AMGEN Tour of California, May 15th and 16th
As America’s most successful cycling race, the Amgen Tour of California is one of the nation’s largest and most recognized annual sporting events. This prestigious cycling road race features elite professional teams and athletes from around the world. Check it out as it rolls into Santa Barbara on May 15th and 16th. You can watch the exciting finish of Stage 4 on Cabrillo Blvd around 3:30pm on May 15th and the start of Stage 5 at 11am on the 16th.

Painted Cave Kayaking Tour, May 18th and 25th departing from Santa Barbara Harbor at 7:30am
Come on an amazing journey to Channel Islands National Park and kayak one of the world’s largest sea caves. This journey will begin in Santa Barbara Harbor and depart with breakfast served by the crew. Spot whales and dolphins while crossing the Channel. Then explore the sea caves of Santa Cruz Island, including the famous “Painted Cave.” This amazing sea cave is nearly a quarter-mile long and 100 feet wide, with an entrance ceiling of 160 feet and a waterfall over this entrance. Guests will have time to snorkel and relax before enjoying a hot lunch on the tour back to Santa Barbara. A once in a lifetime experience! Reservations required – Make a reservation today.

Annual Wheels & Waves Car Show, May 19
There will be live music, raffles, awards, and tons of the coolest cars you’ve ever seen. Whether you’re a lover of the classics or a gear head, you’re sure to enjoy yourself while appreciating the beauty of these fine vehicles. Downtown Santa Barbara. Admission is Free.

iMadonnari, May 25, 26 & 27 from 10am to 6pm
The plaza of the Old Mission will be transformed with 200 colorful, large-scale street paintings created by 400 artists and young people. The artists (madonnari) begin working on Saturday morning of the Memorial Day weekend and continue drawing throughout the three-day festival or until their street paintings are completed. For 25,000 annual visitors, the festival also features live music on the Mission lawn and free evening concerts in the church, authentic Italian cuisine, and a special street painting area for children. Where: Santa Barbara Mission. Admission is Free.

Nite Moves
Santa Barbara’s famous racing series starts on May 1st with weekly competitive and fun races at 6pm each Wednesday. What better way to enjoy daylight savings and wind down after work than to run and/or swim and then enjoy the sunset with a beer and some great food and music.  Nite Moves runs each Wednesday from May 1st to August 28th.

Santa Barbara Arts & Crafts Show, Every Sunday
Approximately 300 Santa Barbara County resident artists come to display their own works in an informal atmosphere under the palms of seaside Chase Palm Park. All items are original art, created by the artists you meet. The show is held every fair weather Sunday and Special Holidays.
Time: 10 a.m. ’til Dusk

First Thursday — Art, Music & Theater
On the first Thursday of each month, downtown galleries keep their doors open late allowing the public to enjoy local art in a fun and social atmosphere. Additional attractions such as music, artist openings, demonstrations, and refreshments are featured at participating venues. Downtown Santa Barbara
Time: 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Downtown Santa Barbara Farmers Market, Every Saturday and Tuesday
Come down and buy local fresh vegetables, fruits, flowers, small plants and specialty items. Street musicians, music and downtown shops and restaurants. Year round, rain or shine. Corner of Santa Barbara and Cota Streets on Sunday and on State Street (500-600 bocks) on Tuesday.
Time: 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m/4:00pm – 7:30.

Photo credit: basykes (Flickr Creative Commons)

This is truly a unique experience and the best way to explore the most remote and often inaccessible parts of the Channel Islands National Park. This multi-day trip includes a variety of once in a lifetime experiences and is perfectly suited for those that are active and adventurous. The islands and surrounding waters are home to many amazing endemic animals and plants as well as archaeological and cultural resources that you will not see anywhere else in the world!

You will have plenty of opportunities to kayak, hike, snorkel, SUP and more. All of your food and accommodation is taken care of so you can fill your trip with maximum amounts of adventure and relaxation.

Frequently Asked Questions:

When does this trip run?
There are 3 trips scheduled this season. They are June 14th-16th, July 5th-7th and August 4th-6th. Space is limited on each.

What should I pack?
Here is a great list for you to download. What to Pack on your California Island Excursion

What should I expect each day?
Here is our sample itinerary for this 3 day trip:

The day before – check in at the Sea Landing at 8pm and get your gear on the boat. Meet your guide and the crew and you are free to make your own dinner plans in Santa Barbara. We leave the dock at 4am tomorrow so you are welcome to sleep on the boat tonight to avoid having to get up before dark!

