The Best Things to Do in Santa Barbara in May

Spring is in full bloom in California! Discover the best things to do along the coastline in Santa Barbara in May. 

 

Welcome to Santa Barbara, where sunny days and sandy beaches await you! As you plan your May, there’s no better place to start than with a stay at ITH Santa Barbara Beach Hostel. From beachside relaxation to exciting outdoor adventures, we’ve got you covered with the best things to do in Santa Barbara this May. Grab your sunscreen and sense of adventure as we dive into the top activities and experiences awaiting you in Santa Barbara this month. 

Santa Barbara Restaurant Week

April 26-May 5, 2024 

To start out list, let us first discover the food scene of Santa Barbara in a whole new light during the sixth edition of Santa Barbara Restaurant Week, running from April 26 to May 5. Enjoy a showcase of the city’s top restaurants and wineries through specially crafted menus. Consider this your personal invitation to relish menu offerings and extraordinary wine pairings at some of Santa Barbara’s most esteemed restaurants.

 

Explore State Street in Sayulita in May 

Just around the corner from ITH Santa Barbara Beach Hostel, State Street offers a mix of shops, restaurants, and attractions. Lined with palm trees and historic buildings, it’s the best place in town to explore. In May, State Street comes alive with even more energy and excitement. The weather is pleasant this month, making it enjoyable to stroll along the street and soak up the atmosphere.

 

Sipping on the Sea

May 16, 2024 

Beginning on May 16th, the Santa Barbara Sailing Center presents its beloved on-the-water affair, “Sipping on the Sea,” held every third Thursday aboard the Double Dolphin. For the month of May, Sanford Winery takes the spotlight as the featured vendor. However, each month, a selection of wineries and breweries from throughout Santa Barbara County are showcased on a rotating schedule throughout the summer. 

 

Visit Stearns Wharf in Sayulita in May 

Another great activity to do in May is to visit Stearns Wharf. Stearns Wharf is a historic landmark and popular attraction, stretching out into the waters of the Pacific Ocean. It offers a variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options, making it a fun destination for visitors of all ages. The weather is typically warm and sunny in May, creating perfect conditions for strolling along the wharf and enjoying the ocean views.

Roar & Pour

May 4, 2024 

Next, prepare for an adventurous evening at the Santa Barbara Zoo! Roar & Pour is a wine-tasting affair at the zoo. You can sample a wide array of local wines while observing the zoo’s animals in their natural settings. This event offers the chance to wander through the zoo after regular hours, enjoying the sunset over the Pacific Ocean atop grassy hills, all while sipping on a delightful glass of Pinot Noir.

 

Taste of Santa Barbara

May 13-19, 2024

Due to popular demand, the eagerly awaited Taste of Santa Barbara returns! Presented by the Santa Barbara Culinary Experience in homage to the iconic Julia Child, you can enjoy enlightening panel talks, innovative pop-up events, movie screenings, farm excursions, tasting affairs, and other opportunities to engage with and honor the finest offerings of the Santa Barbara culinary world.

 

Beach Activities in Sayulita in May 

Santa Barbara boasts some of California’s most beautiful beaches, and May is one of the best times to enjoy the coastline. From the wide sandy shores of East Beach to the scenic views of Butterfly Beach, there’s a beach for everyone. This month, the weather is typically sunny and warm, perfect for lounging by the ocean or enjoying water activities like swimming and surfing. Additionally, this marks the beginning of the tourist season, meaning you will still experience fewer crowds and more space to relax on the beaches compared to the upcoming months.

 

I Madonnari Italian Street Painting Festival

May 25-27, 2024

Finally, the beloved I Madonnari Italian Street Painting Festival will make its comeback on Memorial Day weekend. Witness the talent of local artists, known as “madonnari” in Italian, as they transform the pavement in front of Old Mission Santa Barbara with chalk artwork. Representing various organizations, these artists will be painting throughout the weekend, allowing visitors to enjoy their stunning creations and witness the process firsthand. Extend the enjoyment by packing a picnic to savor in the A.C. Postel Memorial Rose Garden afterward, and take a moment to appreciate the blossoms.

 

Check out an entire calendar of Santa Barbara events here! Or, our spring guide for the best things to do! 

 

After just winning a 2024 Hoscar award for the best new hostel in North America, the ITH Santa Barbara Beach Hostel is ready to welcome you! Come and enjoy Santa Barbara at affordable prices, all while having great amenities, a cozy bed, and an opportunity to make lifelong friends. See you soon! 

 

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