Concerts in the Park happens every July and is sponsored by Santa Barbara Parks and Recreation…read more Hundreds of people bring their blankets and a picnic to enjoy this free music concert series. The setting couldn't be more perfect, as it's located right on Cabrillo Boulevard along the beautiful Santa Barbara waterfront. The concerts go from 6:00-7:30 p.m. on Thursday nights in Chase Palm Park. Dogs are welcome on leash. Alcoholic beverages are not permitted in the park, but you will see many people drinking wine. There is a policeman walking around, but he turns a blind eye as long as no one is causing trouble. It's a relaxing way to enjoy our beautiful city, chill with friends, and listen to good live music.

Every summer I venture out to something we locals dub "concerts in the park"…read more aKa free fun with lots of people you love and hate to see in one place with great music and odd picnic etiquette Each week is a different band, all of which kick butt! Ranging from Stevie Nicks cover bands, to funk, to Cuban soul, you just never know what the week will bring. Besides the people you are with the two beat parts are the people watching (you will know what I mean when you go) AND the evening sunsets with the beach breeze. Can't get better than a free concert on a summer night in the American Riviera.

This years Fiesta events begin on August 5th - 9th, 2015…read more As a Santa Barbarian born and raised here, this by far has to be my favorite event of all time in my hometown! Ever since I was a little girl my family has participated in the parade, and I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to be in the children's parade a few times myself. Ever since then it's been my tradition to partake in the festivities. Although I haven't been in the parade since I was a kid I enjoy going to it every year. This long week event is somewhat comparable to mardi gras in New Orleans. You can expect to find State Street packed with tourists, the bars filled, and the streets covered in confetti. The opening ceremony known as La Fiesta Pequeña "Little Fiesta" kicks off Fiesta week on the steps of our beautiful Mission. I suggest you try to claim a spot the night before or get there a few hours ahead of time to find one. Take a lounge chair, blankets, food, and beverage. They do have a small area with food vendors so take cash if you don't want to hassle with bringing your own stuff. I also suggest taking cash if you want to buy cascarones "confetti filled eggs" to get your crack on. If you don't know what a cascarone is then you haven't lived! You can find them anywhere on the streets being sold. They are beautifully hand crafted and decorated it makes you want to save them instead of cracking them on someone's head. El Mercado De La Guerra - Located in the heart of the city you will find tons of food booths, and vendors selling a variety of festive art, jewelry, clothing and accessories. There's also a stage provided with free entertainment. You will see flamenco and folklorico performances and awesome bands playing pop, rock, latin, jazz, and salsa music. El Mercado Del Norte: This Mercado is somewhat a duplicate of the one downtown but the only difference is there is a carnival here with rides and games for the kids. Each Mercado opens daily during Fiesta's at 11:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m. El Desfile Historico Parade - This parade takes place on Friday afternoon. It is one of the nation's largest equestrian parades. You will see floats, mariachi's, flamenco dancers, and more. There is also a children's parade on Saturday which starts at 10:00 a.m. The list of fun events around town go on and on but In a nutshell if you haven't experienced Fiesta's then I suggest you put it on your traveling list! I recommend you reserve a room a few months ahead of time since they will all be booked if you wait or the prices will be insanely high.

I've heard about this large festival a few times, but never experienced it until this year. I was…read moretaking a trip to SB, and had some time to kill before by friend arrives into town. I walked around the Mercado and browsed all the interesting Spanish gifts and trinkets. I bought a chicken tamale for $4 and it was delish! It was filled with lots of chicken and the sauce was nice and spicy! I was really satisfied after =] http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/wyXout3yStwg-knF6Bnelw?select=Tf2N7NGoSGJlqsOWeaQ14w The Fiesta also has a parade, but I did not watch it. My favourite part about the Fiesta was the confetti filled eggs! They were $1/4, but priceless on the amount of fun you have smashing them on your friends' heads! Fun fun fun!

Cute hotel on the beach walk . Great staff . Room is clean and has new TV and cool decorations …read more Got here for a deal at $200 . Nice gym and good security around to keep an eye out . View of the ocean from the room is nice. The restaurant here made an awesome burger and worthy of just coming here for that. Prime ground that was tender and delicious. The brioche bun melted with the avocado and gruyere cheese. Wife loved her fresh salmon salad too.

Nice setting to relax when staying at Hyatt property. I am here for an event and this felt like an…read moreoasis. They have a nice selection of wines by the glass, including a chardonnay from Imagery. Their bar opens both to the inside lounge and to the outdoor pool area.

As a Santa Barbara Local this was my first time visiting this great hole in the wall and Alice made…read moreme feel like a local that's been coming for years. Great drinks and pool table with a great staff. Will definitely be back soon!

