March is undeniably one of the most picture-perfect times to visit Santa Barbara with its countless vibrant displays of color found everywhere on our crescent coast, including everything from wildflowers sprinkled on hillsides to sunsets of every hue. Add temperate weather, incredible music performances and a variety of unique local festivals, there’s no shortage of reasons to visit this spring.
To ensure an eventful and culture-filled stay, read on to discover why March is the ideal time to visit Santa Barbara.
Spring Has Sprung
March in Santa Barbara means it’s time to take advantage of the myriad outdoor adventures our coastal enclave has to offer. March 20 is the official first day of spring, so celebrate the coming of the new season by getting out in nature with a stroll through Santa Barbara Botanic Garden or Lotusland or a guided tour through the Funk Zone, waterfront or old town Santa Barbara with Santa Barbara Free Walking Tours.
Another draw to the California coast during March is the prime whale watching. Every year between February and May, Pacific gray whales migrate from the warm waters of Baja California, through the wildlife-rich Santa Barbara Channel, and then to the chilled Alaskan coast, making it one of the longest and most incredible migrations of any mammal. With plenty of on-the-water outfitters for those who prefer an adventurous, full day of powerboating, Condor Express Whale Watching offers wildlife excursions year-round while Celebration Cruises taps into the limited whale watching season. SunSwept Sailing, Santa Barbara Sailing Center and Sunset Kidd Sailing offer more laid-back, intimate experiences in wildlife viewing aboard sailboats.
Whether you need a solo springtime reset and refresh, or plan to bring the whole family for a week of relaxation, consider Santa Barbara your activity-filled, spring break destination.
Live Performances
Live music is blooming this March, kicking off with shows at Lobero Theatre like The Little Mermaid (March 1-2), Delfeayo Marsalis and the Uptown Jazz Orchestra (March 7), Gilles Apap & Friends (March 8), Solas 30th Anniversary Tour (March 12), Asleep at the Wheel (March 26) and others.
At nearby Granada Theatre, performances like Temptations cover band Ain’t Too Proud (March 11-12), Jim Henson’s Labyrinth (March 16) and The Seven Deadly Sins (March 22-23).
On March 5-6 at The Arlington Theatre, treat yourself to a weekend of exhilarating mountain adventures ranging from ice climbing to high-altitude ballooning at the Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour.
EVENTS
Between Feb. 27 and March 1 at The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara, World of Pinot Noir gathers the world’s most respected winemakers, renowned chefs, sommeliers and leading wine scholars in this weekend-long seaside celebration of all things pinot noir.
The 77th Annual Santa Barbara International Orchid Show invites you to stop and smell the orchids on March 7-9, where visitors can admire orchid exhibits ranging from extravagant art installations, show-stopping floral arrangements, stunning photography and, of course, a wide array of exotic orchid displays. This year’s events include a yoga and sound bath experience in partnership with Santa Barbara Beach Yoga, a four-course dinner in the grounds exotic garden exhibit and “Orchids After Dark,” where guests can explore the exhibit, skipping the crowds and opting for an after-hours ambiance.
March 13, step into the magic of the Howl: Worm Moon at Djinn with craft cocktails, Tarot and Runes readings, vinyl spins by Val-Mar Records and classic games. This free event at Hotel Californian promises an unforgettable night under the full moon.
Lively Libations
Grab your green clothing and head out to one of Santa Barbara’s Irish bars to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day weekend on March 15-16. Tap into the luck of the Irish (and maybe a pint or two of Guinness) and hit the streets of downtown Santa Barbara with the Santa Barbara St. Patrick’s Day Pub Crawl. If you’d rather skip the crowd but still want to enjoy a cold pint, discover the Santa Barbara South Coast’s extensive craft beer scene, spanning from Goleta to downtown Santa Barbara. Choose from tons of local and imported IPAs, sour beers, porters and so much more. Many of the breweries also offer games, food and live music.
If you want to keep the good times rolling after the holiday, National Cocktail Day happens to land on March 24, and what better way to celebrate than by sipping on a fruity concoction made with local honey and lavender, or a bourbon-based favorite? Explore numerous and unique watering holes throughout town to find the best cocktails or check out these 10 hotel bars in Santa Barbara.