Santa Barbara, known as the American Riviera, is one of California’s most popular beach towns located on California’s Central Coast. Many locals and tourists stop by this popular beach town to take in its beautiful scenery and enjoy all it has to offer. You might be surprised to find out that it is also a magnificent cruise port that is offered on many Pacific Coastal Cruises from cruise lines such as Princess Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line. Many Pacific Coastal cruises also include towns such as San Francisco, Los Angeles, Catalina, San Diego, and Ensenada, Mexico. Going on a cruise with the Santa Barbara Cruise Port on your itinerary is a great way to experience the beautiful town of Santa Barbara, California. Keep reading to learn more about what the incredible cruise port of Santa Barbara has to offer.
Visiting Santa Barbara on a Cruise
If you would like to visit Santa Barbara as a port stop on your Pacific Ocean cruise, it is important to know that stops in Santa Barbara are seasonal. Santa Barbara is a very popular beach town that regularly attracts visitors from within California and outside of California. The town of Santa Barbara is an hour and a half away from Los Angeles, making it a top destination for locals. Santa Barbara is absolutely beautiful during the summer months. Thus, it is no surprise that the peak tourist season in Santa Barbara is during the summer months.
Due to the busy summer months, cruises are only allowed to stop after the busy summer months have passed. Cruising season in Santa Barbara begins in the fall, with visits scheduled during the fall, winter, and spring months. The weather is a bit milder during these months, and the ocean water is a little cooler. However, Santa Barbara is just as beautiful during these months as it is during summer, and it is an ideal port of call.
Where Do Cruise Ships Stop in Santa Barbara?
Cruise ships visiting Santa Barbara stop about a half mile away from the Santa Barbara Harbor. Passengers are then taken to Sea Landing at the Cruise Port of Santa Barbara. This area is part of the Santa Barbara Waterfront.
This is a great place for a cruise port as it is in the main waterfront tourist area in Santa Barbara. There is plenty to see along the waterfront, a beach within walking distance, many restaurants to choose from, and popular destinations not too far from the cruise port.
This is also a great place because it is relatively close to the popular downtown area of Santa Barbara. There are several popular tourist sites to visit within this area.
Santa Barbara Cruise Port is a Tender Port
When your cruise ship makes a stop in Santa Barbara, you will discover that there is no dock for the ship. Santa Barbara is a tender port. If you are a first-time cruiser, having a tender port means that your cruise ship will stop in the water some distance away from your destination. You will need to take a shuttle boat, usually referred to as a tender, to shore.
Each cruise line has its own procedures for accessing the tender boats. If you are on an excursion, you will more than likely be part of the first groups that shuttle to shore. For other passengers, your cruise line will have procedures in place, such as handing out tickets with designated tender times. Your cruise line will communicate the tender procedure well in advance.
Information Booth for Cruise Passengers
Once you exit your tender and make your way out of the cruise port, you will find a few tour vendors and information booths. The Santa Barbara Hospitality Team hosts a booth or table and is available for questions. The hospitality stations are found along Cabrillo Boulevard, which is the name of the street you will be on. The volunteers are very knowledgeable about the Santa Barbara area, its historic buildings, and other major attractions in town. They are more than happy to assist you and point you in the right direction. Their assistance makes this a great port to visit.
Santa Barbara’s Hospitality Team has maps available for cruise passengers. The maps detail points of interest in the waterfront and downtown Santa Barbara area. The map is especially handy if you have not scheduled an excursion and have decided to explore Santa Barbara on your own. We used the map to explore the area on foot and found it extremely helpful. We were able to visit a few sites that we didn’t know about.
How to Find Your Shore Excursion Bus
Cruise lines have procedures in place to assist you in finding your excursion. Generally, you exit the cruise ship as a group by excursion and are directed where you wait for your shore excursion bus. The Santa Barbara Cruise Terminal is not very large. Thus, finding your shore excursion bus is relatively easy.
You will be near the sidewalk when you exit the Santa Barbara Cruise Terminal. You will see designated areas that are identified with shore excursion signs. The shuttle buses will be parked in their designated area. This is also where you will line up to enter your bus for your shore excursion.
The cruise lines will have staff dedicated to assisting you if you need help finding the correct bus for your shore excursion.
