Santa Barbara Spring Break Guide
Spring Break is coming up, and Santa Barbara is the perfect place to soak up the sunshine and enjoy a mix of relaxation and adventure. Families can explore kid-friendly attractions, while outdoor lovers can take advantage of the stunning coastline and scenic trails. Whether you're looking for laid-back beach days or exciting local experiences, we've created a guide for locals and visitors that has plenty of ideas for your break!
Active Adventures:
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Hiking: Situated between the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Ynez Mountains, Santa Barbara is renowned for its scenic hiking trails. Some of our favorites are Rattlesnake Canyon, Inspiration Point, and Tunnel Trail.
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On the Water: There’s always fun to be had in Santa Barbara’s stunning ocean and beaches. Try kayaking or paddle boarding around the harbor, go whale watching, or take a nice stroll down the beach.
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Biking: Whether you’re taking a challenging, but rewarding ride on Gibraltar Road, or a leisurely ride down Cabrillo Blvd, SB offers cycling paths and rentals for everyone. For something different, grab some family or friends for an exciting Surrey ride on Cabrillo and Lower State.
Leisure & Wellness:
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Picnics: Pack some yummy snacks and drinks and head over to one of Santa Barbara’s lovely gardens for a relaxing afternoon. The Mission Rose Garden and Alice Keck Park Memorial Garden are excellent choices.
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Spa Day: Treat yourself this spring break with a nice massage or skin treatment at a local spa like The Ritz-Carlton Bacara or Float Luxury Spa.
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Beach Yoga: Spend a relaxing morning with Santa Barbara Beach Yoga. Classes are offered every Saturday and Sunday morning at East Beach.
Ars & Culture:
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Take a Tour: Whether you are a local or visitor, there’s plenty to learn about our beautiful city. Take a docent or self-guided walking tour of the Courthouse, hop on the Land Shark or Trolley, or join an architectural walking tour to learn more about Santa Barbara.
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Museums: Santa Barbara is home to several incredible museums for you to explore, including the Santa Barbara Museum of Art, the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, and the Santa Barbara Historical Museum.
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Watch a Show: Catch a concert, play, or film at a historic local theater like the Granada or the Arlington.
Kid-Friendly Activities:
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Santa Barbara Trapeze Co: Kids will have a blast in the air partaking in the aerial activities offered at SB Trapeze Co. SBTC is open for drop in classes and week-long camps this Spring Break. Learn more here!
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Lil' Toot: Take a ride on Lil' Toot, Santa Barbara’s original water taxi. Lil' Toot will take you and your family on a one way trip between the harbor and Stearns Wharf, with a fun narrated guide along the way.
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Santa Barbara Zoo: The SB Zoo is a great place for kids and parents to explore wildlife from all over the world. From African lions and Australian Kangaroos, to our local Channel Island foxes, the SB Zoo offers tons of animal fun and activities for families to enjoy.
