Get ready for a sun-kissed adventure in Santa Barbara in June! From beach picnics to wine tastings, uncover the top attractions and events happening this summer. Santa Barbara is the perfect destination for a summer getaway! Whether you’re a local or a visitor eager to explore, there’s no shortage of fun awaiting you this month. So, what are the best things to do in Santa Barbara in June?
Join ITH for a world of sun, sand, and endless possibilities with our guide for the best thing to do in Santa Barbara in June.
Santa Barbara Arts & Crafts Show
Sundays
Stroll along Cabrillo Boulevard from Stearns Wharf to Calle Cesar Chavez every Sunday to view and purchase unique artworks directly from local artists. The show operates from 10:00 AM until dusk.
Butterflies Alive! at the Museum of Natural History
At the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, you can walk through a beautiful garden full of live butterflies flying all around you. There are around 1,000 butterflies, mostly from tropical places like Costa Rica.
You can also visit a special room where you might see a butterfly come out of its chrysalis, which is super cool to watch!
Annual Santa Barbara Surf Film Festival
June 7-8
Next, we have the third Annual Santa Barbara Surf Film Festival! Taking place over two days at Lobero Theatre, this event celebrates surf culture and storytelling. Don’t miss the outdoor Surf Film Festival Block Party as well, featuring surf exhibitors, live music, local artisans, tasty food, and drinks. It’s a can’t-miss event for surf enthusiasts and beach lovers!
Juneteenth Santa Barbara Block Party
June 15
Come celebrate Juneteenth at Santa Barbara’s annual Juneteenth Santa Barbara Block Party in the Funk Zone. This event welcomes everyone to honor the freedom of enslaved African Americans in the United States. This year’s theme is “nourishing the people,” and it will celebrate local Black artists, business owners, performers, and organizations. Enjoy free food, dancing, and singing all day and late into the night.
Summer Solstice Celebration
June 20-22
Join Santa Barbara’s most colorful festival featuring a lively parade, live music, dance performances, and art installations. The parade kicks off at noon on June 21, starting at Ortega and Santa Barbara Streets and culminating at Alameda Park. This year’s theme is “Wild World,” encouraging creative costumes and floats.
Santa Barbara Lavender Festival
June 28
Next on our list is the first-ever Santa Barbara Lavender Festival, which will debut this year at Great Meadow on Santa Barbara City College’s West Campus on June 28th! This unique arts and crafts festival celebrates creativity with lavender-inspired artwork from over 75 local artisans, lavender farms, and small businesses. Take some time today to step outside and smell the flowers!
Santa Barbara Wine & Food Festival
June 28
Being in Santa Barbara in June obviously means taking some time to check out the wine scene.Savor over 100 Central Coast wines and gourmet bites in the picturesque oak woodland setting of the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History. The event runs from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM, with early entry available at 1:00 PM.
Click here for more on wine tasting in Santa Barbara.
Parasailing in Santa Barbara in June
All Month
Lastly, Santa Barbara offers the perfect opportunity for a parasailing adventure. Join Santa Barbara Parasail for an experience as you soar over 1,000 feet above the ocean, taking in views below. Feel the rush of adrenaline as you glide through the sky, surrounded by the beauty of the coastline. Parasailing is the ideal adventure to kick off the summer season!
So, there you have it! The best things to do in Santa Barbara in June! For the best experience possible, be sure to book your stay at ITH Santa Barbara Beach Hostel.
