A visit to Santa Barbara in the summer will be a magical one filled with happy moments, exciting adventures, and opportunities to bask in the wonders of the California sun. There are no sunsets anywhere else on Earth as magical as ours. In addition to the standard sightseeing trips, beach days, and delicious meals that will be remembered for years to come, our summer festivals are designed to ensure that all visitors get to experience all of our favorite Santa Barbara things to do. If your summer travels are going to bring you to Santa Barbara and a stay in one of our luxurious Paradise Retreats vacation homes, here's a list of some of our favorite summer festivals that shouldn't be missed while you're here!
The arrival of summer is always an occasion to celebrate, in our humble opinions, and for three days in June (the 22nd, 23rd, & 24th) most Santa Barbara residents will agree. The Summer Solstice Celebration is a showpiece of everything summer. From parades to music to arts and crafts to food trucks, this exciting and colorful festival held at Alameda Park is the most magical way of welcoming the sultry days of sunshine and excitement.
You may or may not have heard, but our little piece of paradise is famous for its wines and wineries, and the California Wine Festival, held July 19 through the 21st, allows you to learn which wine goes best with sunshine and the sea. Spoiler alert: They ALL work with the beach! Held steps away from one of the most beautiful beaches in the county, ticket prices start at $40 for a one-day designated driver special and top out at $190 for a 3-day VIP Gold All Events Pass that will allow you to experience every event offered. From wine tastings to wine pairings, this festival will change the way you look at wine forever!
As the end of summer grows near, we celebrate our Spanish heritage with a fiesta that has been an annual event since 1925. Held on August 1st through August 5th in various places throughout the city, the opening festival (La Fiesta Pequena) starts the party right with flamenco dances on the steps of the Old Mission Santa Barbara. Continuing with parades, live music, rodeo performances, and tasty tacos, tamales, and enchiladas, this festival is both colorful and exciting!
After a day or more of of enjoying the various Santa Barbara things to do, your tired feet will be thrilled to have a chance to soak in the pool of your Paradise Retreats luxurious vacation escape! Pour a glass of wine you bought at the California Wine Festival, heat up that tamale from the Old Spanish Days Fiesta in the fully equipped kitchen, or simply sit back and watch the sun set over the ocean from the patio. Your travels have brought you to paradise; now it's time to reap the benefits. Reserve yours today!
