Why Fall is the Best Time to Visit Santa Barbara, California

Published: September 29, 2025

 Santa Barbara in the Fall

Santa Barbara’s fall season is pure enchantment — think golden sunsets, coastal breezes, and a quiet calm that invites you to linger. With summer crowds gone, you’ll find: 

• More open tables at top restaurants  
• Spacious, peaceful beaches  
• A relaxed atmosphere that feels effortlessly local  

Daytime temperatures hover in the mid-70's, perfect for outdoor dining, beach walks, or vineyard tours without the summer rush. It’s also the ideal time to stay in one of our Santa Barbara vacation rentals, where luxury, comfort, and privacy put you close to the best area attractions.

Celebrate the Season: Wine, Seafood & Local Festivals 

Autumn is festival season in Santa Barbara, bringing together wine, food, and coastal culture. A few highlights this fall include: 

• California Avocado Festival: Carpinteria’s beloved street festival features live music, artisan vendors, and plenty of avocado-inspired bites. Stay nearby at Ocean View for the perfect fall weekend. 
• Santa Barbara Vintners Festival: Sample wines from 50+ local wineries, enjoy artisan bites, and live music at Vega Vineyard & Farm. Pair your visit with a stay in a Santa Ynez Valley rental for a true wine country escape, such as Wine Barrel Cottage. 
• Santa Barbara Harbor & Seafood Festival: Feast on fresh seafood, uni, and paella at this lively waterfront event. Stay just steps from the harbor in a waterfront home like Nirvana.

Photo by Craft & Cluster, courtesy of Melville Winery and Visit Santa Barbara 

Neighborhood Spotlight: Montecito in the Fall

Tucked just five miles east of Santa Barbara, Montecito is one of the region’s most enchanting neighborhoods — especially in autumn. With palm-lined streets, world-class dining, and a quick forty-minute drive to wine country, Montecito blends laid-back California living with timeless luxury. 

Things to do in Montecito: 

• Morning: Explore Butterfly Beach or hike in the foothills.
• Afternoon: Shop the local boutiques on Coast Village Road
• Evening: Dine al fresco at a Michelin-starred restaurant.

Vacation rentals in Montecito:

• Maravista: Chic estate with sweeping ocean views.
• Seaside Cottage: Romantic cottage perfect for couples.
• Sea Ranch: Spacious family retreat ideal for gatherings.

View all Montecito vacation rentals.

Photo by Jay Sinclair, courtesy Visit Santa Barbara 

Outdoor Adventures to Savor the Season 

With fewer visitors and crisp, clear days, fall is the best time to explore Santa Barbara’s outdoors: 

• Scenic Hikes & Views: Montecito’s winding trails are ideal for golden-hour sunsets. Stay nearby at Montecito Modern for serene mountain and ocean views. 
• Adventure on the Water: Try parasailing, sailing charters, or eFoil rides for a thrill. Recharge afterward at Rincon Retreat, an oceanfront home with stunning views. 
• Mindful Escapes: Stroll through the Botanic Garden or wander UCSB’s Lagoon Island Labyrinth, then return to Downtown Villa, a chic downtown Santa Barbara property perfect for dining and nightlife. 

A Curated Stay with Paradise Retreats 

Pair Santa Barbara’s seasonal experiences with the unmatched comfort of a Paradise Retreats’ property. Imagine returning from a wine harvest tour to a private Montecito estate, or savoring the day’s catch from the Seafood Festival on the deck of a West Beach cottage. 

Our portfolio includes: 

• Coastal escapes: Steps from the sand. 
• Elegant wine country estates: Surrounded by vineyards. 
• Pet-friendly retreats: Perfect for fall gatherings. 

No matter your style, fall is the season to make Santa Barbara your own. 

Plan your fall getaway today! Explore our full collection of Santa Barbara vacation rentals and let Paradise Retreats curate your ultimate autumn escape.