Plan your summer vacation in Santa Barbara
Get your feet wet this summer in Santa Barbara with this month’s concerts, festivals and activities. Summer vacation in Santa Barbara has never looked hotter. Stay at the Beachside Inn, best location in Santa Barbara’s waterfront and across the street from Santa Barbara Harbor.
Summer is the season of festivals and all things sunshine, so that means there is plenty of fun to be had along the Santa Barbara South Coast in July. Unwind by the beach while sipping some of the best wines our coastal enclave and beyond has to offer by day, attend a concert at the Santa Barbara Bowl by night or cozy up under the stars at the Santa Barbara Courthouse for its annual Summer Courthouse Film Series, hosted by UCSB Arts & Lectures. Of course, Fourth of July is a highly anticipated holiday here in Santa Barbara, and the festivities are nothing short of spectacular.
EVENTS & FESTIVALS
It wouldn’t be a Fourth of July in Santa Barbara without watching the annual fireworks display by the sea, beginning at 9 p.m. Head to Stearns Wharf beforehand for a series of festive events to celebrate Independence Day, including a historical cannon firing at noon, face painting at 2 p.m., live music at 4 p.m., wine tasting and more. Everything going on within walking distance of our hotel, the Beachside Inn, on Cabrillo Blvd. The summer celebration doesn’t stop there—enjoy some of the best wines California has to offer at the California Wine Festival. This two-day event starts with a Sunset Rare & Reserve Tasting on July 15, 2022 at Chase Palm Park’s Carousel House, followed by a full day of beachside tastings, music, food and shopping at Chase Palm Park on July 16, 2022.
If you’re looking to keep your glass full the entire month of July, look no further than these new and newly remodeled wine tasting rooms throughout the Santa Barbara South Coast. Soak in the summer sunshine on the outdoor patio at Santa Barbara Winery, located in the Funk Zone, or cool off with a refreshing glass of chenin blanc inside Kunin Wines’ new tasting room, also situated just a block from the beach in the Funk Zone.
Founded in May 2021, the monthly Mujeres Makers Market highlights over 50 women- and people-of-color-owned businesses. Find the perfect memento to commemorate your summer vacation to Santa Barbara on July 3, 2022 at 123 E Canon Perdido St. and support local artists.
Locals and visitors alike enjoy the annual UCSB Arts & Lectures Summer Courthouse Film Series, which kicks off its first screening on July 8, 2022, with American Graffiti. Bundle up as the sun goes down and watch popular films in the famous sunken gardens of the Santa Barbara County Courthouse. Other movies featured during July include Dirty Dancing (July 15), Thelma and Louise (July 22) and The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (July 29).
Take a step back in time and admire vehicles from days past at the Woodies at the Beach, a celebration of vintage classic cars from all across the U.S., on July 23, 2022, at Santa Barbara City College. After the car show, take a brisk stroll to Shoreline Beach Café to indulge in catch-of-the-day tacos and wash them down with a spicy guava margarita (or two) in the only restaurant in Santa Barbara that gives you a true toes-in-the-sand dining experience.
MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT
July in Santa Barbara wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the beloved Santa Barbara Bowl—and this year’s lineup is quite impressive. Enjoy live music underneath the twinkling night sky by artists such as CAAMP (July 8), Fleet Foxes (July 9), Rise Against (July 16), Slightly Stoopid (July 17), The Black Crowes (July 24), The Chicks (July 29) and Josh Groban (July 30). Santa Barbara Bowl offers an intimate, all-outdoor venue with excellent views of the stage from any seat in the house. Speaking of live music, The Lobero Theatre’s featured concert on July 13, 2022, is none other than Corinne Bailey Rae, known for her hit single, “Put Your Records On.”
This July, head out to sea aboard Santa Barbara Sailing Center’s Double Dolphin, a 50-foot sailing catamaran, for an evening of sipping and dancing until the sun sets. Every Friday evening from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in July, Santa Barbara Sailing Center brings aboard live musicians. This month’s lineup includes The Coconuts (July 1), Ross Harper (July 8), Guilty Pleasure Boys (July 15), Justin Claveria (July 22) and Ben Batts (July 29). On July 21, 2022, Double Dolphin is also hosting its monthly Sipping on the Sea event from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. This month, the featured vendor is Grassini Family Vineyards. Santa Barbara Sailing center is just across the street from the Beachside Inn, best location to start your summer time adventures.
Finally, round out your trip to the Santa Barbara South Coast at the Santa Barbara Zoo, where its first-ever baby wallaby joey was born in late May. Easy-to-navigate and fun for all ages, a trip to the zoo is the perfect way to close out your stay in The American Riviera®.
THE SANTA BARBARA FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION
JULY 4, 2022
The City of Santa Barbara’s traditional Fourth of July beachfront celebration will be back again and ready to build upon the fabulous events in years past! Join us at the beautiful Santa Barbara waterfront along West Beach on Independence Day for an afternoon and evening of food, music, fireworks, and fun for all ages! The Beachside Inn is the best spot to enjoy the 4th of July and your summer vacation or weekend getaway in Santa Barbara.
