By Joyce Wang:
Welcome to paradise. Yeah, I know it’s nice, but eventually you become jaded and the ‘weekend scene’ that you’re used to, whatever it may be, needs a little change. Drunken nights of debauchery and weekend cram sessions get old and it’s nice to see a different side of Santa Barbara! Believe me, there are much better ways to spend your weekend than watching football, non-stop, from Friday to Sunday . . . been there done that. And whether you have daddy’s Platinum or you’re asking random freshmen to sneak food out of the DLG, there’s a little something for everyone.
Hiking
Cost: Free
Nestled between the beautiful Santa Ynez Mountains and the majestic Pacific Ocean, Santa Barbara has a prime location for many outdoor activities. With several dozen locations to work up a sweat hiking, you’ll always have a little piece of nature to escape to from time to time.
Inspiration point, located above the Botanic Gardens on Tunnel Rd., has an amazing view at night, and is is a great spot to take date.
Gaviota Peak and Campbell Trails offers a good 6-11 mile hike or up to for those of you who are true outdoorswomen—or men. But if you just want to go for a quick dip, you can take a detour and hike about a mile roundtrip to the hot spring instead.
*Parking may cost a few bucks.
Santa Barbara Condor Cruises
Cost: $$
Voted the “Best Charter and Whale Watching Vessel in Santa Barbara” several years in a row, Condor Cruises offer whale watching and island excursions like you’ve never seen before. More than just whale watching, they also offer adventure cruises like island kayaking. Offered year round, you’ll be able to satisfy your animal craving in our season-less Santa Barbara climate. With the crisp California sea air whipping at your sun bleached hair, you’ll forget for a second you go to school here.
Or if you’re really just that into whales and still behind on rent, you can go to Shoreline Park, right where the whale tail statue is and view them from land for FREE. Humpback whales can be seen June to August and Pacific Gray Whales January to March.
Santa Barbara Zoo
Cost: $
Santa Barbara’s very own zoo features up to 600 different types of animals in its small but quaint atmosphere. The zoo is constantly trying to add new things to do and check out, and if you are able to get there around 4pm, you can even see the animals being fed. Leave your longboard and bike at home.
Cost: $$$$
The best things in life are free? Depends on who you’re asking! For the adrenaline junkie with a chunk of change to spare, this little adventure will likely be worth every penny with packages starting at $199. However, mention that you’re a student and prove it with a valid ID and they will take $20 off of your jump. With jumps up to 18,000 ft., the highest tandem jump offered in America, the view and the adrenaline will take your breath away—literally. An unforgettable birthday present, anniversary gift, or just some good spontaneous fun, skydiving is just one of those things that you say you have always wanted to do and with our own sky diving center right in Santa Barbara serving the greater LA area, strap on that harness and GO ALREADY!
Santa Barbara Sailing
Cost: $-$$$$
Santa Barbara is the prime location for basically all water sports and activities. Through Santa Barbara Sailing Center, you can do everything from kayaking excursions and speed boat rentals to private parties and sunset cruises. Offering sunset packages at $20 per person, you can make the typical dinner at Freebirds and a movie at IV Theatre date seem so bland.
For a related piece check out: Top 5 Date Ideas in IV
For something completely random check out: The History and Social Significance of Jerking
