Creative Date Ideas in Santa Barbara

Whether you’re on one of those *awkward* first dates or you’re just finally getting to spend some quality time with your long-term partner, we’ve taken it upon ourselves to round up some of Santa Barbara’s most unique date ideas.

West Wind Drive-In
Drive-In Movies in Santa Barbara

Is there anything more classic and romantic than cuddling up next to your date while watching a movie on the big screen? Other than the fact that the gear-shifter is probably in your way, no, there really isn’t. Visit West Wind, Santa Barbara’s drive-in movie theatre, for a date that will take you back to when life was simpler and people met for milkshakes.

Drive in movie theater in Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara Art Glass 
Glass Blowing Classes

For something unique and memorable, take your date to Santa Barbara Art Glass for an inside look at the delicate and intricate process of glassblowing. Whether you’d prefer to observe as master glassblower and owner, Saul Alcaraz, creates one-of-a-kind pieces, or jump in on the action during his private classes, you will leave in awe of the creativity it takes!

2 men in a metal shop

Paddle Sports Center
SUP + Kayak Rentals

If your date is slightly more adventurous, take them paddle boarding or kayaking along the Santa Barbara coastline. Enjoy your bonding time on the water while you watch seabirds, sea lions, dolphins, and whales! You’ll have worked up an appetite so grab a bite to eat at the Shoreline Beach Cafe after your adventure.

Woman paddleboarding in the ocean

Social Cycle
Party Bike Tours

We may be new to Santa Barbara, but we’re long-time lovers of Southern California. For an out-of-the-box date idea, join us for a Santa Barbara party bike tour through the Funk Zone and we’ll show you the best bars and restaurants the city has to offer. We’ll pedal along the waterfront and Cabrillo Boulevard while visiting distilleries, cocktail bars, and breweries.

Palm Springs

Lobero Theatre
Live Music and Shows

With both community and professional performance, the Lobero Theatre has been entertaining Santa Barbara residents since 1873 when it opened as an opera house. Today, the Lobero features top-notch performances from ballet companies, orchestras, film festivals, symphonies, jazz ensembles, and much more. Check out their events calendar here and take your date out for a classy evening.

Theater venue with stage