Summertime is well underway in California! Check out some of our favorite places and tips for enjoying the best Santa Barbara has to offer in July. We have included as much helpful information as possible, but in case we missed anything, feel free to add details in the comments section below.
Snorkel Tours at Channel Islands National Park
When: Available July-Sep on Sundays at 11:30am or 2:00pm
Where: Scorpion Anchorage on Santa Cruz Island
Summer snorkel tours are now running! Explore beautiful kelp forests and sea life in a marine protected area off the coast of Santa Cruz Island. Plus, when conditions are right, you might even get the chance to swim in and out of sea caves! — Book Now
Santa Barbara Botanic Garden
When: 10am-6pm everyday
Where: 1212 Mission Canyon Rd, Santa Barbara 93105
Explore California’s remarkable natural diversity at this 78-acre botanical garden with over 1,000 species of rare and indigenous plants.
Santa Ynez Wine Tour
When: Every day from 10am to 5pm
Where: Includes pick-up/drop-off in Santa Barbara and transportation to Santa Ynez Valley
Spend a day wine tasting in Santa Ynez Valley on a wine country tour! — Book Now
State Street Promenade Market
When: Every Thursday in July
Time: 3:00-7:30pm
Where: 1000 Block of State Street
Stroll and shop artisan goods in the heart of downtown Santa Barbara at this fun, family-friendly marketplace!
Harbor Wildlife Kayak Tour
When: Available most days at 10am and 1pm
Where: Sea Landing, Santa Barbara Harbor
Join a fun and relaxing kayak tour around the Santa Barbara harbor. This is the perfect half-day activity and a great introduction to the exciting sport of ocean kayaking. — Book Now
Fourth of July Celebration
When: July 4th
Where: Stearns Wharf
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!
Sea Cave Kayak at Channel Islands National Park
When: Every day in July
Where: Scorpion Cove at Santa Cruz Island
Explore remarkable sea caves on an exciting guided kayak tour at Channel Islands National Park. Only about 30 miles off the California Coast, the Channel Islands are like a step back in time due to their isolation over thousands of years. You’ll see up close unique marine life, plants and birds found nowhere else on Earth! Come explore the beauty and richness of California’s Channel Islands. Be sure to plan in advance as outdoor experiences are selling out faster than ever — 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!