Adventure Sports

Santa Barbara is an adventure seeker’s paradise.  The East-to-West Santa Ynez Mountain range cascades into the wild blue Pacific, resulting in an unlimited adventure center. Whether you’re looking for the ultimate thrill, or an exciting way to have fun with the family, Santa Barbara has the perfect adventure for you. Start the morning off with a vista-filled hike before hitting the water for some stand-up paddle boarding, exploring in a sea kayak, or venturing out to Channel Islands National Park.

Want to keep things at ground level? Santa Barbara’s hills and bike paths offers some of the best cycling in the country. Ride routes through wine country, or along the famed Pacific Coast Highway.

Searching for something loftier? Try piloting a paraglider. You’ll get a bird’s eye view while hovering above Santa Barbara’s scenic red tile roofs and looming views.

And if all of that isn’t enough, hit up some of the area’s renowned surf breaks. Learn from local instructors or simply rent a board and explore on your own. From beginner to advanced, waves ranging in size and style beckon you to literally hop on board and go for a ride.

Adventure Sports in Santa Barbara


Santa Barbara Adventure Company

Experience an unforgettable adventure in Santa Barbara with the city's premier outfitter, providing exciting experiences to thousands of visitors yearly. CHANNEL ISLANDS TOURS Sea Cave Kayaking Tour at Channel Islands National ParkExplore Channel…


Channel Islands Adventure Company

Prepare for an unforgettable adventure at Scorpion Anchorage on Santa Cruz Island, part of Channel Islands National Park. Guests will have the chance to see unique wildlife up close, navigate renowned sea caves, and wander through dense kelp…


Surf Happens Premier Surf School

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…


Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary

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…


Channel Islands Expeditions

Day Trips to the Channel Islands National Park from Santa Barbara Harbor Santa Barbara is the entrance to the Channel Islands National Park across one of the most biologically diverse bodies of water on earth, the Santa Barbara…


Santa Barbara Trapeze Co.

Santa Barbara Trapeze Company is Southern California’s premier flying trapeze school, but it’s not just a circus school - it’s a space where you come and find out who you are, and what you are made of; you will leave feeling…


Santa Barbara Sailing Center/Double Dolphin Cruises

California’s premier destination for on-the-water fun. If you're looking for a little adventure, we offer kayak & stand up paddle board rentals, tours & instruction. Learn to sail, charter a sailboat with a captain, rent a variety of…


Additional Experiences


Adrenaline Pumping Activities
Choose your next heart-pumping adventure and experience a different side of Santa Barbara under the expert guidance of local adventure outfitters.
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