Day 1 – Depart Santa Barbara Harbor early and wake up en route to San Miguel Island. Enjoy a hot breakfast on the boat before gearing up and receiving an orientation and safety briefing from your guide. Explore the extraordinary caves and coves around Harris Point and Prince Island. Take in the abundance of marine life – sea lions, harbor and elephant seals abound – before landing at Cuyler Point and hiking with a qualified naturalist to Lester Point. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon of snorkeling from the boat and then head out for a short kayak or relax on the boat with your favorite beverage in hand to watch the sunset!

Day 2 – Kayak from Carrington Point to Bechers Bay on Santa Rosa Island, exploring the amazing kelps forests and crystal clear water before returning to the boat for lunch. Head out after lunch on one of the many great hiking trails and experience the ancient forests and stunning vistas. In the afternoon jump back on the boat and head to Forney’s Cove at Santa Cruz Island for an afternoon snorkel or sunset kayak.

Day 3 – Explore Santa Cruz Island and experience the world’s second largest sea cave – Painted Cave! Enjoy a downwind paddle from Emerald Bay to Painted Cave before jumping back on the boat and enjoying lunch. Snorkel around some of the best diving spots in the world before we head back to Santa Barbara.

How much does it cost?
Our standard rate is $1349 per person. You can save by planning ahead. If you book 30 days prior to the departure the cost is $1249. Additionally, if you have a group of 4 or more people the group rate is $1124. You can’t combine discounts or use other promotional codes with our discounted rates.
Book today and receive Early Bird pricing of $1249!

Come explore with us. You will remember this adventure for the rest of your life! Read all the details at Channel Islands Multi-Day Island Excursion.

Santa Barbara is a hot spot for winter surf. When swell starts to travel from the northwest, every sand bar, reef, and point starts breaking. What does that mean for the adventure tourist? Ample opportunity to find an empty wave to learn on! While the summer is packed with beach-goers, winter sand is often deserted, making the entire experience very personalized. It’s just you, the view and some tasty waves.  Before you go, there are some crucial elements to cover to make sure your surf safari is an epic journey.

Tips for new surfers: While air temperatures have been known to reach the high 80′s (yes, pack your bikini and sunscreen), water temperatures drop into the 50s. So you are going to need a good wetsuit, and even might consider booties and a hood. I always have an old laundry detergent bottle full of hot water waiting for me to rinse off with, a couple of dry towels, snacks, drinking water, hot coffee, my IPhone to Instagram, sun glasses, a hat, special sunscreen for my face, a waterproof box to store all my wet gear, extra leashes, and at least two boards in my car.
Recommended surf board (type face and color): Start out on a foam board, a minimum of 9 feet long. If you are a do-it-yourself kind of person, A-Frame Surf shop on Santa Claus Lane in Carpinteria, can rent you all the gear you need to get in the water. The best part is they are located on one of the most popular beginning spots in the county. Just south of Santa Claus are some really mellow long boarding waves such as Mondos, Solimar, or, my personal favorite, C-Street in Ventura.

Get a surf instructor through Santa Barbara Adventure Company: The truth is winter surfing takes a ton of gear and preparation. You can save weeks of banging your head in the sand and be up riding waves in one day by booking a lesson. Santa Barbara Adventure Company guides are dedicated to making sure that every one of their clients gets to experience the joy of wave riding in the winter. The best part is they will take care of the boards, wetsuits, booties, food, and even do the picture taking for you.  While most other companies offer standard one hour lessons, SBACo keeps you in the water for half a day. Most importantly, the guides know where to surf and where the waves will have enough power to get you riding, but at the same time keep you safe from rocks, reef, riptides and pounding shore break.  Just smooth rides and good vibes.

You are on your way to living your surfing dreams! Keep the stoke, and don’t stop paddling. Paddle, paddle, paddle, smile, laugh, paddle…paddle.

Amy DiChiro, Adventure Blogger and Celebrity Guide.



Girsh Park Easter Egg Hunt – Saturday March 30th from 9am to 11:30am
Come enjoy this fun annual Easter Egg Hunt at Girsh Park. Registration starts at 9am, the egg hunt itself will take place at 11am. The Easter bunny will make an appearance. There will also be bouncers, face painting and games. Bring a basket and come have some fun. This event is free to all, but donations will be accepted.

The Great Egg Hunt at Elings Park - Saturday March 30th from 10am to noon
10:30 am – Baby Bunnies ages 0 to 4, 10:45 am – Daring Ducks ages 5 to 7,11:00 am -  Jack Rabbits ages 8 and ups. Bounce House fun, Easter Bunny and More! Come to the softball field and enjoy a fun morning of candy filled egg hunting. Please bring your own basket. Parking costs $5. Egg hunting is free.

