The harbor is worth a visit, the seafood tantalizing, the mountains tranquil and the historical monuments are most definitely worth a look. It’s full of valuable insider hacks that will help you unlock your full potential as a traveler. You’ve got shops and restaurants nearby and free street parking on the premises — a winner if you’re bringing your own wheels. ‘Tis the season for savory wine pairings, bustling holiday markets, festive light tours and parades filled with glee! Not picked the perfect travel backpack yet? From holiday markets and parades to wine tours and concerts, there is something for everyone in the American Riviera. One of the most unique Airbnbs you can find in Santa Barbara — a perfect oasis in the mountains, full of style and character. What to Wear in Santa Barbara in Summer . Based on the kids’ book from 1939, this yellow boat with a smiling face chugs between Stern’s Wharf and Santa Barbara Harbor. Whether you’re traveling as a family, with your partner or even by yourself, open yourself to Santa Barbara and you’ll be delighted by what it has waiting for you. Encompassing more than 30 acres, the zoo occupies a beautiful setting on a hilltop overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Founded in 1916 as the Museum of Comparative Oology, the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History has evolved to include more than 3.5 million specimens and covering every aspect of natural history — from mammals to birds, marine life to geology, astronomy, anthropology, and more. Find what to do today, this weekend, or in February. Santa Barbara has surfers, obviously, but skating is pretty popular too. Spread across 37 acres of historical estate property, it was once the garden owned by the late Madame Ganna Walska. Summer is quite possibly the best time to visit Santa Barbara. Check out these cool activities in Santa Barbara leading up to the holiday season. The rest will come right after that! It’s here that you can join the so-called “Lagoon Loop”, which handily takes in pretty much all the breweries in the area. Cruise smoothly to spot the abundant wildlife or go on more adventurous missions into the islands themselves… You pick! Once an industrial, blue-collar area, this is now the gentrified center for all things eating and drinking in the city. Eating your way around the Funk Zone is bound to become your new favorite thing to do in Santa Barbara, you’ll see. Try booking a stay at this fully restored RV! Explore the popular restaurants, shopping and nightlife along State Street or treat the kids to a day at the Santa Barbara Zoo or the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center. Built in 2000, Skaters Point is a concrete park that amounts to almost 15,000 square feet of bowls, quarter pipes, rails, and ledges. We are Santa Barbara’s premier venue for on-the-water fun. You can take a look at their schedule online and see what’s happening; book yourself a ticket and enjoy. Love what we do? This signature event, in its 67th year, brings together locals and visitors alike in cheering on a colossal contingent of high-stepping marching bands, bright and colorful holiday floats, spectacular performance groups, local personalities, the Grand Marshal and, of course…Santa Claus full of holiday cheer atop his festive sleigh. One of the most stunning and awe-inspiring reasons to visit Santa Barbara in the winter is to witness the gray whale migration that happens every year from December to April. Your email address will not be published. A mere three and a half-mile hike from Downtown will take you up to Inspiration Point through the mountainside. But listen! Get into the California spirit and try some surfing in Santa Barbara! We have reviews of the best places to see in Santa Barbara. Created by a user from United States. Families have the opportunity to visit Santa’s Village event on the City Pier (beginning at 3:00pm) featuring a visit from Santa, ten tons of snow and holiday music. California as a whole is pretty famous for its wine culture. If you’re into that sort of stuff, go all out on a 5-star, multi-course meal at a prestigious restaurant! With so many opportunities to make this an unforgettable trip—like sea kayaking through caves in the Channel Islands, a painting class that walks you through the art of watercolors and wine, a relaxing visit to the underground salt caves, and world class wine tasting… Each company — from the Telegraph Brewing Company, The Brewhouse, and Third Window Brewing (to name just a few) — has different types of beers that you can try. Lil’ Toot isn’t here for practical, utilitarian reasons. That’s right: you guys are key to keeping this big, beautiful blog free of ads! To help you cut through the noise, we’ve compiled a list of the very best things one can do on a