Getting outside is essential in Santa Barbara. The Santa Ynez Mountains offer endless opportunities to hike and bike your way to amazing scenic vistas. The golden ridgelines cascade into the Pacific where you’ll find a plethora of activities on the water, including kayaking, surfing, SUP and more, as well as incredible views of the California coastline. On any given day, you’ll find pick-up beach volleyball games, people sea kayaking from Stearns Wharf to the Harbor, boats setting sail to go whale watching, and stand-up paddleboarders sliding across the water.
Santa Barbara’s climate, which boasts over 300 days of sunshine every year, is a huge draw for those looking for some outdoor adventure year-round. Start the day with a hike. Go rock climbing, or take a surf lesson. Sail away, or hop in an ATV and take an open-air tour. You’ll find a wide variety of options for outdoor fun here, including guided outdoor tours and lessons that give you a chance to learn a new skill.
And it doesn’t stop there. Just across the Santa Barbara Channel is the Channel Islands Marine Preserve, home to one of the most unique national parks in the world. Here you can hike, sea kayak, snorkel, or scuba dive to get one-of-a-kind encounters with local marine life. Keep an eye out for migrating whales and playful dolphins on the short ferry ride out to the islands.
It’s easy to start your outdoor adventure in Santa Barbara.
Bask in Santa Barbara’s botanical beauty on a visit to Lotusland, a stunning 37-acre Montecito estate once owned by the late Madame Ganna Walska. A well-known opera singer and socialite, she purchased the property in 1941 and spent the next…
See a part of Santa Barbara few visitors ever get to experience with the best outfitter in town. Our guides create thousands of unforgettable travel adventures each year – come join us! Channel Islands National Park - Sea Cave…
Established in 1911, the Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club is the third oldest polo facility in the United States and is world renowned for its four lush polo fields and international outdoor competition. In addition to the playing fields and…
The Paddle Sports Center is Santa Barbara's premier Kayak | SUP | Surf rental, membership, instruction center. we have been around since 1993 offering the highest quality experience, gear and instruction. We are conveniently located in…
Surf Happens is Santa Barbara’s premier surf school – this is our profession and our passion. We are a community-based business dedicated to sharing the spirit of Aloha and the lifestyle of surfing with people of all ages and…
The Condor Express offers daily whale watching trips year round from the Sea Landing dock in the Santa Barbara Harbor. The Condor Express is a 75' state-of-the-art, ecofriendly, high-speed catamaran. Our cruising ground includes the…
This 14,600 square feet of skateboard and in-line fun is located in Chase Palm Park along the waterfront at Garden Street and Cabrillo Blvd. This state-of-the-art cement facility features a half-pipe, rails, fun boxes and other skating elements.…
It’s known as a sport for the soul, and when you paddle out in Santa Barbara, you’ll quickly see why. The surfing in Santa Barbara allows for some of the best in California, with something for every skill level. Photo Credit: Gabriela Herman
Hike up to Lizard's Mouth, where breathtaking views are just the start. Pack a picnic or go rock climbing, and simply let the beauty surround you. Photo Credit: Instagram @drastik805
This oceanfront golf course features beautiful rolling fairways, challenging greens, and a cooling ocean breeze. Photo Credit: Image by Instagram Fan @j_mallmann
Santa Barbara Botanic Garden is covered in vibrant orange as California Poppies are in full bloom during the spring season. Photo Credit: Cecilia Rosell
If you’re planning on checking this iconic coastal travel experience off of your bucket list, make sure you don’t miss these Santa Barbara stops. Photo Credit: Mark Weber
Rock climbers are treated to a scenic resting spot with this swing at Potter's Point. Photo Credit: Instagram Fan @andrew.townsend of @thesaltybrunette
Beautiful marine life, pristine kelp forests, and hidden sea caves along The Channel Island's rugged coastline make it hard to stay away. Photo Credit: Instagram Fan @sbadvemture
Kayak through the kelp forests of the Channel Islands National Park. This unique location is home to both warm water currents from the South and cold water currents from the North. Photo Credit: Instagram Fan @SBAdventure
A vacation that’s actually fun for the whole family is a rare thing indeed. Santa Barbara has loads of attractions and outdoor opportunities that will satisfy kids big and small. Photo Credit: Gabriela Herman
Here, palm trees bend in the breeze and hundreds of boats bob in the harbor. Uncover all of the possibilities of activities along the waterfront. Photo Credit: Mark Weber
