Spring Break is just around the corner! And if you’re dreaming of a sun-soaked, laid back getaway to a coastal paradise, then Santa Barbara is the perfect destination! This picturesque city offers the perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and exciting events. Here’s your guide to crafting the perfect Spring Break vacation in Santa Barbara!
In some parts of the country, chilly temps and snowflakes can have you feeling a little cabin fever and ready to get back outside and into nature. And Santa Barbara is the perfect place for that. Whether you prefer biking, hiking, fishing, or just spending time outside, you’ll find plenty of exciting options nearby. For the hikers, you can’t miss a chance to see Inspiration Point. Considered one of the most popular local hikes, this 3.4 mile out-and-back offers up some of the most stunning views you can find of the Pacific coastline. Channel Islands National Park is another favorite, and encompasses five remarkable islands and their ocean environment. You’ll have the opportunity to hike, camp, snorkel, kayak, birdwatch, take photographs, sketch, or just relax to the soothing sounds of the natural world. Elings Park is a great place for mountain biking, but also offers plenty of hiking and running trails, as well. Gaviota State Park and El Capitán State Beach are two more gems that are located just a short drive from Santa Barbara. The Los Padres National Forest and Douglas Family Preserve also offer some of the best outdoor activities in the region, with breathtaking vistas and plenty to explore.
If exploring the area on two wheels is your thing, hit up Cal Coast Adventures. They offer bike tours, ebike rentals and tours, and more! And you’re feeling extra adventurous, check out Eagle Paragliding, where you get the chance to fly solo on your first day of paragliding training!
For those wanting to pack an entire day with fun and adventure, consider a Top Deck Tour. This full-day excursion starts with a 90-minute guided kayak tour, followed by a breathtaking horseback ride through shaded canyons with stunning views. After your ride concludes, you’ll enjoy lunch and two wine tastings at venues in the city of Santa Barbara!
Spring also brings some special events and festivals that are perfect to plan a Spring Break around. The Santa Barbara Arts & Crafts Show takes place every Sunday year-round (and on Saturdays of major holiday weekends) on Cabrillo Boulevard from Stearns Wharf to Calle Cesar Chavez. From handmade jewelry to paintings, this open-air market is a treasure trove of creativity. The Santa Barbara Earth Day Festival is another huge event and is held on April 27-28, 2024. It is one of the longest-running Earth Day celebrations in the country – and is believed to be one of the largest Earth Day festivals on the West Coast! Spring is synonymous with blooms and flowers, and on March 8-10th you can catch the Santa Barbara International Orchid Show. It’s one of the oldest, largest and most prestigious orchid shows in the United States.
Long known for its music and cultural scene, Santa Barbara doesn’t disappoint in the Spring! You’ll find a long list of top-level entertainment at places like the Santa Barbara Bowl, Granada Theatre, Lobero Theatre, and more. Some highlights at the SB Bowl include Willie Nelson, Brothers Osborne, and Cody Jinks. The Granada features Marshall Tucker Band and Jefferson Starship, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, and Little Women. And the Lobero offers a wide variety of entertaining artists, as well.
Looking for some ideas that everyone will enjoy? The Santa Barbara Zoo is just a couple miles from State Street, and offers a full day of fun for the whole family. The Santa Barbara Botanic Garden is another family favorite. You can wander among more than 1,000 plants, trees and flowers that exemplify the diverse botanical beauty of the region. And you’ll have some stunning views of the Channel Islands, Santa Ynez Mountains, and more. Or maybe consider an afternoon of pickleball, the sport that has been sweeping the nation. Santa Barbara has an avid pickleball scene, and Santa Barbara Pickelball is a great resource for finding places to play.
In Santa Barbara, your perfect Spring Break is not just a dream. It’s a reality waiting to unfold! Whether you’re into music, nature, culinary delights, or artistic endeavors, this coastal paradise has something for everyone. And Haller Coastal Homes will make sure that your vacation experience is one you’ll never forget. So pack your bags, set your itinerary, pick out your favorite property to stay at, and get ready for a Spring Break that’s as unforgettable as the sunsets over Santa Barbara’s coastline.
