Santa Barbara begins to warm up in February, bringing tidings of spring on the horizon. With plenty of sunshine, comfortably cool afternoons and longer daylight hours, it’s one of the best months to discover this coastal city. Things to do range from outdoor recreation and shopping to settling in for a film premiere in a historic theater. Or for a slower pace, enjoy a refreshing pint of craft beer on a sunny patio or a glass of local pinot noir with that special someone.
EVENTS & FESTIVALS
Experience Santa Barbara’s cinematic side during the Santa Barbara International Film Festival. Filmmakers, actors and movie lovers gather in The American Riviera® for film screenings, celebrity tribute events, panel discussions and more. Past honorees include Adam Sandler, Michael B. Jordan and Stellan Skarsgård, so you never know who might take the stage next.
Explore the Santa Barbara Antique, Decorative Arts & Vintage Show & Sale at Earl Warren Showgrounds, where rows of renowned dealers showcase an eclectic mix of treasures. Browse everything from 17th-century rarities to mid-century marvels, including furniture, jewelry, art and more.
ROMANTIC DATE NIGHT IDEAS
February is the perfect opportunity for a romantic getaway. For wine lovers, Santa Barbara boasts a number of restaurants with amazing wine lists to sip your way through. From traditional steakhouses and Italian eateries to trendy bistros serving farm-forward California cuisine, agreeing on a dinner spot will be easy — deciding which dishes to share might be another story.
If the time is right, Santa Barbara also has an inviting atmosphere for an unforgettable proposal or romantic photo shoot, where the stunning landscape is the ideal backdrop. For those looking for a unique date night, veer off the beaten path with parasailing, beach yoga or art gallery hopping.
VALENTINE’S DAY IN SANTA BARBARA
Find even more romantic ways to spend Valentine’s Day, from sunset picnics and beach walks to delicious candlelit meals.
Show your sweetheart some extra love with handmade artisan chocolates from one of Santa Barbara’s premium purveyors. Twenty-Four Blackbirds specializes in single-origin, bean-to-bar chocolate and offers factory tours with tastings at every stage of the chocolate-making process. Chocolate Maya sells local and imported bonbons and chocolates in creative shapes and flavor combinations. Menchaca Chocolate prides itself on its vegan treats, and the owners often host workshops for chocolate lovers to concoct their own sweet creations.
Celebrating Galentine’s Day? Grab your girls and head to the Santa Barbara South Coast with this girlfriend’s getaway guide in tow, which features wine tasting, mouthwatering meals and incredibly relaxing spa experiences.
LIVE ENTERTAINMENT
February offers no shortage of reasons to make a night of it in Santa Barbara, with live music and performances filling stages across the city. Start with dinner and a show at SOhO Restaurant & Music Club, an intimate downtown venue where local and touring musicians take the stage alongside a full drink and dinner menu featuring locally sourced ingredients.
At the historic Lobero Theatre, the calendar spans an eclectic mix of live music, comedy and more. Over in the ARTS District, the Granada Theatre offers another elegant setting for music and theatrical performances. With restaurants, bars, galleries and venues packed into a walkable area near the theater, the ARTS District is an easy place to plan a night out on the town.
For those looking to happen upon their next favorite band, there’s live music throughout the city year-round. Catch a casual show at a local brewery, discover a new act at an intimate venue or settle in for a late-night set at a piano bar.
