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From beachside wine festivals to Sunday polo matches, discover this curated list of exciting events and activities happening this Summer season.

RECURRING EVENTS

Sunday Polo At The Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club

Don your finest clothes and hats at the Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club each Sunday this summer season. Enjoy the captivating games set against the stunning backdrop of the Santa Barbara mountains as you graze charcuterie boards and sip on fine wines and champagnes. Every Sunday.

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Drinks At Dusk

Experience the Old Mission Santa Barbara in a whole new light and find yourself in their Sacred Garden sipping local wines and beers as the sun sets. Mingle with the locals, enjoy light bites, and listen to live music at these incredible summer soirées. June 27 & August 22.

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Santa Barbara Sunset Cruise

Set sail in style for a two or three hour sunset cruise aboard a classic sailing yacht! Cruise along the shore and experience Santa Barbara from a whole new perspective. Recurring daily.

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Butterflies Alive!

Happening at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, find thousands of tropical butterfly species from Costa Rica in their immersive Butterfly Pavilion. Walk through the beautiful garden as butterflies flutter freely around you. Recurring Wenesday-Monday.

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Santa Barbara Harbor & Waterfront Tour

Explore the wildlife and magnificent views of the American Riviera coastline on a classic sailing yacht. Cruise the Santa Barbara Harbor, Waterfront, and Stearns Wharf. Recurring daily.

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Free Summer Cinema

Spend your Friday nights at The Courthouse for their free summer cinema series. This year’s theme is “Sun, Surf, and Cinema,” and will feature films of all sorts of decades and genres that fall under the umbrella of feel-good, beach-inspired movies. Every Friday.

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EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES

Summer Cooking Class with Pascale’s Kitchen | June 23

Join Casa Del Herrero, a historic property in Montecito, at their first ever hands-on cooking class! Esteemed chef Pascale Beale will lead you through a five-course meal, showing you how to expertly craft an array of dishes using ingredients you harvest from the historic ground gardens.

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Summer Solstice Celebration: 50th Anniversary | June 21-23

Take part in one of the largest art events in Santa Barbara County and witness vibrants displays of artwork, costumes, performances, and more. Shop a variety of artisan merchants and delicious food vendors all weekend long.

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Santa Barbara Lavender Festival | June 29

Experience a festival like no other, celebrating creativity through lavender. Featuring over 75 artisans and small businesses, each participant will incorporate as much lavender as possible- whether it be using lavender products or is inspired by the theme.

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Santa Barbara National Horse Show | July 3-14

Witness one of the city’s largest and most celebrated traditions this summer at the Earl Warren Showgrounds. Watch over 150 competitors in a variety of events and enjoy other activities on the grounds.

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Old Mission Motor Show | July 13

This free, family friendly event at the Old Mission front lawn will feature classic cars, food trucks, and snow cones- the perfect summer trifecta, no? Celebrate the iconic history of California’s El Camino Real in a unique way.

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Beachside Wine Festival | July 20

Enjoy a day of sun, sea, and wine at Chase Palm Park for Santa Barbara’s Beachside Wine Festival. Discover hundreds of fine wines, regional craft brews, and a wide variety of local food vendors. All set to the sound of the nearby waves and live music.

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Old Spanish Days Fiesta: 100th Anniversary | July 31-August 4

Experience one of Santa Barbara’s most popular, longstanding traditions of the Old Spanish Days Fiesta! Watch the town come alive across a 5-day party that focuses on music, dance, performances, and pageantry. Keep an eye out for another post for a guide to the festivities.

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Find a more extensive list of events Here

Welcome to The Cottage, Santa Barbara Vacation Rentals’ newest rental property. Perched directly on the sand of Montecito’s exclusive Miramar neighborhood, this home offers a true coastal getaway.

The history of The Cottage dates back to the early 1900s, when it was originally constructed as a “day shack” for beach goers to take refuge on hot summer days. This little piece of history certainly provides a unique charm to the home, adding to its allure!

Enter the home from the upper level, where you are greeted by a pitched ceiling and plentiful natural light from the many skylights and bay windows focused on the ocean. The kitchen, located just off the entrance, is equipped with all that you may need to cook your favorite meals… or heat up your takeout. After all The Cottage is located mere minutes from the famed Rosewood Miramar Hotel, where you can find a Michelin-starred restaurant and world-class shopping.

