Summertime is well underway in California. With sunny days and warm nights, there’s no shortage of fun things to do around here. Check out some of our favorite places and tips for enjoying the best Santa Barbara has to offer in July.
Fourth of July Celebration
WHEN: July 4th
WHERE: West Beach
The City of Santa Barbara’s traditional Fourth of July beachfront celebration will be back again and ready to build upon the fabulous events in years past. The festivities will be held at the beautiful Santa Barbara waterfront along West Beach on Independence Day for an afternoon and evening of food, music, fireworks, and fun for all ages.
Harbor Wildlife Kayak Tour
WHEN: Runs daily at 10AM and 1PM
WHERE: Santa Barbara Harbor
Join a fun and relaxing kayak tour around the Santa Barbara harbor. This is the perfect half-day activity filled with incredible views from the water and local marine life sightings. — Book Now
Concerts in the Park
LINEUP:
• July 2 – The New Vibe (Funk with a hip hop twist)
• July 9 – Jason Libs and the Liberation (Rock from the ‘70s to today)
• July 16 – The Mighty Cash Cats (Johnny Cash hits and country classics)
• July 23 – Spencer the Gardener (Eclectic mix of pop and surf rock)
TIME: 6-7:30PM
WHERE: Chase Palm Park
Enjoy an evening of free live music along Santa Barbara’s waterfront. This annual concert series is hosted in partnership with the PARC Foundation.
Snorkel Tours at Channel Islands National Park
WHEN: Available Sundays in July at 11AM or 1:30PM
WHERE: Scorpion Anchorage on Santa Cruz Island
Explore beautiful kelp forests and sea life in a marine protected area (MPA) off the coast of Santa Cruz Island. — Book Now
Free Summer Cinema
WHEN:
• July 10 – Pretty in Pink
• July 17 – Say Anything…
• July 24 – La Bamba
• July 31 – Rushmore
WHERE: Santa Barbara County Courthouse
TIME: 8:30PM
Hosted by UCSB Arts and Lectures, this year’s film series, “Mixtapes & Misfits,” celebrates the unforgettable characters, underdogs, dreamers, and rule-breakers who make movies memorable, paired with soundtracks that are just as iconic as the stories themselves.
Santa Ynez Wine Tour (All-Inclusive)
WHEN: Every day from 10AM to 5PM
Spend a day wine tasting in Santa Ynez Valley on a wine country tour! Includes pick-up & drop-off transportation, lunch, tastings, and a knowledgeable guide. — Book Now
July indeed seems like an ideal time of the year to visit Santa Barbara and enjoy the fun adventures. I won’t be able to explore it this year, but next year it will be my top summer destination. Thanks for the suggestion!