The Santa Barbara Waterfront captures that postcard-perfect view of the area’s famous coastline. Pristine beaches, palm tree-lined shores, and the Santa Ynez Mountains as a backdrop ensure plenty of photo-worthy moments. Take a bike ride or a leisurely stroll down the Cabrillo Bike Path, which runs parallel to three beaches. It’s easy to make your way from one beach to the next while soaking up the sunshine and ocean-scented air.
Make your way up to Shoreline Park, which overlooks the lovely seaside. And feel free to savor the view with a picnic. Walk off your picnic feast with a short hike down Thousand Steps (don’t worry, the name exaggerates the number of stairs), the staircase that leads to Leadbetter Beach, where you’ll find locals surfing the perfect beach break just about every day of the week.
A local delicacy, Santa Barbara Sea Urchin is freshly caught in the Santa Barbara Channel. Photo Credit: J. Sinclair
Stroll through the Santa Barbara Harbor and check out the day’s catch from local fishermen and sea urchin harvesters. Walk along the breakwater wall and watch the boats as they drift in and out of the Santa Barbara Channel. The harbor is also an excellent launch pad for a day of adventure. Book a kayaking or a scuba excursion through the sea caves of the Channel Islands.
Next, skip the walk and ride the Lil’ Toot water taxi from the harbor to Stearns Wharf, the oldest working wharf in California and an excellent place to pick up some Santa Barbara souvenirs. At the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center, experience a hands-on, close-up view of sea life, where you can even “pet” a swell shark or a manta ray! Cap off your exploration with a little wine tasting at Deep Sea Winery, the city’s only wine bar that sits over the ocean.
With a double-sided bar looking out over the harbor, and the spirited atmosphere of good times and great people, Brophy Bros. Santa Barbara doesn’t disappoint. Genuine - Local - Causal. Since 1986
The restaurant is currently owned and managed by the original founders' grandson, Chad Stevens. Chad's continues the family tradition established by Chad's grandfather Sam. Enjoy family dining from a family run business.
Whether you want to experience a tour of Santa Barbara’s beautiful coast, have a romantic evening with a loved one, enjoy music out on the water with friends, or plan your perfect party, Celebration Cruises has everything you need. Here you…
The Condor Express offers daily whale watching trips year round from the Sea Landing dock in the Santa Barbara Harbor. The Condor Express is a 75' state-of-the-art, ecofriendly, high-speed catamaran. Our cruising ground includes the…
Convivo is a Santa Barbara restaurant with an Italian soul. Chef-Owner Peter McNee's food is best described as ‘Nomad Italian’. It strays from the standard or traditional Italian, sourcing inspiration from many other cultures’…
Voted the best City & Harbor tour of Santa Barbara! Make a splash aboard the LAND SHARK! View one of the most historical beachside cities on a boat with wheels designed for both land and sea cruising. Experience the best of Santa Barbara in…
Located in the bustling Santa Barbara harbor, On The Alley provides a fresh and delicious counter-service menu, including some favorites from it's sister restaurant, Brophy Bros. OTA is perfect for that quick…
Kayak and SUP Rentals and Tours - Ocean Fun Since '91 Santa Barbara's Only 90 minute rental and best "All-Day" rates! Explore the Santa Barbara Waterfront and get to paddle with Sea Lions and Dolphins! Paddle Sports Center is your gateway to ocean…
See a part of Santa Barbara few visitors ever get to experience with the best outfitter in town. Our guides create thousands of unforgettable travel adventures each year – come join us! CHANNEL ISLANDS TOURS Sea Cave…
Held every Sunday year-round and on Saturdays of major holiday weekends, the Santa Barbara Arts & Crafts Show highlights more than 200 of the amazing local artists and artisans who call Santa Barbara home. From original drawings and paintings…
With unbeatable views, delicious dining and dozens of exciting activities, the Santa Barbara Harbor is the perfect place to spend the day by—or, better yet, on—the water. Located along the bustling Santa Barbara Waterfront, this…
The Santa Barbara Channel is a pillar of the city’s history and the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum (SBMM) is the perfect place to learn about it. Located in the picturesque Santa Barbara Harbor, the Maritime Museum provides exhibits and…
Discover the wonders of ocean life at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center. Located on historic Stearns Wharf, this highly interactive regional aquarium offers you close encounters with marine animals from the Santa Barbara…
California’s premier destination for on-the-water fun. If you're looking for a little adventure, we offer kayak & stand up paddle board rentals, tours & instruction. Learn to sail, charter a sailboat with a captain, rent a variety of…
Explore the wonders of the natural world at the Santa Barbara Zoo, where the beauty of the wildlife is matched only by the lush grounds and sweeping views. Located just two miles from State Street, this 30-acre park is home to more than 146…
Meet us at the Beach! Put your toes in the sand or relax on our shaded deck while enjoying their casual beach fare. Located just North of the Santa Barbara Harbor on Leadbetter Beach they serve Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner seven days a…
Enjoy the seaside sights and sounds of Stearns Wharf, one of Santa Barbara’s most iconic landmarks. Named for builder John P. Stearns and located at the end of State Street, it is California’s oldest working wharf and the perfect spot…
When the setting of a Private Sailing Yacht is what you are looking for... then Sunset Kidd's 41 foot Morgan OutIsland Sailing Ketch can deliver your dream moments of Sailing the Santa Barbara Coastline. A traditional double masted Sailing Yacht,…
Toma Restaurant was the 2015 "Most Booked" restaurant in Santa Barbara on Open Table. The selection is determined by recent, verified OpenTable diner reviews within Santa Barbara. According to OpenTable, these awards are not random or…
