During the month of April, spring is in full bloom with activities for the entire family almost as plentiful as the poppies that blossom on nearby Figueroa Mountain. As the birthplace of the modern environmental movement and Earth Day in 1969, Santa Barbara pulls out all stops to celebrate Mother Earth this month. From horseback riding, biking and hiking amongst the wildflowers to getting out on the water in a kayak or paddleboard, choose from a variety of healthy outdoor adventures. Feel the gentle breeze of spring and savor the bounty of the region with an al fresco dining experience or wine tasting along the Urban Wine Trail.
Seasonal tip? Explore the Santa Barbara South Coast at your leisure and choose from nearly 20 local accommodations offering a 3rd night free when you book a two-night stay. With so many outdoor adventures to experience and epic shows to see, do yourself a favor and add on an extra night.
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Santa Barbara Earth Day 2022
Santa Barbara proudly retains the title of “birthplace of Earth Day,” and there is no shortage of ways you can show your gratitude for the planet. Honor our home and learn more about how we can help heal Mother Earth at CEC’s Earth Day Event at the Arlington Theater on April 23, 2022. You can also discover ways to eat and drink green by visiting farm-to-table restaurants or sipping sustainable wines from local vintners. Santa Barbara’s bountiful outdoor space beckons to all to adventure through the greener side of our coastal enclave, including the best hikes, incredible waterfalls, bike paths and more. Don’t forget to get out on the water on a surfboard, kayak, or SUP, or just relax on the beach and breathe in the fresh ocean air. If you feel like shopping, check out one of the many local retailers that are committed to being eco-friendly. Parks and gardens burst with vibrant colors this time of year, so take your lunch to one of the many shady spaces in town and listen to the ethereal buzz of insects and singing birds. The peaceful escape will bring you gratitude for our planet, as well as inspiration for the future.
Not finished with the plentiful Santa Barbara art scene? Through April 15, the Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara presents This Basic Asymmetry, a group exhibition of five artists that creates a space for the viewer to reflect on their own bodily relationship and movement. Speaking of movement, Flamenco Arts Festival has produced Flamenco on Film (April 23-24), a virtual two-day cinematic look into the world of Flamenco, where you can learn about the history of the beautiful dance style, and practice your fancy footwork in the comfort of your own home.
For the Music-Minded
Perched in the Santa Barbara foothills, overlooking downtown and the expansive ocean, the Santa Barbara Bowl’s highly anticipated 2022 Concert Season continues at the start of April. First up is Portugal.The Man and alt-J (April 2), then get ready for Ben Platt (April 6) and Billy Strings (April 9-10). Rounding out the month will be a performance by English electronic music duo Disclosure (April 20). The intimate 4,900-seat outdoor amphitheater is simply an unforgettable venue, and take the opportunity to sip on a pre-show drink on the upper terrace, featuring a 270-degree sunset view of Santa Barbara, before dancing the night away. Be sure to check the schedule lineup as more concert dates continue to be announced.
April in Santa Barbara is known for temperate sunny days and mild nights, and what better weather to wine taste in than that? Out in Santa Barbara Wine Country, Zaca Mesa Winery is set to host a Seafood Boil (April 2), where you can chow down on spicy, steaming hot shellfish and other accouterments as you savor a glass or two of wine. Tip: don’t wear any white clothing, for seafood boils tend to burst with flavor (literally)! Back in downtown Santa Barbara, the Urban Wine Trail provides a great way to savor the area’s local wine scene and venture through unique parts of town that you might otherwise miss. Meet winemakers and experience first-hand how the passion that goes into their craft truly shines in the varietals. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, there are myriad new restaurants to dig into, as well as the classic hotspots that also offer outdoor seating so you can continue soaking up the gorgeous weather. Cheers!
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