Santa Barbara and surrounding area is one of the best loved tourist destinations in the world. Not many towns can boast a soap opera named after them. There’s a reason for the attention: beautiful beaches, winding mountain trails, a mediterranean aesthetic, a vibrant arts culture and, of course, the home of Lucidity Festival.
As long as you’re hitting Lucidity, why not extend your stay and enjoy some of magic that Santa Barbara has to offer. Here are some of our recommends!
SB Eats
Santa Barbara Farmers Market
The Santa Barbara Certified Farmers Market Association has been bringing fresh organic produce to Santa Barbara for over 50 years. The markets popup 6 days a week in several locations in Santa Barbara, Goleta, Montecito and Ojai. You’ll find a treasure trove of seasonal organic fruits and vegetables and prepared specialties. Not all vendors take electronic payments, however, you can purchase tokens to use market-wide.
Sunstone Winery
Since Santa Barbara is firmly located in the Central Coast wine country, it’s no wonder that many renown wineries flourish here! One of our favorites, Sunstone, was the first organic wine estate in Santa Barbara County. In fact, their vineyard has “always been bio-sustainably farmed meeting the highest organic farming standards in viticulture”. If wine tasting is on your itinerary, don’t miss Sunstone Winery in Santa Ynez.
SB Sights
Summer Solstice Parade & Festival
From its humble beginnings as a small bacchanalian celebration in the early 70’s, the Summer Solstice Celebration has become one of Santa Barbara’s largest yearly events. A magnet for local participation, the parade is a vibrant and whimsical celebration of the longest day of the year. After the parade winds down the festival in Almeda Park carries the reveries into the evening with live music, food and merchant vendors and an opportunity to get a closer look at those fabulous floats!
Channel Islands National Park
Channel Islands National Park is a hidden gem off the coast of Southern California. It’s made up of five unique islands, each with its own special vibe. Thanks to being isolated for so long, the islands are home to animals and plants you won’t find anywhere else. Plus, there are cool archaeological sites to explore. It’s like stepping back in time and seeing California’s coast in its natural, untouched state. Perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers!
