Spring is one of the most rewarding times to visit Santa Barbara. The hillsides are lush and green, wildflowers bloom across open spaces and the days grow longer and warmer — ideal for outdoor exploration, seasonal dining and cultural discovery. Spring brings a lighter, more unhurried rhythm to The American Riviera®, ideal for wandering, lingering and taking in the details.
Spring Events
Spring in Santa Barbara brings a lineup of events that highlight the region’s natural beauty, food culture and community spirit. March kicks off with the Santa Barbara International Orchid Show (March 20-22, 2026), a three-day showcase at Earl Warren Showgrounds featuring thousands of rare and exotic orchids, grower exhibits and expert-led talks.
April 25-26, Earth Day — one of the longest-running Earth Day celebrations in the country — returns to Alameda Park with live music, environmental exhibitors, local food vendors and hands-on activities for all ages. Spring also coincides with Easter celebrations across the South Coast, including special brunches and garden programming at local resorts and historic landmarks.
May celebrates the region’s dining scene with the Santa Barbara Culinary Experience (May 11-17, 2026), a weeklong celebration featuring chef-driven dinners, tastings and winery events that showcase the flavors of Santa Barbara County.
Spring Break in Santa Barbara
For spring break travelers, Santa Barbara offers an easy blend of relaxation and adventure. Families can spend the day at the Santa Barbara Zoo or MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation, enjoy bike rides along the waterfront, take a dip in your hotel pool or take a surf lesson at one of these Santa Barbara surf breaks. Outdoor excursions to Channel Islands National Park provide unforgettable day trips, while family-friendly hotels and beachfront resorts keep dining, shopping and activities within walking distance.
Get Outside This Spring
With mild temperatures and fresh coastal air, spring is prime time for outdoor recreation. Hiking trails like Inspiration Point, Douglas Family Preserve and Rattlesnake Canyon are at their greenest, while the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden’s Tipton Trail showcases native plants in peak bloom. Rock climbing is also in season, with popular spots like Lizards Mouth and The Playground offering comfortable conditions and sweeping coastal views. On the water, calmer spring conditions are ideal for kayaking and paddleboarding in the harbor or sailing along the coast.
Whale watching remains a highlight, with the tail end of gray whale season overlapping with early sightings of blue whales and other sea life in the Santa Barbara Channel. Outfitters like Condor Express and Celebration Cruises offer daily excursions throughout the season.
Food, Wine & Seasonal Flavor
Spring’s arrival is felt across Santa Barbara’s dining scene, from farmers markets to restaurant patios. Local markets brim with strawberries, citrus, leafy greens and fresh herbs, while chefs spotlight seasonal seafood and farm-driven dishes at restaurants like The Lark, Bouchon and Barbareño.
Along the Urban Wine Trail, tasting rooms pour spring releases and crisp rosés — perfect for pairing with sunny afternoons and cooler evenings.
Arts, Culture & Gardens
Spring is an especially rewarding time to explore Santa Barbara’s arts and culture through its architecture and public spaces. The Santa Barbara County Courthouse stands out as a centerpiece, where visitors can admire hand-painted murals, tiled stairways and panoramic views from the clock tower — and, on many days, stumble upon a wedding unfolding in the Sunken Gardens or one of the courthouse’s historic rooms. And springtime marks the beginning of the Santa Barbara Bowl season, the perfect venue to catch one of your favorite artists under the twinkling night sky.
Beyond the Courthouse, murals across downtown, the Funk Zone and surrounding neighborhoods turn everyday walks into open-air galleries, offering moments of color, storytelling and local expression woven into the city itself.
Garden lovers can stroll Lotusland or Alice Keck Park Memorial Garden, both especially vibrant during the spring growing season.