The living room and dining room meld together, each offering unparalleled views of the Pacific. With a setup as ideal at The Cottage, you can enjoy sunset-viewing and ocean-watching from the comfort of your couch. The living area is comfortably furnished, and the dining table accommodates four people. Just beyond the glass patio door is an extended deck with glass railings for unobstructed views. Enjoy al fresco dining at the outdoor dining table, perfect for entertaining on warm summer nights.

Downstairs you will find the bedrooms, which were designed to feel like you’re in staterooms on a yacht. The first bedroom is equipped with a queen sized and access to the lower balcony. There are two full-sized bunks that lead into the second suite, which also features a queen-sized bed. Just off this suite you can enjoy another access point to the balcony, overlooking the ocean. Listen to the soothing sounds of the waves, gaze out into the sunset, or just simply watch the world go by.

Dive into this selection of eateries where culinary excellence meets stunning coastal views!

ANGEL OAK

Indulge in the perfect fusion of vintage wines, fine dining, and panoramic ocean vistas at Angel Oak, nestled atop the breathtaking cliffs of Haskell’s Beach at The Ritz-Carlton Bacara. Delight yourself with a menu that celebrates the best the region has to offer, whether you choose to savor delectable bites from the raw menu, indulge in hot seafood entrees, or a 30-day, dry-aged New York strip.

Photo via Instagram @ritzcarltonbacarasb

CARUSO’S

Embark on a culinary journey like no other at Caruso’s, a Michelin-starred gem nestled along the serene shores of Miramar Beach in Montecito. Indulge in the extraordinary with Chef Massimo Falsini’s world-class menu, showcasing seasonal delights such as the impeccably charred Pacific octopus and the Santa Barbara bluefin ahi tartare. Caruso’s is perfect for those who desire impeccable service, breathtaking surroundings, and melt-in-your-mouth bites.

Photo via Instagram @rosewoodmiramarbeach

BOATHOUSE AT HENDRY’S

Discover the local gem Boathouse at Hendry’s Beach, mere steps from the shores of Arroyo Burro Beach. Delight in your surroundings as you experience the coastal breeze intertwine with the delicious aromas of seafood and gaze out to the Pacific. Their menu is brimming with culinary delights, like the Pan Seared Scallops and the Boathouse Seafood Pasta.

Photo via Instagram @sb_boathouse

REUNION KITCHEN + DRINK

Experience the charm of Reunion Kitchen + Drink, a delightful eatery offering seaside dining on Santa Barbara’s popular East Beach. With an extensive drink list to complement their diverse menu, there’s something for everyone. Don’t miss the opportunity to savor signature dishes like the mouthwatering slow-braised short ribs or the refreshing poke bowl.

Photo via Instagram @reunionkitchen

BLUEWATER GRILL

Set against the backdrop of Stearns Wharf, Bluewater Grill beckons from the unmistakable lighthouse, offering a three-story seafood haven. Specializing in hyper-local, sustainably caught seafood, their dishes are crafted with classic precision or infused with a modern twist. Inside, discover two bars boasting an extensive selection of Santa Barbara’s local wines, completing the ultimate culinary experience.

Photo via Instagram @bluewatersantabarbara

TOMA RESTAURANT & BAR

Just down Cabrillo Boulevard is Toma Restaurant & Bar, a premier Italian-inspired Mediterranean restaurant across from the Santa Barbara Harbor. Consistently hailed as the #1 restaurant in the area, Toma presents a unique and seasonal array of classic dishes with a modern twist, skillfully curated by Executive Chef, Gregorio Bonilla.

Photo via Instagram @tomarestaurant

OKU

Indulge your palate with elevated Japanese cuisine at Oku, where a tempting array of fresh-caught sushi, sashimi, and seafood awaits, along with exquisite “from-the-land” offerings like the certified Japanese A5 Miyazaki Wagyu. Whether you choose to dine ocean-front indoors or on their rooftop patio and lounge, Oku promises a culinary experience that transcends expectations.

Photo via Instagram @okurestaurant

Flor de Maiz

Immerse yourself in the sophisticated blend of coastal California and Mexican cuisine at Flor de Maiz. From creatively crafted cocktails to thoughtfully inventive plates, Flor de Maiz promises a unique dining experience that elevates your palate.