Riverbench Easter Egg Hunt– Saturday March 30th Starting at 11am and 2pm
Riverbench Winery is hosting a family friendly Easter Egg Hunt with prizes for everyone. Be sure to arrive on time as the hunts start promptly at 11am & 2pm. Kids will be awarded candies and chocolate bunnies. Wine-related prizes ranging from wine discounts to small gift packs and more will be awarded to entrants 21 years and older. We guarantee you’ll have something fun to take home! Cost: Included with $10 tasting fee; free for children and members.

Easter Bunny Express at South Coast Railroad Museum – Saturday March 30th from 11am to 4pm
Come ride the “EBX Thunderbunny” or the “Lop-Ear Local.” (all train riders must meet 34-inch minimum-height requirement.) All tickets will be available at the museum on event day. Hot sandwiches, snacks, and refreshments may also be purchased during the event. Hop aboard the Easter Bunny Express. It promises to be a hare-raising eggsperience for the whole family! Cost: $4 for train tickets.
Photo courtesy of the South Coast Railroad Museum.

View Easter Celebrations Santa Barbara Area in a larger map

If you know of a fun Easter Weekend event that we have missed, please share in the comment section below. Thanks!

Updated: 3/17/2013

1. Enjoy Tasty Cupcakes and Wine!

Enjoy a romantic and relaxing day in the Santa Ynez Wine Country with everything taken care of by your friendly and knowledgeable guide. You will be picked up from your hotel or residence and will learn about the many interesting features of Santa Barbara’s wine growing region. The tour includes tastings and a lovely picnic lunch. The highlight of the day is tasting the decadent wine-infused cupcakes that are out of this world. You won’t be disappointed with the Tasty Cupcake and Wine Tour!

2. Bike and Picnic in Wine Country

If you want to go wine tasting with your loved one but you are also up for a bit more adventure, exploring wine country by bike is the perfect option. Guests will bike between three different wineries in the famous Santa Rita Hills. The day of biking is fully van supported so you can ride in the van if you get tired or want to enjoy some more wine! If you are up for this adventure, then check out the Wine Country Biking Tour.

3. Channel Islands Sea Cave Kayaking

For those couples that love a real wilderness adventure, then visiting Santa Cruz Island is a trip you will never forget and what better time to do it than Valentine’s Day Weekend. This kayaking tour explores the sea caves around Santa Cruz Island and there are incredible wildlife viewing opportunities. After kayaking guests usually have time for a short hike to soak up some more of the serene and wild landscape before traveling back to reality! If a day “away from it all” is what you need, then check out the Channel Islands Kayak Tour.

4. Inspiration Point Hiking

You can’t go wrong with one of Santa Barbara’s most scenic hiking trails. Bring a picnic to enjoy at the top with your loved one while enjoying sweeping vistas from Point Conception down to Malibu and all the way out to the Channel Islands! Don’t forget to hike prepared – bring plenty of water, a first aid kit, your cell phone and layers. You can check out the route and how to get to the trailhead on the Santa Barbara Hikes website.

5. Go Ride a Bike!

Take a lovely seaside ride on some of Santa Barbara’s awesome bike trails. Check out the scenic and vibrant waterfront area, beautiful Butterfly Beach, the Douglas Preserve and stop by the historic Mission. If you are feeling like a longer ride, why not head out to the Ellwood Butterfly Reserve to check out the Monarch Butterflies? You can check out Santa Barbara’s bike trails and read more info at Santa Barbara Bikes.

Please share any ideas you might have in the comment section below! Happy Valentine’s Day from the Santa Barbara Adventure Company crew.

“The discovery of the Billings is a result of excellent collaboration with the local community,” Robert Schwemmer, maritime archaeologist for NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries said. “Now we can write the final chapter of not only the largest, but the last sailing vessel built by the Hall Brothers during their 30-year career of designing some of the finest ships sailing the Pacific.”

The shipwreck will be protected under state and federal law, and it is illegal to disturb or damage any archaeological sites in sanctuary and park boundaries. The Billings shipwreck remains are now owned by the state of California and managed by the California State Lands Commission. “The Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary and Channel Islands National Park are a world destination for sport diving,” said Chris Mobley, sanctuary superintendent. “For years, divers have shared new discoveries with both federal agencies and we commend them for their spirit of stewardship so these historic resources can be surveyed and shared with the American public.”

About the Channel Islands Marine Sanctuary:
Established in 1980, the sanctuary is an area of national significance because of its exceptional natural beauty and resources. It encompasses the waters that surround Anacapa, Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, San Miguel and Santa Barbara Islands (five of the eight Channel Islands of California), extending from shore around each of the five islands. The sanctuary’s primary goal is the protection of the natural and cultural resources contained within its boundaries.

