If you’re planning a destination wedding in Santa Barbara chances are many of your guests will 1. be super excited and 2. plan to turn attending your wedding into a vacation. People tend to stay in Santa Barbara an extra few days either before or after your wedding festivities. In the spirit of providing an all-around outstanding experience for your guests, it can be really helpful to add a section to your wedding website with suggestions for fun things to do in the Santa Barbara area on those extra days. We’ve rounded up of our favorites for you!
For Foodies
1. Wine, Beer and Spirits Tasting in the Funk Zone
Santa Barbara’s Funk Zone is home to many tasting rooms where you can try local wine, craft beer and even spirits. All within walking distance to each other, delicious restaurants and the rest of downtown Santa Barbara. Check out some of our favorites – Margerum Wine Company, Paradise Springs Winery, Figueroa Mountain Brew Co. and Cutler’s Artisan Spirits.
2. Explore the Santa Ynez Valley
The Santa Ynez Valley is a short 40-45 minute drive from downtown Santa Barbara. The region is rich in wineries and is known for producing high quality Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Syrah. Los Olivos and Solvang have bustling town centers with local shops and quaint restaurants. For a refuel after wine tasting, Industrial Eats is not to be missed. Or for a more formal meal, SY Kitchen is outstanding!
3. Eat!
Santa Barbara has an incredible food scene for your destination wedding guests to enjoy. From world class patisserie to creative tapas and farm-to-table family style fare, Santa Barbara has a little bit of everything. Some of our favorite places to eat are:
Renaud’s Patisserie
Alessia Patisserie and Cafe
Corazon Cocina
Milk & Honey
Flor de Maiz
Ca’Dario Santa Barbara
Jane
The Lark
Zaytoon
For Adventure Seekers
4. Rent a Paddleboard or Kayak in the SB Harbor
Paddling out in the Santa Barbara harbor offers breathtaking views of the Channel Islands, Santa Barbara and the Santa Ynez mountains. With plentiful wildlife and calm waters, paddlers often see pelicans, sea lions, seals dolphins and whales. Paddle Sports Center offers rentals and guided tours based on your preference.
5. Hike Inspiration Point or Cold Springs Trail
Fresh air, exercise and ocean views. What’s better than enjoying nature with a hike? Inspiration Point and Cold Springs Trail are two of our favorite local hikes.
6. Whale Watching
Book a whale watching tour to enjoy some sunshine on the open waters of the Pacific Ocean and see whales, dolphins and other marine wildlife. The Condor Express offers great tours year round departing from the Santa Barbara Harbor!
For Those Who Love To Get Outside
7. Golfing
Enjoy a round of golf at one of Santa Barbara’s fine 18-hole courses, including Sandpiper and Glen Annie Gold Club. It’s fun activity for folks to do the morning of your wedding.
8. Tour of Lotus Land
Lotus Land is an incredible botanical garden on the historic estate of Madame Ganna Walska. This impeccably maintained, one-of-a-kind estate features a cactus garden, butterfly gardens, a Japanese garden, succulent garden and so much more. Advance reservations are required.
9. Sunset Cruise of the SB Harbor
Hop onboard the Blue Dolphin, a 50ft sailing catamaran for a sunset cruise in the Santa Barbara Harbor. With capacity for 49 guests, your wedding guests can bring a large group of family or enjoy a romantic date night for two.
For Family Fun
10. Go to the Santa Barbara Zoo
Explore the Santa Barbara Zoo which is home to 146 species of animals and also features lush grounds and sweeping ocean views.
11. Go to the Beach
Enjoy one of Santa Barbara’s many public beaches. Play beach games, get a tan, or swim in the water.
12. Cruise along the coastal bike path in a surrey bike
The whole family can ride together as you cruise along the Cabrillo Boulevard bike path in a rented Surry bike.
13. Shopping on State Street
Santa Barbara’s State Street is the heart of the downtown area. It’s home to many local gift and clothing stores as well as larger chain stores and art galleries.
How We Can Help
Planning a destination wedding in Santa Barbara and need help arranging additional activities for your wedding party or wedding guests? Megan Rose Events can help. In addition to offering Planning, Design and Production for your Wedding Day, we can also help arrange additional events and activities for your guests to ensure they feel taken care of and have an incredible experience while visiting the area. Get started today, by filling out our contact form. We’ll be in touch soon to set up a complimentary consultation.