trip to Santa Barbara. Centered on State Street, the district starts at Stearns Wharf and heads out into the suburbs. Remember, Broke Backpackers, this is for special occasions only! It features state-of-the-art interactive exhibits for all ages, as well as the Central Coast’s only planetarium! Enjoy a kayaking trip through the stunning Californian landscape. Santa Barbara sunrise & sunset times for December 2021. Check out the best of Solvang's yearly events including Solvang (Grape) Stomp (October), Danish Days (September) & Julefest (December). Whilst this may sound like a level from Super Mario, the Funk Zone is, in fact, Santa Barbara’s much-loved hipster enclave. Here are some extra suggestions to help plan your Santa Barbara itinerary! The captain and crew have over 30 years experience in escorting visitors through the Santa Barbara Channel to experience the annual migration of some of the most amazing whales in the world. Forget about wine tasting for a minute. Maybe it's time to start planning your trip and checking these attractions and things to do off of your list! If you haven’t been to the Golden State yet, it is time to get over here! YOU. Tucked away on a 5-acre working organic farm, you’ll be 5 minutes away from the classic beach town of Carpinteria. Things to Do in Santa Barbara, California: See Tripadvisor's 138,641 traveler reviews and photos of Santa Barbara tourist attractions. That’s not a typo, this spot really is called Santa Claus beach — one of Santa Barbara’s best kept sandy secrets and a local favorite. Located along the famous Santa Barbara Breakwater, the yacht club is the official starting point of the Annual Parade of Lights each December. Select a month to view Santa Barbara sunrise & sunset times for the next twelve months. The Arlington Theatre is Santa Barbara’s oldest theatre, dating all the way back to 1931. Sail out to the Channel Islands on a relaxing yacht cruise with gourmet food and delicious vintage wines.  Group discounts are available. There are different areas and they all have their unique appeal! And it’s narrated, so you actually learn about the places you’re passing through! Any trip to Santa Barbara has to include some wine tasting! You have the Japanese garden, a “Theatre” garden, a blue garden, and even a garden that is packed to the brim with cacti. Take a journey through Christmas in Ireland with superb dancing, singing and Irish traditional music celebrating the international spirit of the holiday season. Help us out where you can. This is time with my family, the last time I was there solo nearly 25 years 🙂, Your email address will not be published. Approximately 300 Santa Barbara County resident artists come to display their own works in an informal atmosphere under the palms of seaside Chase Palm Park. Your email address will not be published. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Additional attractions such as music, artist openings, demonstrations, and refreshments are featured at participating venues in Downtown Santa Barbara. The food is seasonal and presented on the plate like a piece of art, and the cocktails are amazing, It’s damn expensive, but worth every penny. Very cool. To fully appreciate it and get to grips with the brewing landscape, you need to take yourself to the Lagoon District. All rights reserved. This location offers some of the most beautiful sea caves in the world! Best things to do are: Six Flags Magic Mountain, Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum, Santa Barbara County Courthouse, and Wine Tours & Tastings. It’s all about helping out our tribe of awesome backpacker readers [that’s you!]. Downtown — Downtown Santa Barbara serves as the lifeblood of the city. Time: 10 a.m. until dusk. The Santa Barbara Yacht Club sponsors a Santa Barbara Sailing Club Race Program which brings approximately 300 yachts and up to 5,000 visitor to the area annually. Go hiking, snorkeling, the world is your oyster! Prior to working for The Broke Backpacker, Mathilde was working in the tech industry for a few years. Santa Cruz Island is renowned for its incredible island kayaking, native wildlife, and hiking opportunities. Enjoy the events below, cheers! However, this time around, you’ll be taking out your hiking boots! The event culminates with a fireworks display. Right on the beachfront, making it a pretty cool place to simply hang out. You’ve seen Skaters Point, now it’s time to head to Inspiration Point. From stunning beaches and an awesome zoo to posh resorts and gourmet restaurants, there are endless reasons to love Santa Barbara.Nestled between the ocean and the Santa Ynez mountains, this California coastal town basks in a Mediterranean-like climate and offers loads of family-centric attractions, like the MOXI interactive science museum, and outdoor