5 Ways to Spend Earth Day in Santa Barbara
Did you know, 2020 marks the 50th anniversary of the environmental movement AND the creation of Earth Day? We think that’s reason to celebrate! And from beach cleanups to kayaking, there are plenty of ways to give back to the Earth while in Santa Barbara. Here’s a few ways to fill your Earth Day this April.
Attend the 50th Annual Santa Barbara Earth Day Festival
The Santa Barbara Earth Day Festival is a two-day event that celebrates the Earth, while also educating visitors on the climate crisis. This year, the event will be held at Alameda Park, April 18-19. During the festival, explore the Eco Marketplace filled with green products, organic clothing and more, then grab a vegan snack. The event’s Green Car Show displays the newest electric cars, while the Kids Corner is filled with family-friendly activities and entertainment. For more festival details, visit the official Santa Barbara Earth Day Festival website.
Eat at a Vegan-Friendly Santa Barbara Restaurant
Even if you’re not a full-time vegan, you can still reduce your ecological footprint on Earth Day by opting for meatless meals. How does meat impact the Earth? In short, animals used for meat production take up a vast amount of land and contribute to much of our air and water pollution. In fact, a 2016 study published that food-related emissions would drop by 70% by 2050 if everyone decided to go vegan. Here’s a few delicious vegan restaurants worth trying in the Santa Barbara area:
- The Black Sheep – features Latin, Asian and Italian flavors prepared with French technique
- Oliver’s – higher end dining with an all-vegan menu
- Satellite – serves vegan bites with wine and craft beer
- Mesa Verde – expect modern plant based food, with ingredients sourced from area farms
- Green Table – known for its gluten-free, vegetarian foods and boasts the largest selection of matcha blends in CA
Go Sea Cave or Harbor Kayaking
Kayaking around Santa Barbara is one of the easiest and most relaxing ways to take in the beautiful views that our area is known for. And what better time to enjoy nature than on Earth Day? Choose the Self Care in Santa Barbara package at Spanish Garden Inn and enjoy a 1-hour kayak rental, in addition to several other health and wellness perks. Or, opt for one of the several Channel Islands kayaking adventures, including Santa Barbara sea cave explorations and harbor tours.
Take a Seaside Bike Tour
With beautiful weather and seemingly endless trails, bicycling and bike tours are also a pretty popular way to explore Santa Barbara. Enjoy a complimentary bike rental when you choose the Self Care package at Spanish Garden Inn or when you stay at Inn at East Beach, then explore one of several local trails. For an easy ride, begin at Stearns Wharf, then head 3 miles to Old Mission Santa Barbara. The path is completely paved and great for anyone looking for a relaxing ride. For a longer and more challenging route, travel the Obern Trail 10.5 miles to Goleta Beach Park.
Participate in a Beach Cleanup Project
As a beach city, it’s only fitting that Santa Barbara offers ample opportunities for cleaning up the beach. Join a local non-profit organization, like the Santa Barbara Urban Creeks Council, in cleaning up a local beach or two. The Urban Creeks Council meets at 9 a.m. on the second Saturday of every month to clean up East Beach. Or, join the entire state of California on Sep 26 for the annual California Coast Cleanup Day. Although not directly tied to Earth Day, this event is the largest volunteer effort in the state.
Where to Stay in Santa Barbara
Complement your Earth Day with a stay at a hotel that puts both guests and the environment first. At the dog-friendly Inn at East Beach, guests can choose from 33 spacious guest rooms and benefit from convenient, on-site bike rentals. At the Spanish Garden Inn, choose one of the hotel’s outdoor-focused packages like the Self Care In Santa Barbara or Sunset Horseback Ride.
