Weather
Santa Barbara Weather
If you are packing for a trip to Santa Barbara bring your sunhat and leave your umbrella behind. Santa Barbara generally receives 300 days of sunshine a year and only 15 inches of rainfall. While December is usually the coldest month of the year, it is not usual to see locals wearing shorts and t-shirts throughout the winter. Summer months are moderate with very low humidity, average highs are in the 70’s. This is why Santa Barbara is considered a year-round destination with tourists and travels coming from around the world to experience sunny beaches and trails.
Summer Weather
Preparing for warm weather
On all trips we recommend you wear waterproof sunscreen and bring a sun hat. Guest are also encouraged to dress in layers. If you are bringing sunglasses on a kayaking, biking or surf trip please secure them to your head with a cord (Croakies or Chums). Our guides have noticed that the more expensive sunglasses tend to sink faster. We will provide bottled water and drinks on most trips, but you may choose to bring your own as well. It is always important to stay properly hydrated.
Winter Weather
Preparing for cooler weather
Paddling in the winter months can be an amazing experience if you have proper equipment. If you are planning a trip and are concerned about cooler weather, keep in mind that we offer wetsuits and paddle jackets to our guests on most kayak and surf trips. It also helps to dress in layers, preferably made of synthetic materials and not cotton. Nylon and polyester dry more quickly and will keep you warmer. A light fleece jacket is a good option. A hat will also help prevent heat loss.
Accommodations
We have the pleasure of working with a number of quality hotels and bed & breakfast establishments in Santa Barbara County. We’ve organized a few of our favorites for your consideration. For reservations, please contact the hotel of your choice directly.
On/Near the Beach
- Brisas del Mar, Inn at the Beach
- Best Western Beachside Inn
- Colonial Beach Inn
- Fess Parker’s DoubleTree Resort
- Hotel Mar Monte
- Hotel Oceana
- Inn by the Harbor
- Lavender Inn by the Sea
Luxury Camping
Downtown
- Best Western Encina Inn and Suites
- Best Western Pepper Tree Inn
- Canary Hotel
- Presidio Motel
- Simpson House Inn
- The Upham Hotel
Montecito
Summerland
Bed & Breakfasts
Near UCSB/Goleta Area
Camp Grounds
Santa Ynez Valley
Ventura/Oxnard
- Best Western Oxnard Inn
- Courtyard by Marriott Oxnard/Ventura
- Four Points Sheraton Ventura Harbor
- Hampton Inn Channel Islands Harbor
- Hilton Garden Inn Oxnard/Camarillo
- Holiday Inn Express
- Homewood Suites
- Residence Inn by Marriott Oxnard River Ridge
- Zachari Dunes on Mandalay Beach
Reservations Center
Favorites
Here are some websites and places that we really like and our guests have found helpful. If you know of a resource we should be telling our guests about – please send us an email. letsgo@sbadventureco.com
Santa Barbara Adventure Meeting Spots
Looking for a map to your meeting spot? Our confirmation form includes directions, but you can also visit our Google Map for information on most of our meeting spot locations.
Tahoe Adventure Company
If you are visiting the Tahoe area, please contact our sister company. Tahoe Adventure Company offers great lake kayak trips, biking, rock climbing and much more.
Diane Soini’s SB Hikes
We often get asked about hiking and camping locations. Diane has created a really helpful site for travelers and locals looking for a self-guided adventure.
Julia Franzosa Photography
Special Thank You to Julia for sharing her photos of our Tasty Cupcake and Wine Tour with us. Julia is a talented Chicago-based photographer.
Erin Feinblatt Photography
Erin is a talented Santa Barbara-based photographer and part-time SBACo guide. Many of the nature and adventure photos on the Adventure Company website and promotional materials were taken by Erin.
