Santa Barbara is high on the list of destination weddings, but it is also high on the list of destination vacations. Besides attending the wedding, there will be days and times when guests find they have opportunities to experience our city by the sea. So here’s a compilation of what you’ll find Santa Barbarans doing on a normal weekend.
For those filled with adventure, there are hiking trails all over town! Santa Barbara Hikes ( santabarbarahikes.com ) offers a full guide to well-known and hidden trails that we love. Don’t like hiking? You’re surrounded by the beach! Go surfing, kayaking, swimming, and whale watching, or do stand-up paddleboard yoga. There are places near or on the beach where you can rent equipment. If you don’t take advantage of this gorgeous year-round weather, when else will you? For indoor group fun and fantastic photo opportunities, you can have a friendly bowling match at Zodo’s Bowling & Beyond or show off your figure-skating skills at Ice in Paradise.
For those interested in craft brews and wine tasting with family, there are breweries with both indoor and outdoor patios with games and fun activities. Some trendy breweries you must visit include (keep in mind this is a very short list) Telegraph Brewing Co., Pure Order Brewing Co., M. Special Brewing Co., and Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co., most within a mile from each other. For those classing it up, the Funk Zone holds the best of the best wineries, including Santa Barbara Winery, Oreana Winery, and 17 others.
