So you decided to head out to Santa Barbara during Thanksgiving, which we think is a perfect idea. Spending time exploring the Pacific Coast Highway and landing in sunny Santa Barbara during the holiday will bring you a lot of fun during your stay. While you’re exploring Santa Barbara during Thanksgiving, take time to have fun at some of the festive events the city will hold.
Here are some spectacular events that your entire family can have fun when you are looking for things to do in Santa Barbara on Thanksgiving.
Thanksgiving Wine Tour
- Address: 34 E Haley St
- When: November 23
Santa Barbara Wine Country Tours will host an expert tour with guides at three local wineries. Lunch and a door-to-door shuttle service are offered for the day throughout Santa Ynez Valley. While exploring the wineries, your guide will share local history and insights into the region, plus why the wine in Santa Barbara is so unique. Treat your pallet for the day, and maybe you’ll find a favorite bottle to share with the family on Thanksgiving day.
Thanksgiving Centerpiece Arranging Workshop
- Address: 13 Anacapa St, Suite C
- When: November 17 from 5 pm to 8 pm
Get a little crafty with a Thanksgiving centerpiece workshop hosted by the Santa Barbara Wine Collective. You’ll master the art of layering flowers and create your unique and elegant centerpiece. Your guide is Sarah from Wild West Florals, who will help demonstrate the art of floral arrangement. Your $65 ticket includes all the materials, professional instructions, and a glass of sparkling wine.
Thanksgiving 4-Miler
- Address: Magnolia Shopping Center
- When: November 24 at 9 am
Enjoy a four-mile run through Santa Barbara before feasting on an incredible meal. The course for this run will be flat and fast, taking you along Hollister Avenue, winding through neighborhoods, and ending at Thunderbird Park. The run will end with pumpkin pie for a post-run meal. Tickets are between $25-$40 per person, and you can register online.
Santa Barbara Zoo
- Address: 500 Ninos Dr
- When: November 24 from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm
The Santa Barbara Zoo is open on Thanksgiving and welcomes all families who want to be out of the house and around animal friends for the day. You’ll be greeted with 146 species of animals, including mammals, reptiles, birds, and more. The zoo overlooks the ocean and Santa Ynez Mountains for an incredible view while visiting. Once you’re done, you can head to one of these beautiful restaurants offering Thanksgiving dinner.
Turkey Day Paddle
- Address: 117 B Harbor Way
- When: November 24 at 10 am
Be active on Thanksgiving with Paddle Sports Center with a morning paddle before settling for dinner. You can cruise the coast with your family on paddle boards and enjoy the fresh ocean air while exploring. Rentals are $20 per person.
Enjoy these fun activities throughout Santa Barbara before you enjoy dinner on Thanksgiving. If you don’t like cooking, you can get reservations at one of these fantastic restaurants and leave the cooking to someone else.