Photo via Instagram @flordemaiz_sb

The Funk Zone, a beloved neighborhood located between lower State and the Waterfront, is an eclectic collection of restaurants, wine tasting rooms, breweries, boutiques, creative collectives, galleries, hotels and more. It spans 13 walkable blocks and promises a day well spent discovering Santa Barbara’s contemporary, lively side.

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@sbvacationrentals

Fall in love with Santa Barbara’s Funk Zone, an eclectic collection of restaurants, tasting rooms, breweries, boutiques, and art galleries located between lower State and the Waterfront. Read our blog for the best recommendations on where to eat, drink, and shop! #santabarbara #funkzonesantabarbara #funkzonesb #airbnbsantabarbara #hiddengemsb #localfavorite #santabarbarawaterfront #lovewornsb #dartcoffeeco #paliwineco

♬ original sound – Phoebe

EATERIES

Begin by fueling your day at one of the many cafes or restaurants the Funk Zone has to offer. For coffee and baked goods, try Dart Coffee Co., where they pay careful attention to the source of their organic coffee beans and offer a picturesque garden for you to sip your coffee in. Or stop by Helena Avenue Bakery where you will find an assortment of pastries, baked goods, coffees, and gourmet breakfast and lunch options made to order. This bakery + kitchen is well-known for its locally sourced homemade specialties that feature the highest quality of ingredients. Another plus is that Helena Avenue shares a space with Santa Barbara Wine Collective so you can grab a bottle of your favorite local wine for the perfect pairing.

Besides just cafes or breakfast spots, there are plenty of restaurants in the Funk Zone that are worth a visit. Lucky Penny serves up delicious pizza, while Shalhoob’s Funk Zone Patio features a well-rounded menu of snacks, sliders, salads, sandwiches and BBQ. The Lark, Loquita, and Rare Society are all fantastic 5-star dinner destinations, cooking up Californian cuisine, Spanish dishes, and wood-fired meats and seafood respectively.

WINERIES AND BREWERIES

You could spend hours on end trying out the 20+ wineries in the neighborhood, just use the Urban Wine Trail, a self-guided trail of tasting rooms representing Santa Barbara County wines, as your guide. We recommend checking out Melville Winery Tasting Room, Margerum Tasting Room, Pali Wine Co., and Paradise Springs Winery. As for breweries, a short walk in the neighborhood reveals plenty of options. Enjoy craft brews from Figueroa Mountain Brewery Co. or Topa Topa Brewing Co. If something stronger is your drink of choice, try Cutler’s Artisan Spirits or Test Pilot.

SHOPS AND GALLERIES

The Funk Zone is known as Santa Barbara’s most vibrant hot-spot for all things artisan and original. Naturally, it’s no stranger to unique boutiques locally owned and cultivated. Loveworn is where you can find vintage clothing and original graphic tees, and The Shopkeepers features a collection of vintage clothes, shoes, accessories, and home goods. Discover the works of local artisans and makers at Seaside Makers Collective, find the best local and up-and-coming artists at Helena Mason Art Gallery, or find your new favorite accessories at Jules By The Sea, a boutique that sells artisan made jewelry.

Explore Some of Our Rentals Near The Funk Zone

Fall has taken off in Santa Barbara. Get into the autumnal spirit with this handpicked list of events and activities in the Santa Barbara area! Scroll to the end to discover all the Halloween attractions this season has to offer.

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Halloween Events & Activities

Pumpkin Patches & Corn Mazes

Big Wave Dave’s Pumpkin Patch

September 29th – October 31st

Located at the La Cumbre Plaza, this local pumpkin patch offers all of the perfect decor pieces to make your home feel like fall. Pick from a variety of pumpkins, squash, ornamental gourds, hay bales, and more.

Lane Farms Pumpkin Patch

September 30th – October 31st

At Lane Farms you will find plenty of autumn activities that are sure to put you in the fall spirit. Enjoy hay rides, farm animals, a corn maze, pumpkins as far as the eye can see, and the perfect backdrop for your fall photos.

Montecito Country Mart Pumpkin Patch

October 1st – 31st

Open all day, every day is the Montecito Country Mart Honor System Pumpkin Patch! Find it in the courtyard.