The summer is flying by and August is full of fun things to do here in Santa Barbara! With sunny weather and gorgeous beaches, it’s time to get outside and explore. The water is warm, dive in!
Photo credit: Blake Bronstad, Courtesy of Visit Santa Barbara
Old Spanish Days Fiesta
When: July 30th–August 3rd
Where: Downtown Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara’s rich heritage comes alive during the first week in August with the music, dance, and pageantry of Old Spanish Days Fiesta, the granddaddy of city celebrations, reaching back to 1925.
Kayak & Snorkel Tours at Channel Islands National Park
When: Every day in August
Where: Scorpion Anchorage on Santa Cruz Island
The water is at its warmest and clearest most days in August making incredible conditions for snorkeling and kayaking at the Channel Islands. See the California State Fish, the Garibaldi, bat rays, kelp forests, seals, and other species off the coast. Plus, explore some of the largest and most beautiful sea caves in the world! — Book Now
Santa Barbara Rodeo Days
When: August 1-3, 2025
Where: Earl Warren Showgrounds
This three-day celebration marks a new chapter in local tradition, with a bold, reimagined festival that honors Santa Barbara’s Vaquero roots while introducing fresh experiences for all ages. Guests can enjoy professional rodeo action, a vibrant carnival, live music, and family-friendly fun that blends western flair with coastal charm.
Santa Ynez Wine Tour
When: Every day in August from 10am to 5pm
Where: Includes pick-up/drop-off in Santa Barbara and transportation to Santa Ynez Valley
Spend a day wine tasting in Santa Ynez Valley on a wine country tour! — Book Now
Free Summer Cinema
WHEN:
• August 8 – My Dog Skip
• August 15 – Isle of Dogs
• August 22 – Marley and Me
• August 29 – Dog
WHERE: Santa Barbara County Courthouse
TIME: 8:30PM
UCSB Arts and Lectures is excited to announce the return of the free cinema series! The 2025 theme is “Dog Days of Summer” and will feature feel-good movies that span multiple decades and genres starring our favorite furry friends.
Sunset Kayak in Santa Barbara Harbor
When: Every evening in August
Where: Santa Barbara Harbor
Enjoy a relaxing sunset ocean kayak tour around the Santa Barbara harbor & shoreline. This tour is fun and affordable for the whole family! Plus, it’s great for all sea kayaking skill levels including beginners to advanced. — Book Now
Butterflies Alive! at the Museum of Natural History
WHEN: Every day in August
WHERE: Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History
Walk through a beautiful garden while nearly 1,000 live butterflies flutter freely around you. The exhibit features a dazzling variety of butterflies, from local favorites to exotic tropical species. Learn about the life cycle and behavior of these spectacular invertebrates while observing them up close.
Gaviota Coast Kayak Tour
When: Every day in August
Where: Haskell’s Beach
Kayak the Gaviota Coast, one of the few remaining sections of undeveloped, open coastline in California, and home to more than 1,500 species of plant and animal life. — Book Now
