Best time to visit Santa Barbara, CA

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Santa Barbara, CA

11 THINGS TO DO IN SANTA BARBARA, CA (MARCH 02 - MARCH 11)

Poppy Season in the Antelope Valley

Poppy Season in the Antelope Valley

late February–early May (peak in late March–early April) • nature

After winter rains, dry hills burst with new life as billions of technicolor orange poppies bloom

Scenic Road Trips

Scenic Road Trips

all year round • activity

Driving along a large number of picturesque roads with stops near the highlights and most unique spots can be a perfect vacation plan

Painted Lady Butterfly Migration

Painted Lady Butterfly Migration

March  • nature

The skies get filled with beautiful winged creatures

Whale Watching

Whale Watching

mid-December–mid-April (all year round) • nature

From North to South, California observes the giant marine creatures migration every year

Paradise Falls

Paradise Falls

September–May (all year round) • nature

One of a few waterfalls thriving in the hot and dry climate of the Thousand Oaks area

Elephant Seal Watching

Elephant Seal Watching

December–May • nature

It is impossible to miss this beach: you can watch endlessly funny Elephant Seals

Escondido Falls

Escondido Falls

November–April  • nature

A hidden waterfall near Los Angeles is a perfect one-day getaway from the city

Surfing

Surfing

October–March (all year round) • activity

Amazing swells, great weather conditions, and various opportunities on dozens of ideal surfing beaches are waiting for you in the Golden State

Bald Eagles

Bald Eagles

November–March • nature

It is believed that the Bald Eagle symbolizes strength, courage, freedom, and immortality

Brown Pelicans

Brown Pelicans

January–October • nature

Come and see unique brown pelicans in their natural habitat

Point Dume

Point Dume

all year round • nature

A beautiful beach overlooking Malibu

15 THINGS TO DO OUT OF SELECTED DATE RANGE

Wings Over Camarillo Air Show

Wings Over Camarillo Air Show

out of rangeAugust 17-18, 2024 • event

Witness impressive flight demonstrations and aerobatics on California's Central Coast

California Strawberry Festival

California Strawberry Festival

out of rangeMay 18-19, 2024 • event

Strawberry pizza anyone?

Monarch Butterfly Migration

Monarch Butterfly Migration

out of rangemid-October–early February • nature

Visit amazing butterfly wintering grounds, not far from Los Angeles

Santa Barbara 4th of July Events & Fireworks

Santa Barbara 4th of July Events & Fireworks

out of rangeJuly 4, 2024 • event

Stunning displays over Stearns Wharf and the waterfront

Goleta Monarch Butterfly Grove

Goleta Monarch Butterfly Grove

out of rangemid–November–mid-February • nature

Monarch Butterflies have a unique ability to navigate and reach precisely a place located thousands of kilometres where they have never been before

Matilija Falls

Matilija Falls

out of rangeMarch–November • nature

A strenuous canyon hike to a few beautiful waterfalls

Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes

Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes

out of rangeOctober–February • nature

These coastal dunes are a site of interest for several unique reasons. Find out why!

Oxnard 4th of July Events

Oxnard 4th of July Events

out of rangeJuly 4 • event

Parades and festivities in Channel Islands Harbor

Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF)

Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF)

out of rangeFebruary 7-17, 2024 • event

The red carpet is rolled out, and movie stars are ready to pose in front of the cameras

Santa Barbara Christmas Lights

Santa Barbara Christmas Lights

out of rangelate November–early January • event

Meet the best Christmas lights in Santa Barbara to plunge into this wonderful atmosphere

Great White Sharks

Great White Sharks

out of rangeAugust–September  • nature

As ocean waters warm up, white sharks start their annual migration between Mexico and Southern California

Paddleboarding (SUP)

Paddleboarding (SUP)

out of rangeMay–September  • activity

One of the most enjoyable and fun water activities is popular all along the California coastline

New Year's Eve

New Year's Eve

out of rangeDecember 31 • event

Create lasting memories at the best parties on the Central Coast

Fall Colors near Los Angeles

Fall Colors near Los Angeles

out of rangemid October–November  • nature

Los Angeles has a reputation of a summer destination, but it can have an autumn vibe as well

Halloween Events

Halloween Events

out of rangeOctober • event

Ghost tours through historic downtown and more fun events

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