Miel enjoys an afternoon at the Douglas Family Preserve
Whether you’re in Santa Barbara for two weeks, two months, or many years, here are some things to add to your Santa Barbara bucket list that come highly recommended by locals like me.
- Picnic at dusk at the Mission Rose Garden
The perfect spot to enjoy watching tourists and locals mingle by the Mission and in the garden as the sun sets. Breathtaking!
- East Beach volleyball
Watch the volleyball players – some of them pros or semi-pros — do their thing in the sand on the East Beach.
- Sunrise at Inspiration Point
I’ve taken the trek up to Inspiration Point many times, and suggest everyone go early enough to catch the sun rising over the coast at least once in their life.
- Bike through Elings Park
It’s fun to bike around and check it out. Maybe head to Hendry’s Beach after.
- Sunset wine drinking on the wharf
Deep Sea tasting room is dog-friendly and has pretty good views.
- Harbor kayak ride
A fun way to enjoy the Santa Barbara sun and check out the harbor.
- Fiesta Cruiser Ride
If you’re in town during Fiesta, you’ve got to check this off your bucket list.
- Sunset at Franceschi Park
If you’ve never been able to see the city from Franceschi Park, I would highly recommend it.
- Funk zone day trip – try a few different wineries
Not a hard thing to accomplish, but definitely worth the effort.
- Sunrise at the wharf
Enjoy one of our famous Santa Barbara sunrises, unobstructed by houses.
- Read a book at Orpet Park
Bring a good book to tuck into and read until it gets dark.
- First Thursday wine tasting followed by Bike Moves
Have you experienced First Thursday yet? The art and wine walk around State Street is fabulous. So is Bike Moves, the less classy but fun-in-its-own-right hooligan ride up and down State Street.
- Bocce ball at Arnoldi’s
I love the aesthetic of Arnoldi’s; the old brick-red door, and the classic 7-Up signs bordering the doorways. Inside is a little fancier, and the food isn’t too bad either.
- Sunken Garden movie at the courthouse
This one could be checked off just about every week during the summer.
- A dog walk through Douglas Preserve
Take your dog on this easy walk, I call it heaven on earth.
- Hendry’s beach day
Another good day for your dog begins and ends at Hendry’s Beach.
- Sunday art walk on Cabrillo
A quick stroll seaside is a nice way to spend a Sunday morning, don’t you think?
- Stroll through Botanic Garden
The Santa Barbara Botanic Garden fosters the conservation of California’s native plants through gardens, research, and education, and serves as a role model of sustainable practices.
- Concert at the Santa Barbara Bowl
Check out my previous blog with all the details about this outside amphitheater.
- Santa Barbara farmer’s market day and fresh dinner
You can make a whole meal out of what you pick up at the farmer’s market.
For more Santa Barbara bucket list ideas, check out this article in California Explorer. If my list has inspired you to move here, please consider any of my current listings in Montecito, Hope Ranch or any of Santa Barbara’s upscale communities. Just check out my comprehensive website then give me a call at 805.886.9378 or email me at Cristal@montecito-estate.com.