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Savor Every Sun Kissed Moment in Santa Barbara

By: / 17 Jun 2025
Santa Barbara Mission and Rose Garden

Summer in Santa Barbara is a feast for the senses—ripe with fresh flavors, live music and ocean breezes. From outdoor movies and free concerts in the park to the colorful flair of Old Spanish Days Fiesta (July 30-August 3), the city buzzes with celebration. Farmers' markets brim with juicy tomatoes and sweet berries, while the coastline invites you to paddle, cruise or simply soak it all in. With no resort fees, no parking fees and plenty of perks, your summer escape just got a whole lot easier—and more delicious.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Plan a trip around one of these hot tickets and community traditions:

  • The Music Academy of the West Summer Festival series runs June 15 through August 9 with a diverse line-up of performances by the 150 fellows, 60 esteemed teaching artists and guest artists.
  • The Santa Barbara Bowl season is going strong. Upcoming acts include Lake Street Dive (June 28), Dwight Yoakam (July 11), Caamp (July 18), Father John Misty (July 24), Maren Morris (August 3), Mt. Joy (August 24), Darius Rucker (September 7) and many more.
  • Watch classic and contemporary films under the stars at the iconic Santa Barbara County Courthouse Sunken Gardens as part of UCSB Arts & Lectures County Courthouse movie screenings series July 11-August 29.
  • Pack a picnic and groove to live music with ocean views at the beloved Concerts in the Park summer series July 3, 10, 17 and 24.
  • Enjoy a full day of patriotic fun capped off by fireworks over the waterfront on the4th of July.
  • Attend Old Spanish Days Fiesta (July 30-August 3) and immerse yourself in colorful parades, historic fiestas, nightly performances, and traditional marketplaces celebrating the city's rich Spanish heritage
  • Join the joyful crowd at the colorful Pacific Pride Festival (August 23) celebrating love, identity and LGBTQ+ pride by the beach.

TRAVEL CAR FREE 

Be care-free and car-free this summer booking one of our sustainable travel packages and traveling by Amtrak. The A Walk to Remember Package is all about exploring Santa Barbara on foot with your choice of a coastal or beach pocket-sized walking guide, plus waters, a souvenir backpack and keepsake compass. If cycling is more your speed, book the Pedal Power Package. Take advantage of Santa Barbara's abundant network of bike paths and dedicated lanes while you enjoy the perks of the community's sustainable bike share program—complimentary guest beach cruisers are also available at our beach properties. Get more car-free trip ideas in our Car-Free travel guide. 

SUMMER CHECK LIST

Add these five must-dos to your summer itinerary:

  • Savor the bounty of the season at the Tuesday afternoon or Saturday morning Farmers' Markets-both held on State Street.
  • Fly a kite and take a nature walk in Elings Park.
  • Spend an afternoon at the Santa Barbara Zoo taking in the views and learning about the Zoo's conversation efforts.
  • Learn about native plants and hike around the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden.
  • Take a sunset sail on the Double Dolphin for beautiful coastal vantages.