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Sports and Outdoor Activities
Please use the menu below to see what sightseeing, shopping, entertainment and dining options are available in Santa Barbara.
Santa Barbara's wonderful climate makes it the perfect location for outdoor sports and games. The city is one of America's best places to play golf; the beaches are ideal for surfing and kayaking; and you can even try your hand at adventure sports such as rock climbing.
Golf Courses in Santa Barbara
Glen Annie Golf Club: 405 Glen Annie Road, Santa Barbara
Phone: 805-968-6400.
Rancho San Marcos : 4600 Highway 154, Santa Barbara
Phone: 877-RSM-1804
River Course at the Alisal : 150 Alisal Road, Solvang
Phone: 805-688-6042
Sandpiper Golf Club: 7925 Hollister Avenue, Santa Barbara
Phone: (805) 968-1541
Other Golf Courses
Hidden Oaks Golf Course: 4760 Calle Camarada, Goleta
La Purisima Golf Course: 3455 Highway 246, Lompoc
Ocean Meadows Golf Course: 6925 Whittier Drive, Goleta
Santa Barbara Golf Course: 3500 McCaw Avenue at Las Positas, Santa Barbara
Twin Lakes Golf Course: 6034 Hollister Ave, Goleta
Surfing
The Santa Barbara coastline offers several fun locations for surfing, and the best of these of probably is at Arroyo Burro.
Lessons can easily be arranged if you have never tried this exciting sport before – experienced instructors will teach you the art of catching and riding the waves
Fishing
There are some good opportunities for keen anglers near Santa Barbara. We usually recommend students to take a fishing trip on Lake Casitas, an artificial lake in the Los Padres National Forest and one of the best bass fishing lakes in the world.
The lake is only about 35 miles south of Santa Barbara. Boating and camping are permitted at the lake, too.
Kayaking
Santa Barbara's beaches offer great kayaking opportunities. You can either rent a kayak and try for yourself, or join an organized trip.
Typical organized trips include a relaxing day of paddling along the waterfront. You'll get to see some incredible marine life as well as taking in the views of town from the water. If you're lucky, you may even get to see a whale!
Hiking
Santa Barbara has some of the best hiking trails anywhere. Many interesting hikes start up in the mountains overlooking Santa Barbara and the ocean; others allow you to explore the Santa Ynez River Valley or designated wilderness areas.
And some of our students like nothing better than to take a leisurely hike along the beach!
Rock Climbing
There are lots of mountains in and around Santa Barbara, and they offer a great opportunity for rock climbing.
Advanced climbers and dedicated enthusiasts will of course need no introduction to the sport, but lessons are available for beginners who are willing to learn.
Biking
Without a doubt, the best way to experience Santa Barbara is on a bicycle. You can easily explore the waterfront, downtown and the Santa Barbara Mission in a weekend. The city streets are perfect for bike riding – there are wide bike lanes and one-way streets, and it's usually very safe.
Take a look at our sightseeing section for information about other places to visit in Santa Barbara.
Skater's Point
Santa Barbara's popular skateboard park is called “skaters point” and is used mostly by skateboarders (although a few few inline skaters use it, too). Remember to bring your helmet and pads.
Skater's Point is very easy to reach — it's by the beach, just east of Stearns Wharf.
Inline Skating / Rollerblading
Santa Barbara is great for inline skating. One of the most popular venues is the 5 kilometer path along the beach. The path goes from Ledbetter Beach, past the Santa Barbara harbor and then on to the Bird Refuge.
If you don't have your own skates, you can rent a pair at Beach Rentals (located right on the beach at 22 State Street). Telephone (805)966-6733 for more information.
Horse Riding
If you want to enjoy horse riding, contact Circle Barb Guest Ranch and Stables, and let them arrange for you a ride into Santa Barbara's wilderness. The scenery is beautiful!
Rides are offered year round, and you can go for a few hours or stay overnight. The ranch is located about 20 miles north of Santa Barbara at 1800 Refugio Road.