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.
Located in the beautiful city of Santa Barbara, Elings Park is a 230-acre private, non-profit park boasting incredible views of the city and ocean. From weddings and special events to sports and recreation, Elings offers a variety of activities…
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…
Close to Santa Barbara, yet worlds apart, Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary encompasses the ocean environment surrounding five of the eight California Channel Islands - Anacapa, Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, San Miguel and Santa Barbara. In…
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
Wait for the perfect set, or watch the waves, at one of the area's best scenic surfing locations. Rincon Point. Photo Credit: Instagram Fan @montecrofts
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
