Santa Barbara is normally depicted as a beautiful coastal area with sunshine and sandy beaches, but believe it or not, every once in a while, there are Santa Barbara rain clouds. These clouds force us to seek alternate plans from lounging on the beach. But much of what makes this area great is the multitude of other outdoor activities not requiring sunshine. Here are a few ideas for fun on those less than perfect beach days.
Even if it's raining, you can still enjoy the beach. Grab an umbrella, raincoat, and some boots and head down to the water's edge. There is plenty to do at the beach even when the sun is not shining. As long as it's not raining hard, take a walk, hunt for shells, play Frisbee, or make sandcastles. For your safety, stay out of the water, but otherwise enjoy your time in the sand!
If you rather spend the day out and about, go downtown to the Santa Barbara Museum of Art. This renown museum features works by Dali, Monet, and Rousseau among more modern masters. You won't find better company anywhere. Take a look at some of the most influential works of art available at this amazing museum.
Probably the best activity on this list-in our humble opinion, anyway! Head to The Press Room and enjoy a frothy pint in this cozy, local bar, or pull up a stool at the James Joyce and enjoy a drink while watching the world pass by on busy State St and shell a few peanuts; they have barrels of them there to kick up your feet.
The locals do this every other day of the week, so why should a Santa Barbara rainy day be any different? If you've just left the James Joyce, make a sharp right turn and head directly into Mac's Fish & Chip Shop for a hearty taste of England. Joe's Cafe and the Dutch Garden Restaurant are two other solid choices for delicious, heaping servings of warm comfort food. There are so many restaurants in the Santa Barbara area that are amazing; these are just a few to get you started.
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