Things to Do Near the Cruise Port in Santa Barbara
One of the best parts about visiting Santa Barbara on a cruise is being able to see Santa Barbara on your own. There are a variety of day trips and things to do near the cruise port in Santa Barbara.
You can opt to visit downtown Santa Barbara on your own. The waterfront and downtown area are very walkable and close to the cruise port. Rideshare programs are also widely available to take you downtown or to any location you want to visit.
One great option is a free shuttle to the downtown area. Many cruise lines offer a free shuttle for their passengers that takes them to Santa Barbara’s iconic State Street. The shuttles are round-trip. You will be able to catch a return shuttle to the cruise port.
Walk to State Street in Santa Barbara
If you want to get some steps in, the walk to explore from the cruise port area to State Street is about three miles. This includes walking throughout State Street. If you keep reading, I do write about exploring this great area below.
Beaches Near The Santa Barbara Cruise Port
There are several beautiful beaches near the Santa Barbara Cruise Port. Santa Barbara cruise season is during the fall, winter, and spring months. The weather is generally milder during these seasons. However, California’s weather is great, and it can still be warm during some of these seasons. This makes it possible for you to get in some beach time. If you would like to spend time at the beach, there are three beaches near the Santa Barbara Cruise Port. You can enjoy either beach as they are all within walking distance from the cruise port. There is also another beach a little further out, but definitely worth mentioning.
Leadbetter Beach Park
The beach on the left side of the port (looking towards shore) is Leadbetter Beach Park. The beach is within walking distance of the port. Leadbetter Beach Park offers several amenities. There is a large grassy area, picnic tables, restroom facilities, and a restaurant where you can purchase food. Although, due to its location, there are many places to eat around the area.
West Beach Santa Barbara
To the right of the Santa Barbara Cruise Port, you will find West Beach. West Beach is located between Stearns Wharf and the Santa Barbara Harbor. West Beach is a little over seven acres large and is popular for kayakers, swimmers, and body surfers. Restroom facilities are available at the Santa Barbara Landing and at Stearns Wharf.
East Beach Santa Barbara
East Beach is the long beach located past Stearns Wharf. This is Santa Barbara’s most well-known beach, which is known for hosting beach volleyball tournaments. There are a variety of beach activities available. You can also take a long walk along the shoreline and enjoy the beautiful view. Restroom facilities are available at Stearns Wharf. There are also many restaurants, cafes, and shops along Cabrillo Boulevard.
Butterfly Beach
Past East Beach, you will find Butterfly Beach. Butterfly Beach is technically in the neighboring town of Montecito and much further out. Taking a taxi or ordering a ride share would be better unless you do not mind walking. Butterfly Beach is definitely worth mentioning. It is a smaller, more secluded beach that is popular with locals. It is a great place to swim, sunbathe, or just relax on the beach reading a good book.
Visit Stearns Wharf in Santa Barbara
Stearns Wharf is the wharf that divides East and West Beach. It is located at the end of State Street on Cabrillo Boulevard. You will know you have arrived at Stearns Wharf when you arrive at the dolphin fountain, which is located at the beginning of the wharf.
When you visit Stearns Wharf, you can take a leisurely stroll down the pier and enjoy the beautiful ocean view. At the end of the pier, you will have beautiful panoramic views of Santa Barbara and the Pacific Coast. If you would like to get a bite to eat, you will find a few restaurants to choose from. There are a variety of souvenir shops, a candy store, and an ice cream shop as well.
Visit The Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center
If you are traveling with children, the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center is a great place to visit and it is located on Stearns Wharf. This interactive museum teaches about sea life in the surrounding Santa Barbara area. The admission fee is $15.00 for adults and $12.00 for children.
Explore The Santa Barbara Waterfront by Bike
Santa Barbara has a long waterfront with beautiful views of the ocean on one side and many shops, restaurants, and cafes on the other side. One of the best ways to explore the waterfront is by bike. There are a variety of bikes available for rent to accommodate most travelers.
If you are traveling with two or more people, consider renting a Surrey bike. Surrey Bikes accommodate two to four people and are a fun way to explore and travel up and down the waterfront.
