January in Santa Barbara presents the opportunity to ditch the chill of winter and embrace a season filled with epic outdoor excursions and performances that light up the night. With average daytime temperatures in the mid-60s and 70s, January is ideal for getting outside, exploring the coast and making time for a little post-holiday self-care.
Ring in the new year with these noteworthy recommendations for a wide variety of wellness-centered activities that invite you to treat yourself in more ways than one.
Spas & wellness
Start off the year in luxury with a rejuvenating self-care day at one of these spas to soothe your soul. Santa Barbara is also home to a wide array of yoga studios where you can get your om on in January, as well as plenty of opportunities to practice mindfulness through art, ocean and sound therapy.
WINERY TOURS
If you’re looking to relax and venture inland, Santa Barbara Wine Country Tours, Rooted Vine Tours or Sustainable Wine Tours take guests through several vineyards and tasting rooms; all you have to do is sit back, leave the planning to someone else and cheers to a fresh chapter. Or, embark on the Urban Wine Trail, which whisks you through popular Santa Barbara districts like the Funk Zone and Presidio Neighborhood.
ATTRACTIONS, ENTERTAINMENT & SHOPPING
Now that the festive season is over, slow down and spend some time at a few of Santa Barbara’s best attractions, museums and live music venues.
Pay a visit to the Santa Barbara Zoo before IllumaNature comes to a close (typically early to mid-month) and watch the grounds come to life with illuminating lanterns that represent the lions, elephants and sea creatures you’ll meet there.
January is also an excellent time to visit museums, with fewer crowds and the year-end hustle and bustle in the rearview. At the Santa Barbara Museum of Art, browse thousands of works of art that span more than 5,000 years before buying a little present for yourself in the curated gift shop. For families, MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation offers an opportunity for kids to play while learning through interactive, STEM-themed exhibits.
The flip of the calendar at Lobero Theatre means a fresh lineup of touring artists, spanning genres like folk, jazz and classical. In the ARTS District, catch more live music at Granada Theatre, where the symphony season is in full swing. Before the show, score post-holiday sales while shopping at boutique stores in Arlington Plaza or La Arcada Plaza.
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
Jumpstart your fitness after year-end celebrations by taking advantage of the warm, fresh air and ocean breeze that blows through the Santa Barbara South Coast. Bust out your hiking boots and explore the best hikes in Santa Barbara — like Santa Barbara Botanic Garden’s Tipton Trail — for scenic views of the city and the Pacific.
Kick off the year with a kayaking excursion to Channel Islands National Park with Channel Islands Expeditions or Santa Barbara Adventure Company. In these beautiful waters, you’ll find bountiful wildlife and impressive sea caves.
If biking is more your speed, the coastal enclave boasts a number of popular bike trails that range from beginner to intermediate and offer sweeping vistas from various lookouts. Hit the trails with local cycling companies, like Santa Barbara BCycle and Cal Coast Adventures. Or, opt to get your steps in with a stroll through the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, Montecito’s stunning Ganna Walska Lotusland or a tranquil visit to The Sacred Space.
And finally, dive into that new hobby you’ve always wanted to try with stand-up paddleboard lessons with Paddle Sports Center, sailing lessons with Santa Barbara Sailing Center or surfing lessons with Surf Happens.