Alice made our night awesome and played pool with us, best bartender ever…read more Drinks were great and she made us her special chaser for our vodka shots. Good atmosphere

The Coral Casino has created an incredible mix of serious swimming/treatments/social elements which…read moreare an absolute DELIGHT! The team there led by Nash and Hannah is first rate and the services to members delivered with smiles, competently.

What a beautiful location! It's truly a stunning setting and so close to the ocean. They have a…read morelive camera view of the ocean as well, which is quite amusing and creative, since the Pacific is right there. The menu itself was a little sparse and lacking in imagination, but it is the peaceful ambience and exclusivity that make it special. I simply ordered the salmon, which is funny because everyone else at the table ordered salmon too. I think this would be the right club for someone who enjoys swimming, exercise, privacy, and a quiet atmosphere in a newly reimagined space...but maybe not necessarily for gourmands. That said, it is still a special place!

Attractive and interesting, Nice Staff. Not spectacular, I really enjoyed it. If you're in the…read morearea, check it out, and you can visit the SB Goodwill, just down the block!

I'm so glad we found out about Casa Dolores before our last trip to Santa Barbara…read more I was scrolling through the events calendar to plan our trip and that's how I found out about Casa Dolores and the cool altar they had on display for Dias de los Muertos (it was on display for more than a week!). I was surprised I didn't find out about Casa Dolores during our previous visits to Santa Barbara, but it's always nice to discover a new place to visit in a town you've seen a lot of other attractions before. Casa Dolores is a small museum that focuses on Mexican Folk Art. It's situated in the downtown area, just minutes away from State Street, tucked away on Bath St. You can walk from State street, take Figueroa down and turn left on Bath. Casa Dolores is located in a small, old adobe house, nicely renovated. It has a cute courtyard in the back, so check it out. On the main level they host temporary exhibits (we loved their "Art Made out of Tin" exhibit they have on display right now). Upstairs, they have their permanent collection, very nice pottery from Oaxaca and other places in Mexico, and other interesting folk art. If you're in the area and you're looking for a nice activity to do for half an hour- an hour in the downtown SB, Casa Dolores is a cute place to visit. It could be a great break from all the hustle and bustle of the shopping area. The museum is a quiet and relaxing place to get away from it all. We enjoyed our visit, the Mexican folk art on display, their Dias de los Muertos altar (great idea). The staff couldn't be nicer, too bad I didn't get the name of the young lady that works there that showed us around, gave us information about the place, the art on display, she couldn't be nicer, we enjoyed our chat with her. Also, there's no fee to visit the museum. It's open Tuesdays through Saturdays, Noon-4pm. Check out their site for more info. We'd like to go back on our next visit to Santa Barbara and check out their future temporary exhibit.

Whether you're looking for a perfect date night or a celebratory experience, look no further! Those…read morewho came up with the concept of Glass House Cocktails have collaborated with Slate Catering Company to keep Santa Barbara as a top destination. I originally found out about this hidden treasure on Instagram (@glasshousecocktails). After Covid-19 hit, businesses had to be inventive and crafty on how to continue to provide their skills outside of interior spaces for small groups. Backyard Bistros is a mobile Mercedez-Benz van that has table seating for up to four people with cocktails/beer/wine, paired with a gorgeous charcuterie board. I chose to reserve the van for my partner's birthday with another fellow couple. We decided to have our private experience on Stearns Wharf, however, you can choose the destination of your choice. While the backdoors of the van are open, you take advantage of a Bluetooth-capable Bose Speaker and additional booze for purchase, juxtaposed with a spectacular ocean+mountain view. The van is decked out with plants, pillows, a table, ceiling lights, and fun decor similar to a mobile dining Air BnB. The charcuterie board featured three kinds of cheese, strawberries, blueberries, pistachios, candied ginger, dried apricots, and gorgeous flowers with herbs. The two pre-mixed 16-ounce cocktails we decided upon in advance were Heat of Passion (habanero-infused tequila, passionfruit, lime and simple syrup--quite a tasty spicy kick) and Prickly Pear Cocktail (mezcal [we subbed mezcal for vodka], prickly pear, lime and simple syrup--perfect for a hot summer day). This was the ideal, relaxed time on a summer evening as the sun sets behind the Santa Ynez mountains. I brought along a set of cards to play, in between saying "hello" to curious tourists walking by before dinner downtown. Thank you Cecily and Allie for helping me plan this evening delight!

Totally free summer nights under the stars out on by UCSB Arts & Lectures the Friday Nights Under…read morethe Stars is themed with past years Silent Films, Musicals, Alfred Hitchcock, Cartoons, and so many more. Bring your blanket at noon to save your spot then come back with food and friends as the sun sets and the movies kick off. Dog friendly sky for friendly dogs

Overall great experience outdoors, free and to be a part of the Santa Barbara community, wonderful…read moretime. Definitely wear and bring layers and blankets. I actually froze! Who knew it would get so chilly! Will definitely go back again! Yes you can put your beach chairs out during the day to secure a spot! Amazing!