The Santa Barbara South Coast is ripe with activity during June, whether your goal is to catch a lively polo match, set out on an ocean adventure, celebrate the sunshine in our beachy paradise — or all of the above. June mornings often begin with a soft marine layer along the coast before giving way to warm, sunny afternoons, with highs typically in the low-to-mid 70s and cool evenings.
If you’re itching for a family getaway once school lets out or are just in need of a solo retreat, we’ve compiled a list of quintessential Santa Barbara activities that are sure to make for a memorable visit. Discover what makes Santa Barbara an exciting summer destination and soak up the energy of the city’s many festivals and happenings.
FESTIVALS & EVENTS
Zoo Brew, the Santa Barbara Zoo’s annual fundraiser, brings together craft beer from dozens of local breweries and live entertainment on the zoo’s grassy hillside overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Sip local brews and explore the zoo after hours during this popular summer event.
Be sure to mark your calendar for World Oceans Day at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center on Stearns Wharf. Each June, this event shines a spotlight on ocean conservation and the marine life found just beyond Santa Barbara’s shores. Explore the Sea Center’s interactive exhibits, meet animals from the Santa Barbara Channel and learn more about the local ecosystems that make this stretch of the California coast so special.
Celebrate Black Independence Day at the annual Juneteenth Santa Barbara Block Party. Held at Plaza del Mar, the event honors local Black artists, business owners, performers and organizations, and features food, music and dancing.
Santa Barbara’s Summer Solstice Celebration ushers in the season with a burst of creativity and community spirit that has become one of the city’s most treasured traditions. This beloved annual festival transforms the downtown area into a swirl of wildly imaginative costumes, colorful parade floats and live music. Each year brings a new theme, inspiring locals and visitors alike to dress up, let loose and celebrate with a marketplace of local goods and a beer and wine garden for the grown-ups.
Head to Santa Barbara City College for the Santa Barbara Lavender Festival. This unique arts and crafts festival celebrates lavender-inspired creativity, featuring works from local artisans, lavender farms and small business owners. The Santa Barbara Wine Festival brings standout wineries to the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, where you can sample wines while exploring the museum’s scenic outdoor spaces.
Also happening in June at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History is Butterflies Alive!, where you can walk through a beautiful garden while a dazzling variety of tropical butterflies flutter around you. Learn about the life cycle and behavior of these spectacular invertebrates while observing them up close.
MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT
June is a great time to catch live music at the Santa Barbara Bowl. With its open-air setting, starry skies and cool ocean breezes, the amphitheater makes for an unbeatable concert backdrop.
For a more intimate setting, the historic Lobero Theatre hosts a steady lineup of touring musicians, comedians and tribute acts year-round. The Granada Theatre, a downtown Santa Barbara landmark for more than a century, is a premier venue for ballet and classical music performances. First opened in 1931, The Arlington Theatre is an ideal location to take in a first-run film or enjoy a live concert. Check venue calendars for schedules and ticket information.
AQUATIC ADVENTURES
Looking for on-the-water fun? Santa Barbara has a number of outfitters that provide a wide variety of tours and water-based activities for all ages. Cal Coast Adventures, Paddle Sports Center and Santa Barbara Adventure Company offer guided kayaking and stand-up paddleboard tours, rentals and more for the active-minded.
If you want to get out on the water in a more relaxed setting, The Landshark provides land and sea tours of downtown and the harbor, and the amphibious boat is something you’ll need to “sea” to believe! SunSwept Sailing and Santa Barbara Sailing Center offer private cruises along the coast, and Celebration Cruises provides boats for all occasions. For a short-and-sweet voyage, Lil’ Toot, Santa Barbara’s legendary water taxi, shuttles riders from Stearns Wharf to the harbor and back. Or, if you’re looking for an exhilarating adventure, head out to sea with Santa Barbara Parasail, where you’ll glide up to 1,000 feet above the ocean and take in once-in-a-lifetime views of The American Riviera®.
POLO IN PARADISE
The grassy fields at the Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club boast sweeping ocean views, while the cool sea breeze is a welcome addition to the lively atmosphere. Sip on a chilled glass of Champagne and nibble on charcuterie under the shaded grandstand awning as you cheer on the players. At halftime, take part in a fun polo tradition and help stomp the divots for a spectacular view from the field!
