Best time to visit
With its Mediterranean climate, known for dry, hot summers and cold, humid winters, Santa Barbara is worth visiting year-round. For beachgoers, summer, from June through August, is ideal, though the city gets crowded and relatively expensive. In late May-June, you might also experience June Gloom, a common occurrence in Southern California, when the skies are cloudy without rainfall. To enjoy the outdoors of Santa Barbara, the best time to visit is during the spring, from March through May, and fall, from September through November. Spring in Santa Barbara promises mild temperatures, sunny weather, and numerous opportunities to explore local attractions, such as the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden.
Fall is stunning in this Californian city, with tinges of fall foliage peeking through the greenery. The weather is still sunny, although the evenings are significantly cooler. Santa Ana Winds, known for being extremely dry, are common this time of the year and increase the risk of wildfires, so be wary of that. During both seasons, Santa Barbara experiences lower hotel prices and fewer crowds. To avoid the crowds completely, consider visiting in winter. Though it's cold and offers lots of rain, December through February is perfect for a whale-watching adventure in Santa Barbara.
27 things to do in Santa Barbara, CA
Scenic Road Trips
Driving along a large number of picturesque roads with stops near the highlights and most unique spots can be a perfect vacation plan
Paddleboarding (SUP)
One of the most enjoyable and fun water activities is popular all along the California coastline
Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes
These coastal dunes are a site of interest for several unique reasons. Find out why!
Surfing
Amazing swells, great weather conditions, and various opportunities on dozens of ideal surfing beaches are waiting for you in the Golden State
Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF)
The red carpet is rolled out, and movie stars are ready to pose in front of the cameras
Bald Eagles
It is believed that the Bald Eagle symbolizes strength, courage, freedom, and immortality
Goleta Monarch Butterfly Grove
Monarch Butterflies have a unique ability to navigate and reach precisely a place located thousands of kilometres where they have never been before
Elephant Seal Watching
It is impossible to miss this beach: you can watch endlessly funny Elephant Seals
Poppy Season in the Antelope Valley
After winter rains, dry hills burst with new life as billions of technicolor orange poppies bloom
Whale Watching
From North to South, California observes the giant marine creatures migration every year
New Year's Eve in Santa Barbara
Create lasting memories at the best parties on the Central Coast
Monarch Butterfly Migration in Los Angeles
Explore the incredible butterfly wintering grounds, just a short drive from Los Angeles
Great White Sharks
As ocean waters warm up, white sharks start their annual migration between Mexico and Southern California
Escondido Falls
A hidden waterfall near Los Angeles is a perfect one-day getaway from the city
Paradise Falls
One of a few waterfalls thriving in the hot and dry climate of the Thousand Oaks area
Fall Colors near Los Angeles
Los Angeles has a reputation of a summer destination, but it can have an autumn vibe as well
Halloween in Santa Barbara: Events & Activities
Ghost tours through historic downtown and more fun events
Santa Barbara Christmas Lights
Meet the best Christmas lights in Santa Barbara to plunge into this wonderful atmosphere
Wings Over Camarillo Air Show
Witness impressive flight demonstrations and aerobatics on California's Central Coast
Santa Barbara 4th of July Events & Fireworks
Stunning displays over Stearns Wharf and the waterfront
Pacific Surfliner Train Trip
A comfortable trip along the coast of California, passing vibrant beaches and surf cities.