Electric or motor-assisted bikes are great if you would like to explore further and would like assistance getting around town. You will find several places that offer e-bikes for rent.Â
If you are an avid bike rider, you will also find regular beach bikes for rent at most shops. Santa Barbara is very bike-friendly, with many bike paths and trails. Riding a bike is a great way to explore and visit the great town of Santa Barbara and enjoy the beauty of the Santa Barbara coastline.
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Take a Stroll Along the State Street Promenade in Santa Barbara
If you are exploring Santa Barbara on your own, State Street is a great place to spend your day on your visit to Santa Barbara. State Street begins across the street from Stearns Wharf. You can walk the area on foot or take the free shuttle from the cruise port to State Street. The shuttle will drop you off past the beginning section of State Street. Generally, there are two different stops. The stops could change based on your cruise line or other factors. Your cruise line will give you information on shuttle stops and when you should return to the cruise area.
State Street has been closed off to vehicles and is now a 10-block pedestrian-only promenade. Along State Street, you will find many shops, cafes and restaurants. If your cruise stop in Santa Barbara occurs on a Saturday, there is a Farmer’s Market from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
Santa Barbara Shore Excursions
There are many wonderful sites to visit in Santa Barbara and the surrounding area. Thus, you will find a variety of shore excursions offered to cruise ship passengers. The benefit of going on a cruise-sponsored shore excursion is that the cruise ship will wait for you if there are any issues and your excursion bus is delayed. The drawback is that cruise-sponsored excursions tend to be pricier. You can opt to plan your own excursions and forego the pricier options offered by the cruise ship. If you do, keep note of the time and make sure to return by the all-aboard time. Either way, these are the types of excursions you will find on the cruise ship or on your own.
Visit Santa Barbara by Trolley
Santa Barbara by trolley is a great way to explore local points of interest in Santa Barbara. The trolley tour is a one-and-a-half-hour open-air narrated tour. You will have enough time to explore Santa Barbara on your own after your excursion. The tour includes visiting sites such as the Moreton Bay Fig Tree, State Street, the beautiful Santa Barbara County Courthouse, and the Santa Barbara Mission.
The Santa Barbara Trolley is a great way to familiarize yourself with the area. If your cruise line offers the tour, you can book it with them. If not, you can easily book the excursion on your own.
Wine and Chocolate Historical Walking Tour
On the Wine and Chocolate Historical Walking Tour you will learn about the history of Santa Barbara. You will also visit Santa Barbara’s Funk Zone, a unique area in Santa Barbara filled with art and culture. The Funk Zone has several wineries. You will taste a few wines from the Barbara region. You will also visit chocolate tasting rooms where you will taste artisanal chocolates and sweets. This tour is generally offered to those who are 21 years of age and over.
Historical Santa Barbara and Old Mission Tour
On the Historical Santa Barbara and Old Mission Tour, you will visit the historic Santa Barbara Mission. On the drive to the Mission, you will have a narrated tour and pass by the Santa Barbara Courthouse, the Presidio, the Theatre District, and parts of Santa Barbara’s notable State Street.
The Santa Barbara Mission is a beautiful and great historical site to visit. It is a popular stop for many tourists that visit Santa Barbara. You will have a knowledgeable tour guide with in-depth knowledge of the mission and the many historical sites you will drive by.
Santa Barbara Walking, Food & Photo Tour
On the Santa Barbara Walking, Food & Photo Tour, you will start by exploring the beach and then head to Santa Barbara’s iconic Funk Zone. Along your route, you will have mini photo lessons, which will help you take incredible photos of the coast and the Funk Zone while on your tour. The Funk Zone is an incredible, artsy, and colorful area of Santa Barbara. The Funk Zone is a great place to use your newly acquired photo skills.
At the Funk Zone, you will be able to try some incredible beer and wine. And take some incredible photos while you are at it. There are a variety of restaurants and cafes where you can purchase something to eat if you get hungry.
Santa Barbara & Los Olivos: California’s Riviera, Food & Wine
On the Santa Barbara & Los Olivos tour, you will visit a few key places in Santa Barbara, including Old Mission Santa Barbara and the beautiful Santa Barbara Courthouse. You will visit iconic State Street, where you will have lunch. After lunch, you will be driven to the town of Los Olivos, located in the Santa Ynez Valley. The Santa Ynez Valley is part of the wine country of Central California. Los Olivos is a charming town known for its wine offerings. In Los Olivos, you will be able to taste a few wines and, if time permits, explore a bit of the town.
