Summer is finally here and with it comes some of the best reasons to see Santa Barbara for the first time. Santa Barbara is the top California destination, especially during the summer. If you are looking for the perfect reason to visit in the summer, look no further than the 4th of July. Our patriotic birthday offers some holiday events along with additional opportunities to enjoy some summer activities. Take a look at how you can celebrate the Santa Barbara 4th of July exclusively in 2023.
This year you can see the return of live 4th of July events right here in Santa Barbara. Look no further than the Santa Barbara Waterfront for the perfect slate of exciting and festive fun. The 4th of July Celebration here in Santa Barbara is a whole day of festivities across a variety of locations. The fun starts at West Beach at noon where you can enjoy a live music bandstand. Live music acts currently on the agenda include The Detar Music Review, Sweetheart Sisters, Drifting Dimension, and many more. Live music will be happening at West Beach from noon to 8:50 pm so there is something always playing. If you are hungry during this time, you can find a variety of food vendors all along the Cabrillo Boulevard sidewalk near West Beach starting at 11:00 am. Food vendors will include Timbers Roadhouse, Lidos Philly Cheese Steaks, and more. Children will find plenty of fun over at Stearns Wharf including free face painting starting at 2:00 pm. The celebration will come to a close when a 20-minute fireworks show starts at 9:00 pm. This festive display of fireworks will be right over the water giving you plenty of room to see them. Don't miss out on this incredible event that has finally returned in full force for the 4th of July this year!
Visitors will also be able to enjoy the annual 4th of July Parade that is held each year along State Street. At 1:00 pm on July 4th, the street will be shut down for a parade full of decorated floats and costumed locals. Follow the parade back to the Santa Barbara County Courthouse Sunken Garden where a live Santa Barbara 4th& of July concert will take place at 5:00 pm. As you can see the city of Santa Barbara loves to make sure that the 4th of July is celebrated the right way!
During your summer stay in Santa Barbara, head out onto the water for a private kayak tour with Cal Coast Adventures. You will be able to see the sights with an experienced guide who will take you and your group around the coast. Expect to see the wharf from a whole new angle and some delightful sea creatures such as sea lions and seals that nest off the shore. Always keep an eye out for dolphins that are known to pop their heads up from under the water to greet those who pass by. This tour is an hour and a half long to ensure you find everything you want to see during your voyage.
Santa Barbara has its very own wine country right outside of the city limits. Visitors can enjoy a variety of wine tasting rooms in Downtown Santa Barbara but a trip to Wine Country is always needed. Adults will find a variety of award-winning wineries nestled right in the mountains. Head up to Santa Ynez Valley where you can find wineries including Sunstone Winery, Rideau Vineyard, and Free Parker Winery. Each of these wineries and vineyards offer a beautiful setting that make for an enjoyable experience. Enjoy a tasting flight of the wine or grab a bottle or two to go. Most of the wineries are family friendly allowing children to enjoy the setting too.
The 4th of July holiday is a time to remember our nation's history. In between your festive events you can learn even more about the Santa Barbara area by visiting one of the many museums. The Santa Barbara Museum of Art has some incredible displays of art in vibrant galleries. The Santa Barbara Maritime Museum offers an insight into the nautical culture that being on the coast provides to the city. Regardless of which museum you choose you will find a fascinating yet educational setting to enjoy.
Make sure to start planning for your Santa Barbara 4th of July vacation getaway today. Our 3-bedroom vacation rentals are some of the finest homes that the city has to offer and can be yours for your stay. Book today and see Santa Barbara the way it was meant to be seen.
