Spending spring time by the sea
Spring in Santa Barbara
It’s undeniable that March is one of the most perfect times to visit us and spend spring in Santa Barbara with vibrant displays of color found everywhere on our crescent of coast, from wildflowers sprinkled on hillsides to sunsets of every shade. The famed 37th Annual Santa Barbara Film Festival is set to return in full force, and you can expect a plethora of libation-geared events happening throughout March in Santa Barbara. Add mild weather, sunshine, incredible music performances, and a variety of sun-soaked outdoor activities, there’s no shortage of reasons to visit this spring.
To ensure an eventful and culture-filled stay, read on to discover why March is the ideal time to visit Santa Barbara.
SPRING IS ABOUT TO ARRIVE TO SANTA BARBARA
March in Santa Barbara means it’s time to take advantage of the myriad outdoor adventures our coastal enclave has to offer. March 20, 2022 is the official first day of spring, so celebrate by getting outside and breaking a sweat. Whether you need a solo springtime reset and refresh, or plan to bring the whole family for a week of relaxation, consider Santa Barbara your activity-filled, Spring Break destination. Golf lovers can rejoice and hit a few holes at one of Santa Barbara’s lush fairways. Or, if nature walks are more your speed, visit one of 10 Not So Secret Parks and Gardens. Santa Barbara is an incredibly bikeable town, so don’t miss our most popular Bike Trails.
FESTIVALS FEVER
The night sky will glitter during the 37th Annual Santa Barbara International Film Festival, March 2-12, 2022. Santa Barbara’s iconic theatres will adorn their marquees to celebrate the abundance of awards, film screenings, celebrity appearances and more. This world-renown 11-day festival celebrates the incredible creativity and dedication that filmmakers, actors, directors and more adhere to their craft. Pair your taste for cultural films with a delicious Pinot Noir at World of Pinot Noir March 3-5, 2022. For three days, oenophiles gather to taste hundreds of rare and reserve wines, as well as bask in the gorgeous beachfront setting of The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara. Speaking of beachfront, the Santa Barbara Surf Film Festival, March 18-19, 2022, will honor the legendary ocean sport by showcasing feature and short films that are sure to enthrall.
https://www.santabarbarasurffilmfestival.com/
SHOWSTOPPERS
Throughout March, Santa Barbara lights up with all kinds of performances, ranging from music at larger venues to art-infused shows at historic theatres. Catch folk-rock singer-songwriter Richard Thompson at Lobero Theatre, March 1, 2022, and a few days later, It’s Magic! will dazzle audiences at Lobero Theatre, March 5, 2022. Over at Granada Theatre, in conjunction with Santa Barbara Museum of Art’s running installation Through Vincent’s Eyes: Van Gogh and His Sources, listen to the incredible Santa Barbara Symphony Presents: Sonic Boom, March 19-20, 2022.
End the month on a high note (literally) and see GRAMMY-nominated alt-J and Portugal. The Man at Santa Barbara Bowl, March 26, 2022. The sweeping sunset views of the ocean from the top of the venue, paired with a glass of local rosé or beer, is worth the trip on its own. Don’t fret—if you can’t make the March 26 show, a second night has been added for April 2, 2022.
Courtesy of Night Lizard Brewing Company
LIVELY LIBATIONS
Grab your green clothing and head out to one of Santa Barbara’s Irish bars to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, March 17, 2022. If you’d rather skip the crowd but still want to enjoy a cold pint, discover the Santa Barbara South Coast’s extensive Craft Beer Scene, spanning from Goleta to downtown Santa Barbara. Choose from tons of local and imported IPAs, sour beers, porters and so much more. Many of the breweries also offer games, food and live music so sit back and relax.
If you want to keep the good times rolling after the holiday, National Cocktail Day happens to land on March 24. And what better way to celebrate than by sipping on a fruity concoction made with local honey and lavender, or a bourbon-based favorite? Explore numerous and unique watering holes throughout town to find the best Cocktails in Santa Barbara.
