The city of Santa Barbara doesn’t skimp when throwing a 4th of July celebration. With parades, parties, and fireworks, there’s plenty to do in town this 4th of July.
Santa Barbra 4th of July Party
Things to do During the Day
Every Sunday, Santa Barbara artists and vendors come together on Cabrillo Avenue and sell some of their products. For this 4th of July, there will be a similar lineup on Cabrillo Avenue near West Beach. Here you’ll find festive foods and local vendors putting out their best work.
West Beach will also be featuring several activities throughout the day. Starting at noon, there will be live music that will run until 9 p.m. With a mix of artists and genres, this is a great way to spend a day before settling in for the fireworks.
Parties and Parades
You can also head over to the Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort, where the hotel will be putting on a barbeque at 4 p.m. There will be food and cocktails available for purchase. This beachfront hotel property has sweeping views of the ocean and is a great place to unwind while you watch the waves come in.
In Montecito, the town over from Santa Barbara, there will be a parade that takes place. The parade will start at 11:30 a.m., starting at Upper Manning Park and ending at Lower Manning Park. Following the parade, there will be live music and food vendors.
Where to Watch the Fireworks
Aside from West Beach, and its surrounding areas, you can head on up to Santa Barbara City College. This is a great place to watch the fireworks since the campus has a hilltop area that is perfect for viewing. With ocean views and a beautiful space, this is one place we recommend checking out on the night of the 4th.
The beach is the best place to catch the show, and Santa Barbara has no shortage of great beaches. Find a cozy spot that is not crowded, grab a cooler of snacks and drinks, and bring some friends down to the beach to watch the fireworks. This is our top recommendation for the day.
Where to Stay After the Show
With a great central location, an amazing lawn area, and great company, we recommend booking a night at our ITH Santa Barbara Beach Hostel. Our rates are some of the best in town, and we know how to throw a party. The hostel will turn one year old on July 4th, which means we’re going to have a big celebration. Guests of the hostel will be able to attend the party, and there will be food, music, and fun all day long. Inquire upon check-in for the party’s start time.
For all ITH bookings, make sure to sign up for our Traveler’s Club. This is a free program that helps you save on all your stays at ITH.
Want a better look at what to expect for the 4th of July fireworks show in Santa Barbara? Watch this video!