Santa Barbara Leisure

Santa Barbara’s prime location on the coast makes it a paradise for water sports lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Activities on offer include a myriad of water sports, whale-watching and golf.

Water sports

Santa Barbara boasts nine beaches including the beautiful Butterfly Beach, set smack along the bike path in front of the Four Seasons Biltmore; the surfing waves of Leadbetter Beach; and West Beach, offering calm swimming waters and lifeguards on duty. Water sports, from scuba diving to sailing, parasailing, seasonal whale-watching, sunset cruises and kayaking, are available. Boasting one of the largest sailing rental fleets worldwide, Santa Barbara is every sailor’s dream, with vessels ranging from small craft to large yachts.

Golf

Golf is big in Santa Barbara, with two courses having been added in 1998. Rancho San Marcos, a Robert Trent Jones II course, located above scenic Highway 154, offers 72-par championship play, a clubhouse and luxury surroundings. Glen Annie Golf Club in Goleta boasts 130 acres of prime green with commanding views of the Pacific. Other area courses include the top-rated La Purisima Golf Course in Lompoc and Sandpiper, which is consistently rated among the top 25 public courses in the country.

Whale-watching

Santa Barbara is in a prime spot for whale-watching. The city’s location on a southern facing coast, sheltered behind the Channel Islands, offers a fabulous opportunity to witness the migration of grey whales as well as opportunity to spot other species of marine mammals. The Santa Barbara Channel is home to over 27 species of whales and dolphins that are present here at various times of the year.

During February, March and early April, you can see California Grey Whales. From May to September, you can see Blue Whales, Mink Whales and Humpback Whales. Occasionally, Right Whales or Orcas can be spotted. There is an excellent chance of seeing dolphins, porpoises, seals and sea lions all through the season.