Things to Do in Santa Barbara: The Experience Locals Love
If you are searching for things to do in Santa Barbara that go beyond the usual wine tasting and beach walks, you are in the right place. Santa Barbara is full of incredible experiences — but there is one that locals keep coming back to, one that visitors talk about for years, and one that most people do not even know exists until they try it.
Yes, you read that right. Right in the heart of downtown Santa Barbara, there is a full-size professional flying trapeze rig where anyone — and we mean anyone — can learn to fly through the air, execute mid-air catches, and discover what it feels like to let go of everything holding you back.
Welcome to Santa Barbara Trapeze Co.
Why Flying Trapeze Is the Best Thing to Do in Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara has no shortage of activities. You can hike the trails, explore State Street, visit the mission, or spend a day at the harbor. But if you want an experience that is truly unforgettable — something that makes your heart race, your confidence soar, and gives you a story worth telling — flying trapeze is it.
Here is why thousands of locals and visitors choose Santa Barbara Trapeze Co. as their go-to Santa Barbara activity:
It Is Unlike Anything Else in Town
There are exactly zero other places in Santa Barbara where you can swing from a trapeze bar 23 feet in the air, release into a backflip, and get caught by a professional catcher. This is not a simulation. This is not virtual reality. This is real flight — with real coaches, real safety nets, and real adrenaline.
No Experience Required
This is one of the best things about flying trapeze: you do not need any athletic background, gymnastics training, or circus experience. Our instructors guide you through every single step — from climbing the ladder to your first swing to your first catch. Most of our students are complete beginners, and most of them are flying by the end of their first class.
It Is for Every Age and Ability
We welcome students as young as 3 (through our Tiny Flyers program) and have had students as old as 73. Whether you are a kid, a teenager, a parent, or a grandparent, there is a program designed for you. Families love flying together — it is one of the most popular family activities in Santa Barbara.
What to Expect at Your First Flying Trapeze Class
If you have never tried flying trapeze before, here is what a typical class looks like at Santa Barbara Trapeze Co.:
1. Ground School
Every class starts on the ground. Your instructor will walk you through the basic positions — the takeoff, the knee hang, the backflip dismount. You will practice each move on a low bar so your body knows what to do before you ever leave the platform.
2. Climb the Ladder
Once you are ready, you will climb the ladder to the platform. This is usually the scariest part — and also the part where the magic starts. Your instructor is right there with you, holding your safety lines and talking you through every moment.
3. Fly
You grab the bar. You jump. And for a few seconds, you are flying. The wind in your face, the ground far below, your body moving through space in a way it never has before. It is exhilarating, terrifying, and absolutely addictive.
4. The Catch
By the end of class, most students progress to a catch — where you release from the bar and a professional catcher grabs your wrists mid-air. This is the moment that changes people. The moment of trust, release, and pure joy.
More Than Just Trapeze
While flying trapeze is our signature experience, Santa Barbara Trapeze Co. offers a full range of aerial and movement programs that make us one of the most unique things to do in Santa Barbara:
- Parkour classes — Learn to move through obstacles with confidence and creativity. Great for kids and adults.
- Trampoline training — Recreational and competitive trampoline classes for all skill levels.
- Aerial arts — Silks, lyra, and static trapeze for those who want to explore vertical movement.
- Tiny Flyers — Our signature program for kids ages 3 to 5, building coordination and confidence through age-appropriate aerial play.
Perfect for Special Events
Looking for things to do in Santa Barbara for a special occasion? We have you covered:
- Birthday parties — Trapeze birthday parties are one of our most popular offerings. Private use of the rig, dedicated instructors, and an experience kids talk about for years. Contact us to book.
- Corporate team building — Nothing builds trust faster than catching your coworker mid-air. Our team building programs are designed to challenge, connect, and inspire.
- Date night — Forget dinner and a movie. Try flying trapeze for a date night in Santa Barbara that neither of you will ever forget.
- Tourist experiences — Visiting Santa Barbara? A trapeze class is the most memorable thing you can do in two hours. No reservation needed for our public classes.
What People Say
Do not just take our word for it. Santa Barbara Trapeze Co. has a 5-star average across 150+ reviews. Here is what our students say:
"This was the highlight of our entire Santa Barbara trip. My kids have not stopped talking about it."
"I came for a birthday party and now I am hooked. I have been back six times."
"The coaches are incredible. They made me feel safe even when I was terrified. And then I flew."
Where to Find Us
Santa Barbara Trapeze Co. is located at Plaza Vera Cruz, 131 E Haley St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101 — right in the heart of downtown, within walking distance of State Street and the waterfront.
We are open year-round, with classes running daily. Check our class schedule and booking page for current availability and pricing.
Ready to Fly?
If you are looking for the best things to do in Santa Barbara — something that will challenge you, inspire you, and give you a story worth telling — come fly with us. No experience needed. Just show up, grab the bar, and let go.
Book your first class today and find out why Santa Barbara Trapeze Co. is the experience locals love.
Have questions? Check out our FAQ page or get in touch. We are always happy to help first-timers.
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