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Fun Things to Do in Santa Barbara: January (2024)

It’s a New Year and a great opportunity to rediscover your passion for Adventure!

Santa Barbara is an amazing place with warm weather year-round. SB winters are well-known for amazing sunsets, great surf, and perfect hiking weather all day! Plus, last month brought much-needed rain to Central California and as a result, our hillsides are now covered in a beautiful and lush, green flora.

There are so many fun things to do both indoors and outdoors this January. See some of our suggestions below:

Lecture & Book Signing: “Paddling Into a Natural Balance” by Chuck Graham
WHEN: January 26, 2024
TIME: 4:30 – 6PM
WHERE: California Nature Art Museum (formerly the Wildling Museum), Second Floor Valley Oak Gallery
Join us for an inspirational and educational lecture and book signing with Chuck Graham. His work has been published in Backpacker, BBC Wildlife Magazine, National Geographic, Men’s Journal, Natural History, American Forests, High Country News, and Westways.

17th Annual Holiday Celebration for Martin Luther King, Jr.
WHEN: January 15, 2024
TIME: 9AM – 3PM
WHERE: De La Guerra Plaza
Because only together we can make a difference. Celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr weekend with a day of prayer, education, and celebration.

Sunset Kayak in Santa Barbara Harbor
WHEN: Every evening in January
WHERE: Santa Barbara Harbor
Winter is the best time of year for sunsets in Santa Barbara due to seasonal weather patterns including offshore winds. These winds keep the coast fog-free and carry medium and high-level clouds across the sky. Join us for a spectacular twilight sky viewing on our very special Sunset Kayak Tour! — Book Now

Monarch Butterfly Migration
WHERE: Ellwood Mesa
WHEN: Every day in January
The monarch butterfly migration occurs annually between November and February each year. This year there have been exciting reports of above-average butterfly sightings. You can go and see the monarchs for yourself at Sperling Preserve and Goleta Bluffs — all part of Ellwood Mesa.

Hike up to Montecito Peak
WHERE: Cold Spring Trailhead
LENGTH: 7.6 miles (out & back)
DIFFICULTY: Strenuous
Enjoy the cooler winter weather on a nice, long hike that features a creek, small waterfall, and panoramic views atop Montecito Peak.

Adventure Sea Cave Kayak Tour at Channel Islands National Park
WHEN: Every day in January
WHERE: Scorpion Anchorage on Santa Cruz Island
Yes, it’s true, our Channel Islands kayak tours run year-round! Join us as we explore world-renowned sea caves, giant kelp forests and recreate alongside wildlife that can’t be found anywhere else in the world. — Book Now

Karaoke Night
WHERE: The James Joyce
WHEN: Every Sunday & Monday in January
TIME: 9PM
Sitting at home bored on a Sunday or Monday night? Get your friends together for fun, drinks, and karaoke at State Street’s famous bar The James Joyce.

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