There’s no denying that Santa Barbara is a town centered around the outdoors. The bright sunshine, the sea breezes, and the spectacular mountain scenery provide the perfect setting for locals to get out and play. Luckily, the city has no shortage of outdoor activities. Santa Barbara residents need to look no further than their own backyard.
As a beachside town, Santa Barbara offers infinite possibilities for water sports. Sailboat, catamaran, and kayak rentals are available at the Santa Barbara Harbor and lessons are offered through the Santa Barbara Sailing Center along with public cruises and private charters. Several whale watching cruises also depart from the Harbor including trips on the Condor Express during the spring, summer, and winter months. The 75-foot catamaran also hosts adventure excursions to the Channel Islands where participants can explore the sea caves by kayak.
Classified as a world-class resort town, Santa Barbara boasts miles of sandy shores, and there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy these beaches throughout the year. Volleyball courts are available and East and West Beach, and joggers can enjoy the brisk morning air as they watch for dolphins in the blue waters. During the spring, summer and well into fall, swimmers can enjoy the placid ocean at Butterfly Beach or relax against the towering cliffs at Hendry’s. The surf culture in Santa Barbara has continued to grow through the years and surfers can been found catching waves at Leadbetter Point and the classic surf spot known as Hammond’s Reef.
Santa Barbara locals have fought hard to preserve natural spaces throughout the county so that residents can enjoy the land as it was meant to be seen. One of the most popular protected areas is the Douglas Family Preserve which sits high atop the Mesa and provides excellent dog walking trails through grassy meadows and along the coastal bluffs. Ellwood Mesa and Coal Oil Point also give nature enthusiasts the chance to get up close to nature along trails that lead through both of the preserves.
With so much natural beauty to explore, it’s no wonder that hiking is one of the most popular outdoor activities in Santa Barbara. An abundance of area trails lead along the coastal cliffs and into the foothills. Popular trails like Rattlesnake Canyon and San Ysidro are easily accessible through local neighborhoods and provide moderate paths with secluded swimming holes along the way. Beyond the limits of the city lies the Los Padres National Forest where locals will find camping sites and plenty of fishing opportunities tucked away along the Santa Ynez River. With the mild winter weather lasting only a few months, locals can take to the wilderness practically year-round to explore the mountain trails, serene lakes, and deep canyons of the Santa Barbara backcountry.
Back in the heart of town, golfers can spend a day out on the green at the Sandpiper Golf Course or the Santa Barbara Golf Club while enjoying the Mediterranean climate and spectacular views. Cathedral Oaks Country Club boasts an outdoor aquatics center and pristine tennis courts where members can play while enjoying a healthy dose of fresh air. Spectrum Health Clubs offer members three locations to choose from and a variety of classes in addition to top-notch work out facilities. 24-hour Fitness and the Santa Barbara Athletic Club are other popular gym options for those looking to get into an exercise routine.
Locals can also enjoy of many of the activities designed to attract tourists. Bicycle and surrey rentals can be found at shops on lower State Street and the beachside bike path leads bikers, skaters, and joggers along the waterfront and out onto the edge of the Bird Refuge. Guided horseback riding is also available through local ranches and festivals are held in the City’s parks throughout the whole year.
Sports enthusiasts will find many programs offered through Santa Barbara’s Parks and Recreation Department. Adults can get into the game with leagues in basketball, softball, volleyball, and soccer, while youth sports programs are free for all students attending local elementary and junior high schools. Recreation facilities are also available throughout the city including tennis courts, public swimming pools, and weight rooms. Residents can spice things up with a western or line dance class or a swing session taught in the Carrillo Recreation Center’s ballroom.
With beaches and wilderness areas to explore, recreational activities to suit every level and interest, and plenty of sunshine to go around, there are days when almost every resident can be found out and about taking advantage of what the city has to offer. After all, it’s hard work being a Santa Barbara local, but somebody has to do it.