Show the special father figure in your life just how much you love and appreciate him this Father’s Day. Whether he’s a zythophile (beer lover), oenophile (wine lover), loves to fire up the barbecue grill or relax on the golf course—in Santa Barbara, you’re sure to find something to make him smile. And now that the travel season is in full swing, it’s the perfect time for a celebratory weekend getaway. There will be plenty of space to recharge, relax and raise a glass to Dad.*
To ignite inspiration, use this ultra-handy list of suggestions to find the perfect activity or gift for dear ol’ Dad.
*For the latest, up-to-date information about the current status of each event, please check each event website.
Food and Libations
Father’s Day Brunch at The Set
Treat Dad to an ocean view and chef’s fabulous prix fixe brunch menu, featuring sweet and savory summer-inspired dishes at Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort. Enjoy delicious food, drink specials and live music from local musician Al Vafa from 11:30 a.m-3 p.m. Indoor, patio and front lawn seating are available.
Cost: Varies
Father’s Day Baskets and Boxes from Santa Barbara Gift Baskets
Let the father figure in your life experience the tastes of Santa Barbara with all of his favorites in one delectable package sent to his doorstep from Santa Barbara Gift Baskets. You can select from a variety of options including the Hoppy Poppy Beer Box featuring the Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co.’s famous Hoppy Poppy IPA, a masculine scented bar of Grapeseed Co. soap and other local tasty treats. If he’s more of a wine lover, there are also several great gift baskets filled to the brim with local Santa Barbara wine and goodies.
If Dad is more of a grill master, the “Sip, Snack, Season & Grill Box” is a perfect way to kick-start the summer season, as it will provide him with all of the ingredients to prep a delicious barbecue meal including local Shalhoob Meat Co. Original Seasoning for all meats and vegetables, Shalhoob’s sweet and smoky barbecue rub, its signature Santa Barbara Style Beef Jerky and two tall Shalhoob beers. Top it off with a custom grilling apron and he’ll be grinning from ear to ear.
Curated Father’s Day Gifts from Santa Barbara Company
Santa Barbara Company is your one-stop shop for unique gifts from local companies throughout the area. This Father’s Day, select from a variety of curated gifts perfect for Dad, such as pint glasses, snacks, coffee, artwork and more. Santa Barbara Company also puts together themed boxes to make choosing a gift a breeze.
FATHER’S DAY Activities
A Gift That’s Just His Cup of “Tee”
Why not give Dad a relaxing day of golf under the warm Santa Barbara sun? Golf courses are open and ready to provide Dad with the outdoor escape he deserves. Glen Annie Golf Club is a championship golf course situated in the rolling foothills of scenic Santa Barbara, enhanced by breathtaking panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and the Channel Islands. On a seaside bluff, Sandpiper Golf Club is a 7,000-yard, links-style course that boasts ocean and mountain views from every hole—you’re closer to the ocean here than you are on any hole at Pebble Beach.
Santa Barbara Golf Club is a well-manicured, 18-hole regulation par-70 golf course that also includes sweeping views of the Santa Ynez foothills and the Pacific Ocean as a backdrop. The course measures 6,022 yards from back tees, providing Dad with a challenging game. Or, if Dad wants to get in a quick round, Hidden Oaks is a nine-hole course that combines the classic California palm tree landscape alongside 100-year-old oak trees. This course can typically be played in just 1.5 hours and is perfect for players of all caliber. Read more about how Santa Barbara makes for the ultimate golfing destination.
One With Nature
For the outdoorsy dad, take him to the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History for a day of exploratory fun. The museum’s outdoor exhibits will be open for you to wander through hundreds of butterflies fluttering freely in the dazzling summer Butterflies Alive! exhibit and explore the Backyard and shady wooded areas along Mission Creek. Or, explore the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, a 78-acre garden filled with a variety of cultivated displays as well as natural coast live oak and riparian woodlands. With over 1,000 different types of plants on display, there is always something new to experience. The museum and garden are both places to connect as a family and experience nature up close.
Celebrate Your Favorite Captain
For Dads that love sailing and being on the ocean blue, a private charter through Santa Barbara Sailing Center or SunSwept Sailing is the ultimate gift for your sailor and his shipmates. Your private group—up to six passengers—can experience the fun and magic of cruising along Santa Barbara’s pristine coastline. Dad can choose to enjoy the 360-degree views or help sail the yacht himself with guidance from the captain.
If sailing isn’t quite his forte, Santa Barbara Sailing Center and Paddle Sports Center offers other fun options including stand-up paddleboards or kayaks.
Outdoor Adventure in The American Riviera®
Santa Barbara is the perfect outdoor playground for dads of any age to explore and feel like a kid again. You can choose from a menu of adventures including kayaking, stand up paddleboarding, hiking, biking, surfing, sea kayaking, rock climbing or an exploratory day trip to Channel Islands National Park with Channel Islands Expeditions, where you can kayak and snorkel among diverse wildlife and breathtaking sea caves.
Santa Barbara Adventure Company has a variety of options available to book, including a 2.5-hour Father’s Day kayak tour on Santa Cruz Island, a “Harbor Fun Paddle” kayak tour in the Santa Barbara Harbor, a two-mile sunset kayak tour, an all-day wine tour in the Santa Ynez mountains surf and SUP lessons. Be sure to use discount code “DADROCKS” this Father’s Day for 20% off any kayak or wine tour.
Pampering
For the Dad that is a Cut Above the Rest
Dads need to be pampered too! This Father’s Day, surprise Pops with a trip to the barbershop so that he can feel fresh and dapper. Local Santa Barbara barbershops, including Goodland Barber Shop, The Barber Shop, Wolf’s Head, Fairview Barbers and Chandler Men’s Salon, provide a variety of services in order to make the special man in your life feel his best.