Summer in Santa Barbara is as close to perfect as any season can be. Mild temperatures, perpetually sunny days, and plenty of beaches to spend your days playing on make it the playground of California and the perfect place for you to spend this year's vacation! In addition to the natural landscape that will take your breath away and an environment that encourages spending as much time outside as you possibly can, Santa Barbara is known for its rich cultural arts programs, exciting nightlife, and for these five things to do in Santa Barbara that you should definitely add to your vacation activity bucket list for this Summer!
What's better than a festival celebrating our favorite beverage? A festival celebrating that beverage and the foods that go along with it! The Santa Barbara Food & Wine Festival, held at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, celebrates the good taste of over 50 California wineries and teaches us (by example!) the food that pairs best with our wine choices.
If you are beginning to think that we residents of Santa Barbara enjoy our wine, you would be right! Lotus Fest 2018 is a celebration of the humble grape, this time taking place in one of our town's most lovely public gardens. Enjoy live music, silky smooth wine, and some of your soon to be new favorite brews along with some tasty hors d'oeuvres. Costing $115 per person, this event is one of the more pricier Santa Barbara summer events happening, but it's worth it!
Francophiles from all over the world flock to Oak Park in Santa Barbara for this observance of everything French! From crepes to drag queens and ballroom dancing to the Canine Cavalcade, the French Festival offers something for every member of your family. Oh, and there is French wine here as well, of course!
Everyone loves a fiesta, and Santa Barbara's celebration of old Spanish Days is one of our favorite parties! Featuring dancing, live entertainment, tours of the Santa Barbara Mission and the Santa Barbara County Courthouse, and the best Mexican food in the valley, this annual event will help you celebrate the inner Latino that resides in all of us!
It is true: You don't have to travel to Santa Barbara to view a pride festival. More than likely there is one in your hometown, but you're going to be here anyway, and we throw one heck of a party, so why not attend? Celebrating diversity is what we do best, and our festival is one of the best in the country, featuring live entertainment, delicious foods, and more than likely some really great wine!
And when you're staying in one of our luxurious Paradise Retreats vacation escapes, your Santa Barbara excursion will be unforgettable! Whether you're traveling with family and are looking for the perfect family vacation experience, or are footloose and fancy free, our homes are designed for your comfort. Contact us to reserve your vacation rental today!
