From top-rated whale-watching tours to day cruises to the Channel Islands, here are some local cruise and boat tour operators in Santa Barbara.

Planning a family trip and unsure where to begin? Start with Santa Barbara. Our coastal city is abundant with a variety of outdoor activities—you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to narrowing down your vacation itinerary.

Be sure to pack your binoculars during your next Santa Barbara vacation, because there is plenty of sea life to witness.

Surfing is at the center of Santa Barbara’s culture. Discover some of the best local and nationally recognized surf shops in The American Riviera®.

Explore the city’s incredible trails, unwind with beachside yoga, kayak along the serene coast or set off on a revitalizing bike ride—all within the breathtaking embrace of The American Riviera®.

Nestled in the foothills of Los Padres National Forest, Inspiration Point is an incredible trail that ends with a stunning panoramic view of the iconic Santa Barbara waterfront, Pacific Ocean and downtown area.

Whether it’s your first time on the ropes or you’re a crag connoisseur, here’s everything you need to know about rock climbing in The American Riviera®. 

Between Mother Nature’s bounty, an abundance of outdoor adventures and the carefully cultivated urban landscapes, Santa Barbara is an Eden for outdoor types.

This fall, epic outdoor activities await, whether you feel the need for speed, crave a fitness challenge or seek more mellow and restorative open-air experiences.

Is it time to get your Om on? There are many places to hit the mat for travelers that want to keep up their yoga practice while visiting Santa Barbara. The Santa Barbara yoga community warmly welcomes newcomers into their fold, whether you’re an…

Santa Barbara’s majestic wilderness areas abound with unexpected finds and hidden gems—including some wonderful waterfalls. So, lace up your sneakers—or hiking boots—and hit one of these invigorating trails.

Mother Nature wasn’t messing around when she made Santa Barbara an outdoor recreationalists’ paradise. Mountains? Check. Pacific coastline? Over 100 miles of it. Islands? Yes, we’ve got those too. The landscape list goes on and on. Even…

The Channel Islands National Park and Marine Sanctuary is a natural wonderland and incredibly rich ecosystem located 20 miles offshore of Santa Barbara. Here are five reasons why kayaking Painted Cave should be on your bucket list this…

Gorgeous ocean views, diverse terrain and a delightfully mild climate make Santa Barbara an ideal place for a bike ride. With bike trails to suit every experience level and ability, you’ll have no trouble finding the right path, whether it’s…

Santa Barbara is an epicenter of outdoor adventure and water sports. Between the diverse and dramatic landscapes and the mild climate that makes it possible to play outside anytime of year, it’s an epic place to get your adventure on—especially…

It doesn’t technically have to be summer to embrace the “Endless Summer” lifestyle in Santa Barbara—maybe that’s what inspired the late Bruce Brown, filmmaker of Endless Summer and Endless Summer II, to make The American Riviera® his…

Whether you’re looking for a peaceful sanctuary or an upbeat ambiance, you can find a hotel pool in Santa Barbara to suit your style.

The good land of Goleta is well suited to an action-packed guys’ getaway when the line-up calls for equal parts adventure, entertainment and refreshment.

The perfect sandy oasis is a quick bike ride away in Santa Barbara. In fact, Santa Barbara has pioneered the quintessential beach town with its vibrant setting, romantic shorelines and carefree atmosphere. Rent some wheels from BCycle Santa Barbara…

Looking for family fun? Use this itinerary to plan the perfect five-day family vacation in the city known as The America’s Riviera®.

Santa Barbara’s diverse natural landscape is a year-round playground serving up memorable adventures on land, at sea and even in the sky.

Santa Barbara is a one-of-a-kind vacation destination, especially with the kiddos in tow. From interactive museums to endless beach days, there are countless ways to keep everyone, at every age, entertained. For families looking for the adventure of…

While a sunset paired with breathtaking ocean views is beautiful no matter where you are in the city, a golden hour viewing at any of these swoon-worthy Santa Barbara locations is certainly worth the detour.

Vacations are better when all members of the family can go, even the four-legged ones. And for those in search of a destination that will welcome and entertain your canine companion with open paws, Santa Barbara is the perfect spot. From beaches, parks, and trails, to dog-friendly cafes and even wine tasting rooms, there are plenty of activities for you and your dog to enjoy together.

Tucked between the Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, Santa Barbara features the best of both worlds when it comes to outdoor adventure. If you’re an outdoor lover, here are 10 ways that you can get the most out of Santa Barbara getaway.