Thinking about visiting Santa Barbara in September? This is the perfect time to enjoy the city’s beautiful weather, beaches, and culture!
Enjoy the great outdoors with warm, sunny days perfect for beach walks, hiking in the Santa Ynez Mountains, or water activities like kayaking and surfing. The natural beauty of Santa Barbara shines in September, making it an ideal time to connect with nature.
From delicious food at farmer’s markets to shopping on State Street, September in Santa Barbara is full of delightful experiences.
Join us as we highlight the best things to do in Santa Barbara this month!
Santa Barbara Studio Artists Tour
Dates: September 1, 2025
The Santa Barbara Studio Artists Tour is a super cool event where you can visit artists’ studios and see their fantastic work! Walk into where artists create their magic and chat with them about their art. It’s like a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process. You can buy their artwork too!
Pints in the Park
Date: September 6, 2025
The Pints for the Park Beer Festival is back with an array of Central Coast craft beer, cider, wine, kombucha, and offerings from over 20 local vendors.
Alongside refreshing beverages, indulge in delectable cuisine from food trucks, tasty snacks, and exclusive Elings Park merchandise for sale. Take a leisurely stroll, sip your favorites, nibble on treats, shop for unique items, and unwind while supporting the largest privately funded park in the USA.
Throughout the event, groove to music by DJ Darla Bea, engage in lawn games, and relax in lounge areas for socializing. Admission includes a commemorative glass to remember the day.
Sunset Kidd Sailing Cruises
Dates: Throughout September
Sunset Kidd Sailing Cruises is a fun way to see Santa Barbara from the water! You can sail on a beautiful boat, watch the sunset, and maybe even see some cool sea animals like dolphins or whales. It’s a perfect way to relax and enjoy the ocean breeze.
Santa Barbara Museum of Art Exhibitions
Ongoing exhibitions featuring both classic and contemporary art throughout September. Plus, the Santa Barbara Museum of Art has cool stuff to see! They have paintings, sculptures, and other kinds of art from all over the world. You can learn about different cultures and time periods. There are always new things to discover, so it’s fun to visit often.
Santa Barbara Sea Glass & Ocean Arts Festival
Dates:September 14–15, 2025
Join the Santa Barbara Sea Glass & Ocean Arts Festival on September 14–15 for a one-of-a-kind coastal celebration highlighting the beauty of ocean-inspired art. Taking place from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM each day, this beloved event showcases talented local artists, eco-friendly practices, and a welcoming atmosphere for sea glass lovers, collectors, and curious visitors alike. Don’t miss this vibrant weekend dedicated to creativity, sustainability, and seaside charm.
Goleta Lemon Festival
Dates: September 27-28, 2025
Mark your calendars for September 28–29 as the Goleta Lemon Festival returns to Girsh Park for a fun-filled, family-friendly weekend. Enjoy a variety of activities including exciting games, bounce houses, obstacle courses, pie-eating contests, a classic car show, and plenty more entertainment for all ages.
Outdoor Activities
Santa Barbara is perfect for outdoor fun in September! Enjoy sunny days at Butterfly Beach, go hiking in beautiful parks, or try exciting water sports like surfing and kayaking. You can also explore the outdoors by bike or rent a boat to see the coastline from a different view.
Wine Tasting Tours
For wine-tasting tours, visit local wineries in the Santa Ynez Valley, just a short drive from Santa Barbara. This article provides a more detailed look into Santa Barbara’s wine culture.
So, there you have it, the best things to do in Santa Barbara in September! Don’t forget to book your stay at ITH Banta Barbara Beach Hostel!
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