Downtown Santa Barbara: Where to Stay, Sip, and Explore This Summer

May 28, 2025

Summer Happenings in Santa Barbara

Summer’s in full swing, and Santa Barbara is buzzing - think walkable streets, coastal California charm, and golden-hour moments everywhere you look. Whether you’re catching live music, savoring local bites, or simply soaking up the sun, downtown is the place to post up, slow down, and stay a while.

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Sip, Savor, Repeat

Santa Barbara’s food and drink scene is a flavor-forward mix of laid-back eats, bold sips, and spots you’ll want to linger. Start your day with a pour-over from Dawn, Drift’s own coffee spot. From there, grab a bite at The Santa Barbara Public Market, then wander into the Funk Zone for a relaxed afternoon of wine tasting and uncorked discoveries. When the light starts to soften, head back to Dusk, our cocktail and raw bar, for Baja-inspired bites and cocktails worth savoring.

Overhead view of shrimp ceviche topped with radish slices, avocado cubes and microgreens in a bowl beside a stack of tortilla chips, a lime wedge on a wooden board, and a red cocktail glass.

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Summer Happenings, All Season Long

Downtown comes alive all summer long, with the Santa Barbara Bowl’s stacked concert lineup, block parties, and open-air art shows keeping the good times rolling. Don’t miss Old Spanish Days Fiesta and the Summer Solstice Celebration - two citywide festivals bursting with music, parades, bold costumes, and vibrant performances that light up the streets. Head to the waterfront for the California Wine Festival, or catch live sets at Concerts in the Park, a local favorite for laid-back evenings under the palms. And when the pace calls for something slower, cruise the Santa Barbara Farmers Market, a weekly ritual of fresh finds and easy vibes.

Dancers in green-and-gold costumes with large teal feather wings and floral accents parade down a sunlit street, smiling mid-step in gold sneakers and glittering headpieces.

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Get Outside, Stay Cool

Summer in Santa Barbara means sunshine, ocean breeze, and plenty of room to roam. Take a stroll down State Street, where the city’s laid-back energy meets boutique shops, art galleries, and cozy cafés. For classic coastal views, head to Stearns Wharf and soak up the sea air. If you’re feeling adventurous, hit the trail to Inspiration Point for sweeping views of the city and the Pacific. Or, get out on the water with a sailing trip to catch the sunset from the sea. It’s all about effortless days spent outside, taking in the best of Santa Barbara’s natural beauty.

Sailboat with raised mainsail gliding toward a golden sunset over calm, rippling water, passengers gathered at the stern, distant shoreline and palm-lined coast beneath a pale blue sky.

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The Perfect Summer Stay

Experience downtown Santa Barbara from a place that’s as cool and inviting as the city itself. Drift offers a boutique retreat with laid-back luxury and effortless style. Just steps from the best places to eat, sip, explore, and kick back, it’s the perfect place to recharge before your next downtown adventure. Make your summer in Santa Barbara one to remember, stay with Drift.