opportunities, like surfing. Santa Barbara is a beautiful coastal town and a popular weekend destination in Southern California, known for its excellent beaches, parks, free attractions, family activities, day trips, beautiful wedding venues, restaurants, breakfast spots, RV parks, and romantic Pacific Ocean views. I only link to stuff I’ve actually used and never endorse products or services that are not up to scratch. Travel Dec 30 - Jan 02. Balboa Park and San Diego Zoo All college students know the three things they must do when they return to campus: wear a mask, social distance and don’t hang out in large groups.While various school administrations scrutinize the situation and decide on housing arrangements and classroom protocols, college students are left to wonder where COVID leaves the fun social aspects of college. It’s based on Mission Revival and Spanish Colonial Revival architecture, with the interiors all decked out to look like a Spanish village. For a mere 5 bucks, you can hop aboard Lil’ Toot and take a 15-minute ride out to the Pacific Ocean. You can search by either going to a specific date or viewing the entire month to see what exciting events have already occurred and what is coming up that you can attend! Beautiful vistas, people! SAN DIEGO: San Diego Zoo open December 25, 9 a.m.-8 p.m. SAN DIEGO: San Diego Zoo Safari Park December 25 open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. SAN FRANCISCO: San Francisco Zoo open Christmas Day 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Santa Barbara Sailing Center. Spend a week or a year exploring my favorite things to do in Southern California! Hop on one of the locally-organized tours for some real snazzy perks: all gear included, picnic with the crew, and an awesome guide to show you around the undeveloped, open coastline of California. On top of that, there are also the chic boutiques, trendy wine bars, and an interesting Spanish colonial heritage! Experience Santa Barbara’s botanical beauty as you enter these different scenarios of otherworldly magic. Bring along a picnic to enjoy beneath the palms in the lovely sunken garden. The Broke Backpacker team has tried out over thirty backpacks this year! Be sure to check back as more events will be added as details become available. The superb Santa Barbara Zoo is one of the top things to do in Santa Barbara with kids. Winter is the perfect time to enjoy fine wine and beautiful scenery in the Central Coast wine region. It’s December and there is so much going on in Santa Barbara this time of the year! The Santa Barbara Public Library is part of the City of Santa Barbara’s public library system and one of the easily free things to do in Santa Barbara, California. If you’re looking to visit a Santa Barbara museum on your trip, this might be the most interesting one you could go to! Help us keep the site going! This takes place on Memorial Weekend (Saturday, May 23rd) and will feature live music by Ozomatli and La Marcha! Thanks for your support. Zoo is open 365 days a year. The Clash have played here! And we can tell you that’s not a bad nickname: it’s pretty easy to spot dolphins and whales here. The “heat wave” that comes to Santa Barbara makes it the ideal time to visit the beautiful beaches and enjoy those Sunday brunches. As winter days turn brisk and stars gleam through the night sky, explore all Santa Barbara has to offer, from family-friendly and snow-centric fun to romantic candlelit dinners for two. The scenery of oak-studded hills and vineyards on rolling valleys is pretty nice, too, as you can imagine. So yeah, there are plenty of things to do in Santa Barbara. Our favourite travel backpack is the Aer Travel Pack 2. BOOM! Set in a former fish market turned chic eatery, having dinner at The Lark is easily one of the best things to do in Santa Barbara if you’re looking for a flawless fine dining experience. California is the home of surf culture. The Funk Zone is an eclectic district with art galleries and an Urban Wine Trail, and Santa Barbara Mission, a cultural landmark, is not to be missed. SANTA BARBARA: Santa Barbara Zoo is open Christmas Eve & Christmas Day 10 a.m.