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 loved ones, enjoy music out on the water with friends, or plan your perfect anniversary, reception or family reunion: Celebration Cruises…
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…
Experience an unforgettable adventure in Santa Barbara with the city's premier outfitter, providing exciting experiences to thousands of visitors yearly. CHANNEL ISLANDS TOURS Sea Cave Kayaking Tour at Channel Islands National ParkExplore Channel…
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…
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…
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…
There's no better way to explore Santa Barbara than with Wheel Fun Rentals. We have two locations to serve you. Our flagship store at 24 E Mason Street is stocked with our iconic surreys, city bikes and other pedal powered fun, while our Electric…
The Anchor Rose Restaurant & Lounge at the Santa Barbara Harbor is Santa Barbara's only waterfront rooftop restaurant and bar. Come enjoy lunch or dinner at the harbor, have one of their signature cocktails and experience some of Santa…
Equally well-suited for a wholesome, oceanside breakfast; a midday snack, salad, or sandwich on the pool deck; a casual dinner paired with local wine; or seasonal craft cocktails and bar bites that evoke the…
Carriage and Western Art Museum situated in Pursing Park within minutes of downtown and the Beach. Established in 1972, The Carriage Museum is historic with an old west town charm features a 5,000 square foot event venue for 2 to 200 guests
Prepare for an unforgettable adventure at Scorpion Anchorage on Santa Cruz Island, part of Channel Islands National Park. Guests will have the chance to see unique wildlife up close, navigate renowned sea caves, and wander through dense kelp…
Day Trips to the Channel Islands National Park from Santa Barbara Harbor Santa Barbara is the entrance to the Channel Islands National Park across one of the most biologically diverse bodies of water on earth, the Santa Barbara…
Drawing inspiration from Old World coastal Italian cuisine with a garnish of Middle Eastern influence, costa Kitchen & Bar is a celebration of worldly flair and California charm: light, clean and fresh menus, with fare strong in substance and…
Modeled after the tip-based European tours, Free Walking Tour Santa Barbara has been offering their award winning tours to locals and tourists alike since 2017. Choose the 90-minute Funk Zone Tour and you'll explore…
Since 2003, Lil Toot has been providing narrated public boat rides between the Santa Barbara Harbor and Stearns Wharf. What started as an alternative transportation option has grown to become a local legend. Join us onboard "the happiest boat in…
At its core, Reunion Kitchen + Drink was designed from end-to-end to be the ideal dining establishment for locals, visitors, families, and friends to gather and reconnect in Santa Barbara. Located just steps from the sand at the historic…
Santa Barbara’s premier outdoor yoga studio offering innovative yoga classes from sunrise to sunset with endless ocean views. Santa Barbara Beach Yoga has been making a splash since 2018…
Santa Barbara Surf School has been one of the top surf schools in Santa Barbara for two decades. Their instructors have extensive knowledge of the waves in the area to help ensure that your surf lesson will be a memorable experience. They'll…
SunSwept Sailing is Santa Barbara's most exclusive private charter, aboard the classic sailing yacht, Kelpie. Sailing in Santa Barbara has never looked so good. Private Charters Aboard Sailing Yacht Kelpie Your party of up to six passengers…
The Set Restaurant A classic American bistro with breathtaking ocean views. Dine bistro-style on a selection of classic dishes or cozy up by the outdoor fire pit with a specialty cocktail. Fireside S'mores Dine oceanfront and fireside this…
