Fall might just be Santa Barbara’s best-kept secret, its really my favorite! While other places are bundled up for chilly weather, we get to enjoy cooler breezes, lighter crowds, and that golden autumn light that makes everything feel a little softer and sweeter. We’ve even had a little rain lately, which has been refreshing (but maybe thats just me!)
One of the biggest perks this time of year is fewer tourists. Suddenly, the places that feel packed in summer open up again. The beaches are calmer, parking is easier, and even the zoo feels more relaxed. I’ll definitely be taking Nash to the Santa Barbara Zoo this fall - no crowds to see the giraffes, more space to explore, and plenty of room for him to run and play.
It’s also the perfect season for quiet beach walks. Butterfly Beach at sunset, or Arroyo Burro (Hendry’s) in the morning, feels so different once summer crowds thin out. Hendry’s especially can get packed in warmer months, but in the fall, it’s all about calm mornings, salty air, and room to breathe (with so many dogs!)
Local events are just starting up too:
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🎃 The Lane Farms Pumpkin Patch opens next weekend - pumpkins, hayrides, pigs, and fall treats. It’s a family tradition for so many locals, including our little fam.
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🍋 The Goleta Lemon Festival at Girsh Park also happens next weekend. It’s a really sweet celebration with local vendors, kid-friendly activities, and plenty of food (everything lemon-y!).
And of course, it wouldn’t be fall without the seasonal eats. Handlebar Coffee, Dune, and all the local bakeries are rolling out pumpkin lattes and baked goodies. Even Trader Joe’s has gone all-in on pumpkin — from breads and muffins to candles and pasta sauce... oh and ice cream. We had that last night.. wow!
For outdoor adventures, fall weather makes it perfect to explore Douglas Preserve - Nash and my dog Henry love it there, and the views never get old. And with cooler afternoons, it’s easier to squeeze in a hike without the summer heat.
For me, fall in Santa Barbara is all about slowing down and soaking in the beauty of where we live. It’s those smaller things: grabbing a pumpkin latte on the way to the farmers’ market, watching Nash discover the zoo without a crowd, or taking a quiet beach walk when it feels like the coast is ours again.
Can't wait to see you all around town! :)
