ride continued to Rideau Vineyard for their final wine tasting. Santa Barbara Wine Country Tours provided the luxury shuttle with friendly guides who shared the natural history of the Santa Ynez Valley with the guests.

The post CNN Travel Featuring Bike and Wine Tour appeared first on Santa Barbara Adventure Co..

It’s 70 degrees with a light coastal breeze, and the sun doesn’t set till 8 pm. Yep, it’s that time of year! School is ending, and not just for the summer, for many of Santa Barbarians its graduation! Whether you are that lucky graduate or their loving family,  June marks that special time of year for commencement and celebration, and with this awesome weather where better to celebrate than outdoors? But with so little time, what to do?

If your coming up for the day…
take advantage of the coastal climate with a graduation picnic at Goleta Beach or Ledbetter. If a restaurant is more your style, there are a variety of delicious coastal dining options including the Beachside and Boathouse, or for other recommendations see Dinning and Santa Barbara.

So you’re here for the weekend…
and need something to do while your Gaucho is prepping for graduation? Then go Wine Tasting in Santa Barbara’s beautiful back yard, Santa Ynez, famous for Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and more. Or wait till your grad is all done and go tasting with the whole gang for a group discount!

Coastal Kayaking is another great way to get outside and appreciate Santa Barbara’s rare beauty. Just north of Goleta is Naples and Gaviota, some of the last remaining undeveloped coast of southern California. At one of the only freeway exits along this stretch of coast is Refugio State Beach where you can escape and kayak, soaking up the benefits of this undeveloped rarity where harbor seals, dolphins, and sea lions call home.

If the plan is to make a week long holiday out of it…
then consider, is water or land more your thing? If the answer is land then camping might be just for you. Carpenteria, Refugio, El Capitan State Beaches are all still open for reservations. And if camping in comfort sounds more appealing, consider El Cap Canyon luxury cabins. Or its sister, Ocean Mesa campground, just inland of El Capitan State Beach, which offers a café, pool, and hot tub and showers to its campers, along with trailheads to several hiking trails into the hills.

Lastly but not least is my personal favorite, the sea caves at Santa Cruz. While the Channel Islands look great from Santa Barbara, nothing compares to the view paddling through the rugged and timeless caves at this rarely visited national park.

Spending a day away from the mainland was the last tick I made off my bucket list as a senior at UCSB. What’s on your graduate’s Santa Barbara bucket list?

Photo: Guide Jen Brown on her graduation day at UCSB.

The post Graduation in Santa Barbara: Favorite Activities from an Alum appeared first on Santa Barbara Adventure Co..

We have the Santa Ynez Tour, Wine and Cupcake Pairing Tour, or Wine and Bike Tour.

A special thanks to photographer Phillip Van Nostrand, you can read his blog at www.phillipvnblog.com or follow him on twitter.

Do you have an incredible photo from Santa Barbara’s Wine Region? Please share it on the Santa Barbara Adventure Company Facebook Page or on the Santa Barbara Wine Country Tours page.

Book A Wine Tour

The post A Day in Santa Ynez Wine Country appeared first on Santa Barbara Adventure Co..

Thank you for letting us share this fun day with you, Julia. Come back and join us again soon.

I love Julia’s photo of the bachelorette; What is your favorite photo? Tell us in the comment section below.

Originally published April 2011

The post Bachelorette Party Weekend in Santa Barbara appeared first on Santa Barbara Adventure Co..