Summer days in the Santa Barbara South Coast are nothing short of unforgettable. Bike by the beach, sail along the coast, sip local wine—the possibilities are limitless when you’re on Santa Barbara time. When planning your next trip, be sure to cite this list as your ultimate guide to the area’s best events and activities. As we welcome warmer weather, kick off your summer vacation in the beachside bliss of The American Riviera®.
Things to Do This Summer in Santa Barbara
AUGUST events
Pacific Pride Festival
Each August, which is Santa Barbara’s official Pride Month, the Pacific Pride Foundation hosts the annual Pacific Pride Festival at Chase Palm Park. This all-day celebration honors the LGBTQ+ community from Santa Barbara and beyond. With around 30 vendors, attendees can explore a variety of booths offering local food, crafts, and information from organizations advocating for LGBTQ+ rights. This event is a highlight of Santa Barbara’s Pride celebrations.
Photo credit: @kao_wonder via Instagram
September events
Santa Barbara Studio Artists Open Studios Tour
Each Labor Day weekend, the Santa Barbara Studio Artists’ Open Studios Tour makes its return, offering a celebrated chance to meet some of the area’s most talented artists and see their creative processes up close.
Santa Barbara Sea Glass & Ocean Arts Festival
Santa Barbara, a hub for artisans, makers, and designers who cherish local craftsmanship, offers the perfect setting to celebrate art made from the ocean’s natural treasures. The Santa Barbara Sea Glass & Ocean Arts Festival is your one-stop-shop to find beautiful sea glass jewelry and discover ocean-themed art inspired by this coastal paradise. It’s a wonderful opportunity to shop for unique gifts and enjoy the artistic creativity of the region.
Ongoing Events
Santa Barbara Bowl Summer Lineup
A quintessential summer getaway to Santa Barbara always includes listening to live music and entertainers under the stars at the intimate Santa Barbara Bowl. With 4,500 seats, each view provides an ocean view set in the foothills of Santa Barbara’s Riviera neighborhood. This year, catch shows like Cage the Elephant (July 3), Ziggy Marley (July 21), Rebelution (Aug. 14 and 15) and more.
Photo credit: @killdevilfalls via Instagram
Santa Barbara Arts and Crafts Show
The artists of Santa Barbara gather together each Sunday to line Cabrillo Boulevard from Stearns Wharf to Calle Cesar Chavez at 10 a.m. until dusk. Featuring all original artwork by local artists, this show is the only continuous, non-juried arts festival of original drawings, paintings, graphics, sculpture, crafts and photography in the world. You’re going to want extra space in your suitcase to bring one-of-a-kind treasures and souvenirs for loved ones back home.
Cost: Admission is free
Photo credit: Jay Sinclair
Free Summer Cinema
Take advantage of a beloved local tradition: The free outdoor cinema series presented seasonally by UCSB’s Arts & Lectures on Friday evenings. The Summer Courthouse Film Series features films from across the decades and is set in the courthouse’s sunken gardens, with the architectural landmark building adding drama to the picturesque backdrop. This year’s theme? “Sun, Surf and Cinema,” featuring titles like “Mamma Mia!” and “50 First Dates.” As early as noon on film days, attendees can save a spot with a picnic blanket or low-back chairs on the Santa Barbara Courthouse lawn. Guests are also encouraged to bring food and beverages to enjoy with the film and a cozy layer is recommended to stay warm after the sun goes down.
Cost: Admission is free
Sipping on the Sea
Set sail with the fresh ocean breeze and a chilled glass of local libations at Sipping on the Sea. Every third Thursday from May through October, Double Dolphin features a local winery or brewery representative to pour tastings and educate on their selection of local sips. Bask in the golden glow of a famed Santa Barbara sunset near the end of your two-hour excursion. The summer lineup features local vendors like High Seas Mead, Topa Topa Brewing, Fess Parker Winery and more.
Cost: $85/person (21+ only)
Butterflies Alive!
The butterflies have returned to Sprague Butterfly Pavilion! Take a peaceful stroll through the lush enclosed garden and learn about local and exotic varieties of butterflies this summer. This is the perfect summer activity for all ages and is a beautiful extension to the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, teeming with rich knowledge of the area.
Cost: Included in museum admission.
Photo by: @michellelaurenphotography via Instagram
Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club
Plan a visit to the Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club for a Sunday Polo match, where ladies don their finest hats and gentlemen dress to the nines to watch the thrilling equine sport. Revel in the speed and agility of both the jockeys and horses, and graze on a tasty charcuterie platter under shaded awnings—and maybe even catch a glimpse of Prince Harry on the field. The pristine grass and stunning mountain views make an unforgettable backdrop to gaze at while sipping champagne and cheering on the players.
Cost: Tickets start at $30/person
Music on the Water
Waves of music! Join Santa Barbara Sailing Center for a unique experience aboard the Double Dolphin. This 50-foot cruising catamaran sets sail every Friday evening between Memorial Day and October for a “Music on the Water” Sunset Cruise. See some of Santa Barbara’s local musicians perform while enjoying the sunset and soaking up the majestic views of the Santa Barbara coastline. Some of annual local lineup includes artists Justin Claveria, Ross Harper and David Segall.
Cost: $85/person
Outdoor Summer Activities
From Mountainside to Beachside
Make summer in Santa Barbara as relaxing or adventurous as you want it to be. From mountains to beaches, Santa Barbara has all the outdoor offerings a nature-lover could ask for. Use this downtime to clear your head with a scenic hike. Complete with photo ops along the way, picturesque views are motivation enough to hit the trails.
Santa Barbara knows how to show off some serious beach vibes, too. Think swaying palm trees, unforgettable sunsets, sandy and sparkling waters. At one of the area’s seven can’t-miss beaches, get your feet wet with a range of activities, experiences and excursions beyond building sandcastles. Re-energize with a sunrise salutation or leisurely walk on the beach. The panoramic ocean and mountain views can be downright cathartic.
Get on the Water
An “Endless Summer” spirit and catching waves have been a favorite pastime among locals long before it was a world-recognized sport. Offering something for every ability level, you’ll be able to find the perfect set at one of these top Santa Barbara surf breaks. For a more laid-back experience, head to Santa Barbara Harbor for additional ways to get out and on the water. Glide your way across the Pacific and into serene ocean surroundings with a kayak or stand-up paddleboard. For those with an adventurous spirit, go high above the seas with Santa Barbara Parasail or explore underwater riches with Channel Island Expeditions.
Find a Perfect Path
Santa Barbara prides itself in being ultra bike-friendly. Gear up for a leisurely palm tree-lined ride along the Waterfront on the Cabrillo Bike Path from Leadbetter Beach to Butterfly Beach. Make a pitstop on historic Stearns Wharf to look for sea lions then continue riding past the Andree Clark Bird Refuge. For an action-packed ride, mountain bikers love the challenge of Santa Barbara’s front and backcountry trails. No matter what path you take, enjoy the sun on your face and the breeze in your hair.
On the Green
Gear up with your trusted clubs and tees and get ready for a round of golf on the sublime greens in Santa Barbara and Goleta. Revel in wide-open, fresh-air courses that come complete with ocean and mountain views. To get started here are three golf courses that offer lush fairways and smooth, fast greens all within a short drive of one another.
Put it in Park
Flora and fauna have a long and fragrant history in Santa Barbara. Scattered throughout the destination, you can find pockets of paradise to spend the afternoon, take a stroll, have a picnic or simply encounter breathtaking city views. While some parks and gardens are more well-known than others, we’ve compiled a list of the ten not-so-secret parks and gardens of Santa Barbara.
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