- 3:30 p.m. If you want to remember your Santa Barbara trip as an epic one, you should definitely hit the waves for a surf session. Newly decorated and sparklingly clean, this beautiful beach house is definitely one of the best Airbnbs in Santa Barbara. If you still need gift ideas, don’t forget about Santa Barbara Adventure Company’s. Santa Barbara may not be the first place that comes to mind when planning a trip to California, but there’s definitely enough here to keep you entertained for a few days. If you’re a beer freak, this is one of the best things to do in Santa Barbara! Down below, we’ve got our top recommendations for hostel stays, Airbnbs and hotels. California as a whole is pretty famous for its wine culture, and Santa Barbara has more than 120 vineyards and wineries to its name! Grab your copy of the Backpacker Bible for Free! So cozy up and nestle in for our round-up of favorite things to do in Santa Barbara this December: 66th Annual Santa Barbara Holiday Parade. Parade of Lights and Santa Village on the Pier – Sunday, December 8, 5:30pm; Santa Barbara Waterfront. You should always have emergency cash hidden on you – pick up this awesome security belt with its hidden pocket before you travel, it’s perfect for hiding money, a passport photocopy. If you’re looking to spend some more time in nature, hiking to this famous point is a good option. Visit top-rated & must-see attractions. Fun things to do in Santa Barbara’s downtown region include sipping coffee at independent cafes … This website uses cookies to improve your experience. This hostel is run by a team of friendly staff, who will happily help you with all you need. As the year comes to a close, we would like to wish all of our friends and guests a happy and healthy holiday season. On the first Thursday of each month, downtown galleries keep their doors open late allowing the public to enjoy local art in a fun and social atmosphere. There […] For a little extra, cheese and wine is served on the porch in the evenings. Looking for financial freedom? Located in Carpinteria, just a short drive from Downtown, Santa Claus is a relaxed beach where you’ll find plenty of space to chill on. You’ve got plenty of things to do in Santa Barbara as well: the harbor is worth a visit, the seafood tantalizing, the mountains tranquil and the historical monuments are most definitely worth a look. Visit some classics, ditch the tourist trail, but above all: have a fucking great time. Home » North America » USA » Santa Barbara. Here’s our pick of the best things to do in Santa Cruz. The 66th Annual Santa Barbara Holiday Parade takes to the streets Friday, December 7, to kick-off the festive spirit in Downtown SB. Ranking of the top 15 things to do in Santa Barbara. All you need to do is click the button below, provide the necessary information, and you’ll be emailed the ebook. “Find out how YOU can support the site. Architecture aside, catching one of the variety shows at this landmark theatre has gotta be one of the best things to do in Santa Barbara at night. Lessons are a blast and most people “get up” within their first half-hour of learning –. Once you’ve reached the top, you’ll be treated to incredible views all the way to the Channel Islands. Before you start sorting out your accommodation, make sure you decide on where to stay in Santa Barbara. There’s even an outdoor swimming pool with sunbeds so you can relax all you want! Street musicians, music and downtown shops and restaurants. All items are original art, created by the artists you meet. A self-proclaimed travel-yoga-freak, Mathilde Magnier is French, raised in Brussels, and spent most of her adulthood in Sydney. In the spirit of the holidays, guests can create beautiful snowflakes and wreaths. About a 2.5-hour drive north of Los Angeles, the Scandinavian half-timbered architecture makes it feel as if you’ve stepped into an authentic European village. Some say Californians are serious about their wine and relaxed about everything else… And wine is indeed a serious business around here. It’s a water taxi! With big rooms and beds that will give you a fantastic night’s sleep, there’s also ample car parking for guests who arrive by car. Time for some California dreamin’. A stretch of sand that not many travelers get to, let alone even know of its existence. Learn how to travel the world for less than $10 per day with the Backpacker Bible! More information. Prices vary depending on which island you plan to visit and the activities you choose. Your email address will not be published. Voted “Santa Barbara’s Best Wine Tour” 2 years consecutively, choose between wine country biking tours, wine and cupcake pairing tours, or shuttle service tours, it’s the perfect holiday activity. If you’ve got more time, you could even take a week-long course to really take in the surfer vibes here. There is a lot of beautiful raw nature and a lot of water to be explored, so why not hire yourself a kayak (or two, if there’s a lot of you) and paddle out into the wild? Discover the 65 most romantic things to do in Santa Barbara, CA - including date ideas and other romantic activities for couples, ranked by 28,274 user reviews! Whale watching is one of the most fun things to do in Santa Barbara all year around. Travelers favorites include #1 East Beach, #2 Old Mission Santa Barbara and more. Nestled between the majestic Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, Santa Barbara boasts an average 