There’s so much to see and do in and around Santa Barbara this Easter you’ll find it hard to decided where to begin

Easter in Santa Barbara is a special time for residents and visitors alike. That’s because spring is one of the best times to live on the American Rivera. Temperatures are mild, with highs in the upper 60s, and the city celebrates plenty of sun, with outdoor adventures galore. Here’s a list of some local favorite Easter activities:
Easter Brunch in Santa Barbara

• The Ritz- Carlton Bacara
  Celebrate Easter with an exquisite Brunch Buffet featuring a delightful menu that includes: Organic Eggs, Niman Ranch Beef Wellington, Artisan cheeses from local dairy farms, and an assortment of delectable desserts. Brunch guests will also enjoy complimentary access to the resort’s fun-filled children’s activities, including Easter egg hunts, face painting and photos with the Easter Bunny.
• Les Marchands Restaurant & Wine Bar
  Chef Weston presents an imaginative brunch menu for Easter inspired by spring renewal. The menu showcases local ingredients combined with hand-crafted bread from sister property, Helena Avenue Bakery. Samplings of the menu include: House-made Ricotta with berry jam & brioche toast; Breakfast Poutine with sausage gravy, cheddar cheese & poached egg; Ham-Cured Porchetta, smoked over local red oak, with crispy fingerling potato, Brussels sprouts, butternut squash & poached egg; and Tres Leches French Toast with cinnamon whipped cream & mixed berries.
• The Lark
  Executive Chef Jason Paluska has prepared a menu the whole family will enjoy. In addition to The Lark’s market-driven a la carte menu, Easter specials include: Grilled California Asparagus made with crispy scotch egg, white truffle, and marigolds; and Crispy Duck Confit made with green garlic pain perdue, rhubarb, braised Easter egg radish, fava beans, and lime basil. For dessert, try the Rainbow Carrot Cake, made with cream cheese mousse, golden raisin jam, salted pecans and cinnamon mint. Yum!

Easter Egg Hunts

• The Great Egg Hunt at Elings Park 
  Meet on the softball field for a fun morning of candy-filled egg hunting on Saturday, March 31. Kids egg hunts are separated into the following age groups: 10:30 am – Baby Bunnie’s ages 0 to 3, 10:45 am – Daring Ducks ages 4 to 6, 11:00 am – Jack Rabbits ages 7 and up. Enjoy Bounce House fun, an appearance by the Easter Bunny and more. Please bring your own basket. Parking costs $5. Egg hunting is free.
• Riverbench Easter Egg Hunt 
  Riverbench Winery is hosting a family-friendly Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, March 31 starting at 11 am, with prizes for everyone, including candies and chocolate bunnies. Cost: $5 per child. Bring a blanket if you plan to picnic on the lawn and a basket for egg collecting. Be sure to register early. This event often sells out.
• Kids’ Easter Egg Hunt at La Mesa Park 
  All families are welcome to attend this fun Easter tradition that takes place on Saturday, March 31 at 9 am. Kids through the 5th grade can participate in the hunt. Please bring a dozen candy-filled eggs to donate.
• Community Easter Egg Hunt at Cambridge Drive Community Church
  Featuring more than 3,000 eggs, special prize eggs, a visit from the Easter Bunny and more make for a fun-filled morning. Pre-schoolers through 6th graders can participate in the hunt. The hunt begins at 10 am sharp. This event is free, but please bring new adult socks to donate.

Easter Kayaking at the Channel Islands 
The Santa Barbara Adventure Company invites you to explore California’s sea caves on Saturday, March 31 or Sunday, April 1. This day trip to Santa Cruz Island in the beautiful Channel Islands National Park departs out of the Ventura Harbor. Enjoy dolphin and marine life on the cruise to the island. Once there, groups will explore the cave in kayaks and have the opportunity to snorkel or hike. Call for details 805-884-9283.
Wine & Bike Tour
Perhaps you’d like pedall into the heart of the Santa Barbara wine country on Easter Sunday and explore the Foxen Canyon Trail or Santa Rita Hills. The close proximity of several notable vintners, all within short pedaling distance, makes this day’s ride very enjoyable.
Now that you know about all the exciting things to see and do over Easter in Santa Barbara, you might be inspired to move here. If so, please take a look at the listings on my comprehensive website and let me know which homes you want to see. If you’re thinking about listing your property in Montecito, Hope Ranch or any of Santa Barbara’s upscale communities, I suggest you act now to take advantage of spring, the most popular time of year to buy or sell your home. Give me a call at 805.886.9378 or email me at Cristal@montecito-estate.com. Happy Easter!