10 Best Things to Do After Dinner in Santa Barbara

Waterline is a unique cocktail bar and restaurant in Santa Barbara that promotes local artisans and artists. The cool hangout is located in an industrial warehouse within the neighborhood that was struck hard by the 1925 Santa Barbara earthquake, but which is now a hip hub known as The Funk Zone.

Offering food, beer, wine, and other drinks from local vendors, Waterline is a great place for sampling Santa Barbara’s nightlife scene. Besides food and drink, the Waterline has spaces for artisans to share their goods and create a unique experience of culinary culture plus arts and crafts. Some of the highlight spots include The Nook, Topa Topa Brewing Co., and Lama Dog Tap Room.

The West Wind Drive-In is a landmark in the city and a fun, inexpensive way to enjoy a night out with your partner or family. It’s simply one of the best things to do after dinner in Santa Barbara especially for the nostalgic vibe.

Everyone can pile into the car and find a great spot to watch classics like Sixteen Candles (1984) and Weird Science (1985) as well as the latest Hollywood blockbusters. There’s always something great showing at the West Wind Drive-In, so be sure to check the schedule during your trip.

The intimate Red Piano is a swanky and retro-style piano bar that’s perfect for a cultured night on the town. The bar serves cocktails, beer, and wine that you can sip while listening to live piano sessions.

Each week, the bar hosts a new feature, resident, and opener musician for requests, duets, solos, and band performances. If you want to enjoy the outdoors, the Red Piano has 2 patios where you can sip your drinks under the stars and take in the sights of downtown Santa Barbara.

Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History is a fascinating museum with both indoor and outdoor exhibit space. Located in the Mission Creek area, the museum has indoor exhibit halls with displays on insects, birds, mammals, marine life, plants, astronomy, and more, as well as an expansive planetarium. 

Fun for all ages, the museum also has a butterfly aviary, a planetarium, and an art gallery focused on natural history prints and paintings. Several focused temporary exhibits take place throughout the year to highlight topics like sharks, dinosaurs, and the California condor.

Bowling in Santa Barbara is always fun for a night of family memories and lighthearted competition. Santa Barbara has a bunch of bowling alleys to choose from, such as Buena Lanes and Vcusbcba. Zodo’s is a fun option, offering an arcade with billiard tables and a bar with drinks and pub grub.

You can either have a little romance and drinks with your partner or a fun night out with friends or the kids. Most bowling alleys have a pro shop that offers rentals, balls, and other equipment, as well as merchandise for souvenirs from your trip.

Art Glass Santa Barbara is a unique experience of art and technique. Owned by local glassblowers, the workshop offers a variety of unique blown-glass treasures that are handblown, cut by hand, and assembled into one-of-a-kind art pieces.

You could find just about anything in the shop, from ornaments and perfume bottles to chandeliers and urns. You could also take glassblowing classes at Art Glass Santa Barbara to learn the art yourself. Special classes are available for couples, holiday themes, groups, and basic classes with tours.

Santa Barbara’s wine country is an ideal destination for wine lovers. You’ll find working wineries and tasting rooms throughout the city, as well as vineyards just outside the city limits in the fertile valleys of the Santa Ynez Mountains. Top mentions among the many include Santa Barbara Winery, Jamie Slone Wines, and Kunin Wines.

Diversity is one of the most impressive features of Santa Barbara’s wine country, and you could get anything from Italian and Spanish varietals, rich merlot, and refreshing chardonnay. You’ll find no shortage of tour options from various wine country companies that take you on an adventure to the best tasting rooms and vineyards.

The Painted Cabernet in Santa Barbara offers exciting paint-and-sip nights that can help you get in touch with your inner artist. Perfect for both beginners and experts, classes at The Painted Cabernet give you complimentary wine and step-by-step (and sip-by-sip) instruction to create your own masterpiece as a one-of-a-kind souvenir.

You could also stop in the retail store to pick up unique handmade jewelry, artwork, and gifts to take home. If wine isn’t your thing, you’re welcome to take the class with beer or other drinks.

The Santa Barbara Bowl is a spectacular amphitheater where concerts, events, and festivals are often held. The outdoor space offers gorgeous views of the city and coast. The event has big-name acts like Jimmy Buffet, Kesha, Hozier, and Bob Dylan on its past events list, as well as lesser-known artists making an impact.

The venue also hosts many music festivals that feature an all-star lineup of well-known artists along with up-and-coming musicians and bands. Be sure to check the schedule during your trip to see what’s on and plan your itinerary.