300 sunny days a year and temperatures that generally stay between the mid-60s and mid-70s. One of the best things to do in Santa Barbara is sampling the regional wine. Spend a few days in Santa Barbara and it’s safe to say you’ll never want to leave. If you still need gift ideas, don’t forget about Santa Barbara Adventure Company’s gift certificates…everyone wants a kayaking trip in the Channel Islands or a wine and bike tour for Christmas? Dipping in and out of all the delicious eateries, trying the otherworldly Harry’s Plaza Cafe, and washing it all down with drinks at Chase Bar & Grill. Stop by the Explore Store at the Santa Barbara Zoo for an easy craft that’s fun for all ages! Find things to do in Santa Barbara, CA this weekend. Dorms are clean and fashionable — as is the kitchen, which is great for cooking a meal or hanging out with other travelers. A true haven of horticulture! You can connect and follow her journey on Instagram! December 1, 2016 | 4:24 p.m. As the holiday season rolls in, Santa Barbara County residents will have plenty of opportunities to get into the spirit beginning with several events this weekend. to book in advance. Have a memorable, dreamy date with the 10 Best Romantic Things to Do in Santa Barbara, picked by a 10Best local expert. Come down and buy local fresh vegetables, fruits, flowers, small plants and specialty items. But the route doesn’t really require you to go by water, you can easily walk it. We invite you to explore upcoming events in Santa Barbara's Downtown and neighboring districts with our interactive calendar. Please visit the link to find out how you can help keep the site going 🙂. As you might have been able to tell from the name, Skaters Point is where all the skaters hang out. If you’re feeling like you want to get out and about, get a bit of exercise on you and grab yourself a rental bike in Santa Barbara. We work hard to put out the best backpacker resources on the web, for free! Lessons are a blast and most people “get up” within their first half-hour of learning – sign up for a lesson here. SB is a prime-whale watching destination, and any trip during this time would be incomplete without a cruise on The Condor Express or the Double Dolphin. It’s also FREE at the moment! Visit Santa Barbara. This book is the culmination of over 10 years of travel and living on a shoestring budget. This means that if you book your accommodation, buy a book or sort your insurance, we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. And don’t worry: it’s not too hard, so it’s doable even if you’re not a regular hiker. All you have to do is join the trailhead at Tunnel Road. Required fields are marked *. We’ve talked about the wine in Santa Barbara, but there’s also beer… and lots of it! The highs aren’t uncomfortably hot, but the lows are ridiculously comfortable. Enjoy a show at Santa Barbara’s oldest theatre, dating all the way back to 1931! Airbnb's Most Unique Properties Worldwide, I consent to my personal information being processed in accordance with The Broke Backpackers. Head to La Cumbre Peak and go Mountain to Shore: grab a bike from one of the many rental bike shops and then cruise all the way to the beach. Close to a nature reserve and many other stunning coastal areas, this private house will give you all the space and comfort you need for an easygoing trip. Exploring Lotusland is one of coolest things to do in Santa Barbara, for sure! It’s just another one on the list of quirky things to do in Santa Barbara. Close, Most Unusual Thing to Do in Santa Barbara, Best Thing to Do in Santa Barbara at Night, Most Romantic Thing to Do in Santa Barbara. San Diego, Santa Barbara, and beyond—there is so much to see in So Cal. From luxe city escapes to ultra chill beaches, you really can live the dream here. Anything we missed? New to the sport? Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. For a firsthand look at one of the country’s most beautiful public buildings, look no further than the Santa Barbara County Courthouse. For the sake of transparency, some of the links in our content are affiliate links. Sign up for The Broke Backpacker newsletter to receive regular tips on how to travel for less plus a FREE copy of The Backpacker Bible! – Santa Barbara Zoo, Saturday or Sunday, December 7-8, 23, 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. , Lobero Theatre – Sunday, December 8, 2:30 p.m. — Art, Music & Theater, Thursday, December 5, 5 p.m. – 8 p.m, – Every Saturday and Tuesday, 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m/4:00pm- 7:30pm, It is California after all, and every day is a beach day here. Pssssst! It’s a more aspirational, upmarket answer to surf town Santa Cruz and a hell of a lot quieter than nearby San Francisco. Please call or visit the website to book in advance.