Historic and unique architecture, sweeping ocean vistas, and any number of restaurants and breweries serving delicious food and drinks are what people go to Santa Barbara, CA, for. And given the perpetual California sun and blue skies, an outdoor venue is obviously in high demand. Thus, if you're in the mood for an outdoor event, Santa Barbara is just the place for you.
From a multifunctional warehouse with huge windows that seem to beckon the outdoors within to an architectural gem of a building in downtown Santa Barbara, Giggster has many one-of-a-kind venues that will leave your guests impressed. Plan a kid's birthday party at a pet-friendly cafe patio with cute umbrellas and planters. Alternatively, a house and pool in Montecito is a unique event space with breathtaking views of the mountains.
Giggster's highly curated list of event spaces and venues will make your next event stand out from among dozens of parties throughout the year.
Santa Barbara Outdoor Party Venues Curated by Giggster
Looking for an event space in downtown Santa Barbara? Don't look any further than Giggster. With the help of our website and app, you'll find an outdoor garden in Santa Barbara that is almost like paradise or a cool taproom with colorful chairs. We can promise that you won't be disappointed.
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An airy event space in a Spanish-style building with immense windows and large farm tables is the perfect space for big family gatherings in the sunshine.
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For an amazing wedding reception, book an outdoor venue with a private dining room and a separate bridal chamber for the bride and her friends to get ready in.
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You wouldn't think that a museum courtyard would be available for private events, but that's exactly what you get in Santa Barbara. The large fountain is just the cherry on top of the cake.
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An event venue and production studio in the heart of Santa Barbara has a whimsical, bohemian feel to it with all the wood paneling, fairy lights, and abundance of windows.
Transform Your Outdoor Party in Santa Barbara Starting at Just $50/hour
Exceptional Variety & Quality: From well-equipped tennis courts in the heart of the city to spectacular courtyards shaded by sprawling trees, Giggster has as many as 27 venues catering to different tastes!
Hassle-Free Booking: Don't book any venue without finding out all relevant details about the property, from the price per hour to the total number of people it can accommodate. Giggster provides all the information you may need so you know what to expect. Book venues starting at $50/hour.
24-Hour Free Cancellation Policy: When it comes to a special occasion, any cancellation is far from ideal. Still, we try to be as flexible and understanding as possible. If you've booked the venue at least 48 hours before the event, you can cancel for free within 24 hours of booking confirmation.
Platform Protections: Giggster also has optional protection packages against damages and liabilities so you don't need to stress about the little details while event planning. Book a premier space like Special EVENT Venue with zero worries.
Things to Consider for Your Outdoor Party in Santa Barbara
Even a lovely city in California like Santa Barbara has its flipside. Before you book a venue, take into account all the different aspects of the city.
Advantages
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The mild coastal climate and sunny weather make Santa Barbara an ideal setting for outdoor parties, even during the winter.
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There's a lot of natural beauty to admire in the area, from the sparkling Pacific Ocean to the gorgeous Santa Ynez Mountains. Your guests can even plan a trip to Channel Islands National Park in their free time.
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There's a rich wine and food culture in Santa Barbara, so you won't be hard-pressed to find vendors and suppliers for your party.
Disadvantages
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The place definitely has a nice, cozy, small-town feel, and if you're a party animal who craves a lot of nightclubs and a thriving nightlife, you'll end up disappointed.
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Despite how small it actually is, Santa Barbara feels very congested and traffic-prone. If you're trying to get around by car, be prepared for long waits.
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The city is prone to natural disasters like earthquakes and wildfires, so take that into account before booking a venue. Cancelling at the last minute would be a huge hassle.
The Best Type of Venue for Your Outdoor Party in Santa Barbara
Whether you want a space for a cocktail dinner with business partners after a full day of meetings or you want to celebrate a special event like a birthday party or anniversary, Giggster's 27 venues are sure to have the perfect location to suit all your needs.
Beer Garden/Patio – Ultimate Party Spots. Santa Barbara's restaurants, beer gardens, and cafes often come with attached patio spaces specifically so you can enjoy the outdoors while still sampling their delicious cuisine and drinks. Whether it's a pet-friendly patio or a little square lawn, you can rent out the whole space for maximum privacy and enjoyment.
Sunny Courtyard – The Perfect Wedding Reception. Santa Barbara's Spanish-style architecture means that bright, sunny courtyards are commonly found. And if you want a space with an ocean view, an apartment complex in downtown Santa Barbara with a courtyard, penthouse, and roof that looks out on the Pacific Ocean is just right for you.
House and Garden – Intimate Outdoor Venues. Whether you wish to host at a sprawling estate with a large desert garden filled with palm trees or a small boho chic home with a manicured backyard is more your style, a garden party at a private home is both tasteful and cozy. Party without any fear of being disturbed—you could always shift indoors if it gets chilly.
Warehouse – Sundrenched Event Spaces. Sometimes, an outdoor venue is just not available or might not be available within your budget. A great compromise would be a warehouse or loft space with huge windows. It's the best of both worlds where you're protected from the hot sun while still enjoying an open, airy event space.
Farm/Vineyard – Rustic Charm. Of course, Santa Barbara's vineyards are famous, so why not rent one out for the day for your family reunion or engagement party? With an organic regenerative garden and orchard, this kind of urban farm is perfect if you're looking for a bucolic and picturesque setting in the very heart of the city.
How to Plan an Outdoor Party in Santa Barbara
Celebrating an outdoor birthday party or even just arranging for an al fresco dinner with friends and family doesn't really need overthinking. With just a few little steps, you're ready to host!
Find the Venue – Of course, the perfect setting is of vital importance for this kind of event. Whether the backdrop is the majestic mountains or a Spanish villa, the venue really sets the tone of the party.
Plan the Meal – Snacks are really the way to go with this kind of venue. Buy artisanal cheeses, nuts, and exotic fruits from the store and lay out charcuterie boards. Or make lots of cold salads and sandwiches, which don't need to be heated up.
Put Up Lights – Always put up lots of lights for an outdoor party, whether it's string lights, fairy lights, or even candles. Even if there's an option for a fire pit and lighting a fire later on, the event space must be properly illuminated.
Get Supplies – From coolers for your drinks to bug spray and cushions and rugs for people to sit on, you can buy, rent, or even borrow supplies from your friends and family. Make a list of everything you'll need to remember so you aren't scrambling at the last minute.
Saving Money on Your Outdoor Party in Santa Barbara
Suppose you've found a great location and it's a little bit more expensive than you expected. What about some other ways of cutting down costs at the party?
Skip the decor.
When you've got stunning beach or mountain views, you don't really need to put up decorations. The beauty of a garden shouldn't be detracted by flowery table centerpieces. That's the marvel of an outdoor party. Your surroundings bring along the necessary charm.
Think about amenities.
The flipside to an outdoor arena is that many of them don't come equipped with basic necessities like chairs and tables, although the outdoor patio of a restaurant will. Work out if it's cheaper to find a space without any amenities and rent furniture, or just to book a fully furnished space.
Keep your invitations casual.
Outdoor parties usually call for chill and relaxed vibes, so sending out a group text or an email is good enough. You don't have to waste time and resources printing invitation cards. Otherwise, a digital invitation card made on a free website like Canva works just as well.
Santa Barbara Outdoor Parties with Giggster
If the best Santa Barbara event spaces for your private events are what you're looking for, then Giggster is the site for you. From a private sanctuary and courtyard with excellent beach and mountain views to an outdoor beer garden with stunning murals, we've got the perfect place for you!
