Things to do

Apr 03 2025

EASTER ACTIVITIES IN SANTA BARBARA

Spend your Easter weekend in Santa Barbara with this handpicked selection of activities in the area. Find options like prix fixe brunches, easter egg hunts, and more.

Brunches & Dinner

Easter Breakfast, Brunch & Egg Hunt | El Encanto

This Easter at El Encanto you can celebrate with gorgeous garden views and your choice of an á la carte breakfast or brunch buffet. Cost will vary from breakfast items and the brunch is $175 per person. Afterwards join in on an Easter egg hunt on the property at 1pm.

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Easter Brunch Buffet | Brass Bear Uptown

For a more family-friendly atmosphere delight in a buffet style brunch at Brass Bear, complete with options like egg strata, lox and bagels, crepes, a ham carving station, and more. Face painting and toys will also be available. Costs are $55 per adult and. $20 per child.

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Four-Course Brunch | Caruso’s

With a menu inspired by California’s Central Coast, Caruso’s located at the Rosewood Miramar Beach offers an elegant Easter spread served along side views of the Pacific. Costs are $215 per adult and $95 per child.

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Champagne Easter Brunch | Scarlett Begonia

Delight in a delicious three course meal at Scarlett Begonia, a charming brunch spot loved by locals located on State Street. The first course features their famous cinnamon rolls and biscuits, and the second and third courses offer delicious California cuisine options. Enjoy bottomless drinks like champagne, apple cider, fresh squeezed juice, and more. Price is $85 per person.

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Prix Fix Easter Dinner | Opal

An eclectic California Cuisine restaurant located in the heart of downtown Santa Barbara, Opal will be offering a prix fixe Easter menu starting at 4:30pm on April 20. The experience will include three courses. Cost is to be announced.

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Family Activities

The Great Egg Hunt | Elings Park

This free Easter egg hunt is a beloved Santa Barbara tradition. Enjoy lots of sunshine, expansive ocean views, a bounce house, and more!

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Miramar Beach Easter Egg Hunt | Rosewood Miramar Beach

The Rosewood Miramar Beach is offering multiple Easter egg hunts this year on their Great Lawn. For ages 6 and under, 12pm and 2pm, and ages 7 & up at 12:45pm and 2pm. Reserve your spot at the link below.

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Bunny & Duck Garden | Rosewood Miramar Beach

Hop on over to the Event Lawn where you can meet & take photos with adorable, local bunnies and ducklings!

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Mar 13 2025

SPRING 2025 IN SANTA BARBARA

Celebrate the arrival of spring with this curated collection of events and activities in Santa Barbara and Montecito. As the weather warms and invites us to enjoy the outdoors, there’s no shortage of seasonal happenings around town. Whether you’re looking for an adventurous outing or a peaceful afternoon, this guide has something for everyone.

Santa Barbara Fair & Expo | April 24 – May 4

Enjoy thrilling carnival rides, all day entertainment, live music, farm animals and more at the annual Santa Barbara Fair! Find it at the Earl Warren Show Grounds April 24-27 and May 2-4.

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Santa Barbara Restaurant Week | April 25 – May 4

Taste your way through a week-long showcase of participating Santa Barbara restaurants and wineries as they share exciting pre-fixe menus and special menu items. Find more information on how to join along below.

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Santa Barbara Earth Day Festival | April 26 – 27

Join the city in the biggest, longest-running Earth Day Celebration in the U.S.! Enjoy conversations about climate leadership, music performances, art contests, sustainable food & drinks from local vendors and more.

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Spring Picnic at Lotusland | May 10

Bask in the fresh-air and vibrant spring blooms at Lotusland on their Great Lawn for an idyllic bring-your-own-picnic experience. Live music sets the perfect backdrop as you spend a relaxing day in nature.

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Taste of Santa Barbara | May 12 – 18

Experience the essence of Santa Barbara County through a vibrant celebration of local flavors, drinks, film screenings, farms, fisheries, tasting events, and more. Inspired by Julia Child and in collaboration with the Julia Child Foundation, this program is crafted to connect both community members and visitors with the rich bounty of Santa Barbara.

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I Madonnari Italian Street Painting Festival | May 24 – 26

Watch as street painters of all ages transform the Mission plaza into a work of art with 150 large-scale images across the pavement in just three days. Local food and entertainment will accompany the festival with the Market on the Mission Lawn.

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Zoo Brew | June 7

Experience beer and brews like never before with a one-of-a-kind stroll through the Santa Barbara Zoo. Discover over 30 local breweries and vendors on the scenic hilltop, all while enjoying the zoo’s wildlife. Your admission ticket includes unlimited beer tastings and a souvenir glass to take home.

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Find a complete list of all Santa Barbara Spring events here.

Mar 06 2025

OLD MISSION SANTA BARBARA

Known as the “Queen of the Missions,” the Old Mission Santa Barbara is one of the most picturesque landmarks in the city, complete with grand architecture, lush rose gardens, and views of both the Santa Ynez mountains and Pacific ocean.

Tucked away in the heart of Santa Barbara, the Old Mission offers a captivating blend of history, architecture, and natural beauty. With its iconic twin bell towers, lush gardens, and sweeping views of the Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, this historic landmark is one of the most picturesque spots in the city. Founded in 1786 by Spanish Franciscans, the Mission is often called the “Queen of the Missions” due to its remarkable beauty and enduring presence.

historic photo of the old mission santa barbara — Photo from Library of Congress

Today the Old Mission remains an active site. More than 200 years later, it is still home to the Franciscan Friars and a vital part of the local community. It serves as the base for Saint Barbara Parish, which is part of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. It also houses the Santa Barbara Mission Archive-Library, a non-profit that works to preserve the area’s rich history. The Mission is a center for the Novitiate program, which provides the first year of education for Friars in training from across the country.

A visit to the Mission is a step back in time, where you can explore its beautifully restored inner garden, the stunning 1820 church, a historic cemetery, and an engaging museum. Outside, take a stroll through the peaceful rose garden, the fragrant olive grove, and see the remnants of the original aqueduct and other old structures that once supported the Mission.

view of the old mission santa barbara from the rose garden

Whether you’re a lover of history, architecture, or simply want to enjoy the serene surroundings, a trip to Old Mission Santa Barbara offers an unforgettable experience.

Learn more about the Mission here, and find more things to do in Santa Barbara here.

Feb 20 2025

BRUNCH ON THE BEACH

Delight in the idyllic weather of Santa Barbara with a beachside brunch. This collection of eateries, some just moments away from the shore, serve up delicious brunch menus.

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Brunch by the beach🥂 Check out our latest blog to discover some of the best brunch spots in Santa Barbara! #brunch #santabarbara #beachside #waterfront #beachfront
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