Solvang On Your Own
You will board a comfortable air-conditioned motorcoach for a scenic ride to Solvang, A Danish-themed town about 45 minutes from Santa Barbara. Once you arrive, you will have three hours to explore the beautiful town of Solvang on your own. Solvang is full of amazing shops, Danish restaurants, and bakeries. You can also visit the Hans Christian Andersen Museum, where you can see early editions of his writings. There is also a replica of the Little Mermaid statue from Copenhagen. If you have enough time, you can also visit Old Mission Santa Ynez, which is within walking distance from the main town of Solvang.
If you decide to take this tour, I recommend tasting the different varieties of foods. Have lunch at one of the Danish restaurants and taste a few delicious Danish dishes. If you are looking for something sweet, try Danish Ebelskivers. Ebelskivers are round tennis ball-shaped pancakes or waffles. They are sprinkled with powdered sugar and topped with a raspberry jam. They are absolutely delicious.Â
I also recommend stopping by one of the Danish bakeries and trying a few bakery treats. You will not be disappointed.
Island Whale Watching
Santa Barbara is a great place to go on a whale-watching adventure. This tour will take you near the Channel Islands National Park with the hope of seeing migrating Humpback whales and Blue whales. With a bit of luck, you might even get to see a few Orcas. If weather permits, the tour will include a visit to the Painted Caves. It is one of the deepest and largest sea caves in the world.
There are Many Wonderful Excursions to Make Your Visit to Santa Barbara Unforgettable
You will find a variety of tours, either offered by the cruise line or through Viator or Get Your Guide, that will make your trip to Santa Barbara absolutely unforgettable. Even if you choose to explore on your own, you will have a wonderful time exploring this beautiful coastal town.
Frequently Asked Questions About Santa Barbara
Here are answers to a few frequently asked questions. We hope these will help you as you plan your visit to the incredible cruise port of Santa Barbara.
Whether you should plan your own excursions is really up to you. You can save a bit of money when you book outside of the cruise line. It is also very easy to plan your own excursions as there are many available on sites such as Viator or Get Your Guide. Rideshare programs such as Lyft and Uber are also widely available in Santa Barbara. However, booking your own excursions does not come with the guarantee that the ship will wait for you if you return late. You should plan your time accordingly to ensure that you return by the all-aboard time.
During the Fall, the weather ranges from a high of 77° Fahrenheit (25° Celsius) to a low of 70° Fahrenheit (21° Celsius). The weather is very comfortable during this time and sometimes feels warmer than it is. A light jacket is recommended as the evenings can cool down significantly.
During the spring, the average daily temperature in Santa Barbara ranges in the low 70’s (Fahrenheit). Spring is a beautiful time to visit as the flowers start to bloom, adding beautiful color to many parts of town.
The temperature during the winter months ranges from the mid 60’s to lows in the mid 40’s at night. A jacket is recommended, especially during the evening hours. The winter months are also the rainy season in Santa Barbara. It is a good idea to check the weather prior to leaving your ship in case lower temperatures or rain is in the forecast.Â
Yes, you can enjoy a beach day in Santa Barbara during your cruise. A couple of things to remember is that the weather can be milder during the Fall, and the ocean is cooler. The water will feel cold when you first enter the ocean. However, it quickly becomes comfortable. If you do not want to swim in cooler water, then sunbathing is a great way to enjoy the beach.
Yes, Santa Barbara is very walkable. You can easily visit the waterfront on foot and take in the beautiful views. You can also very easily take the shuttle to State Street and enjoy the sites on this iconic street on foot.Â
Yes, both Lyft and Uber are widely available in Santa Barbara.
Is Visiting Santa Barbara on a Cruise Worth It?
Absolutely! Having a port stop in Santa Barbara is a great way to visit this incredible town. It will give you a taste of what this beautiful California Central Coast town has to offer. Once you discover all of the great places of interest to visit around the area and the great vibe of Santa Barbara, you will definitely want to visit again. This is a great way to explore the incredible town of Santa Barbara and then make plans for a future visit. I am confident you will love your time at the incredible Santa Barbara, California cruise stop!
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