Our Favorite Santa Barbara Summer Activities

Ah, summer in Santa Barbara! Blue skies, sandy beaches, warm weather, and plenty of palm trees. There’s nothing like it! And when you visit in the summer, it can be hard to decide just how you’ll spend your days. With so much you can do, it’s a tough decision to make! We’re here to share a few of our favorite Santa Barbara summer activities for your next trip.

Wine tasting

Explore the Santa Barbara wineries and vineyards on the Urban Wine Trail. Of course, we also have plenty of wineries off the trail as well that are just as great for wine tastings! Some also offer food so you can snack alongside your tasting. Learn more about our local wineries here. Wherever you end up, you’ll be able to enjoy wonderful wine!

Beach days

You knew we’d say this, right? While we’re lucky to have beautiful weather year-round, a summer beach day is absolute perfection. This timeless, relaxing Santa Barbara summer activity truly can’t be beat. Whether you’re a fan of sitting on the sand or splashing in the waves, our beaches are for you.

Zoo trips

The Santa Barbara Zoo is perfect for a daytime adventure! Visit the animals and learn about creatures big and small. You can even sign up for an animal encounter, where you can get up close and personal with (certain) animals. Feed a giraffe, penguin, or tortoise, or take a walking tour through the zoo. Of course, you can also tour on your own!

Museum exploration

And if you’re looking for a daytime adventure, but want to spend more time indoors than out, a day of exploring one of Santa Barbara’s museums is the way to go! One of our favorites is the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, where you can learn all about the Santa Barbara region’s animal and plant life, and even visit the only planetarium on the central coast.

Tee times

Plan your tee time and hit the links at one of Santa Barbara’s golf courses. Our local courses offer something for golfers of every skill level and come equipped with the most breathtaking ocean views!

And of course…

There’s always plenty of shopping and dining in the Santa Barbara area! Summer in Santa Barbara brings wonderful weather, perfect for dining outside or strolling along the street window shopping.

Stay close

When you stay in Santa Barbara, you’ll want to be close to all the city has to offer. At Marina Beach Motel, we’re within walking distance of many of our favorite Santa Barbara summer activities, and only half a block from the beach! Discover our relaxing amenities and beautiful rooms. You can book a room online here.

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