Historical information courtesy of Justin M. Ruhge
Photo courtesy of the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park.

The National Parks Service also endorses the LNT principles and many of the local regulations at the Channel Islands National Park are complimentary to the LNT ethics. Below are highlights of the seven LNT principles and some tips specific to the Channel Islands National Park that will help you follow them. For more information you can visit the LNT Website and even take one of their free courses.

The Seven Leave No Trace Principles* at the Channel Islands National Park:

1. Plan Ahead and Prepare

Know the regulations and special concerns for the area you’ll visit: If you are taking our Sea Cave Kayak Tour, we will brief you on the local regulations when you arrive at Santa Cruz Island. If you are visiting on your own, it’s a good idea to read the local NPS regulations.

Prepare for extreme weather, hazards, and emergencies: The islands are isolated and weather is variable year round. You should bring plenty of warm clothes, food and water. Santa Barbara Adventure Company will bring first aid, rescue and communications equipment with us on every trip and all of our guides are trained in first aid, rescue and emergency response.

2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces

If you are joining one of our popular Kayak and Camp Adventures we will send you some information to help you with your packing and planning. You can read helpful information for preparing for your Channel Islands trip on our website.

Good campsites are found, not made. Altering a site is not necessary: If you are staying overnight, stick to the designated campsite. No backcountry camping is allowed on Santa Cruz Island.

When hiking, concentrate use on existing trails: Walk single file in the middle of the trail, even when wet or muddy. Always stay on the trail, especially along the scenic cliffs – the rocks are unstable and many of the cliffs are undercut.

3. Dispose of Waste Properly

Pack it in, pack it out: There is no trash service on the islands! You must take all trash back to the mainland. Bring an extra plastic bag or container to store it in.

Don’t let the foxes and ravens get into your trash: Don’t leave your backpack or trash unattended or the ravens and foxes will get into it. The foxes are sneaky and not shy and the ravens are incredibly smart! We have seen them work together to unzip backpacks. One Christmas Eve we even saw the raven open a camper’s duffel bag, pull out their Christmas presents and unwrap them!

Inspect your campsite and rest areas for trash or spilled foods: The animals will feed on any food scraps, however small. This can not only make them sick (eating candy or chocolate, for example), the foxes become reliant on scraps during the summer and can starve during the winter when there are less visitors!

Strain your dishwater and broadcast dishwater over a large area.

Only use the provided restroom facilities.

4. Leave What You Find

Leave rocks, plants and other natural objects as you find them: Everything within the park is protected! Leave it for the next person to enjoy.

Avoid introducing or transporting non-native species: There are many endemic plant and animal species that are vulnerable to mainland diseases or could be pushed out by non-natives. Inspect all camping gear and footwear to make sure it is clean before coming out to the Islands.

 5. Minimize Campfire Impacts

Campfires and smoking is not allowed on Santa Cruz Island.

6. Respect Wildlife

Observe wildlife from a distance. Do not follow or approach them: During our kayak tours we are very cautious of disturbing wildlife. All of the pinnipeds and nesting seabirds are protected by various laws and we will coach you on how to view them without disturbing them. The quieter and calmer we are, the more likely we are to have the wildlife stick around. Occasionally we will even have a curious seal or sea lion follow us and swim under our kayaks.

Never feed animals: this includes unintentionally by leaving food scraps.

Protect wildlife and your food by storing rations and trash securely: keep it tightly locked in your backpack or in a storage box. We have a lockable box for you to use while we are out on the kayak tour.

Avoid wildlife during sensitive times: During winter and spring at Santa Cruz Island we see a lot of sea bird nesting activity in and around the caves. Your guide will take extra care not to disturb any birds. If you get to close, the adult birds will leave their nest which allows less shy birds like seagulls and ravens to come in and eat the eggs.

7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors

Respect other visitors and protect the quality of their experience: Most of us go out to the Channel Islands to relax and enjoy the wilderness so let’s keep it enjoyable for everyone.

Be courteous. Yield to other users on the trail

Let nature’s sounds prevail. Avoid loud voices and noises: Listen carefully in the late afternoon and you will hear the foxes yelping, the sea lions barking and the scrub jays chattering away.

Thank you for taking the time to get familiar with the Leave No Trace principles. We hope you enjoy your time at the park!

*The member-driven Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics teaches people how to enjoy the outdoors responsibly. This copyrighted information has been reprinted with permission from the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics.