Welcome to Santa Barbara, the heart of the "American Riviera." This picturesque port of call offers a perfect blend of Spanish colonial charm, stunning beaches, and sophisticated culture.
Renowned for its beautiful climate and scenic coastline nestled between the mountains and the sea, Santa Barbara is a favorite stop for cruise lines like Princess Cruises and Celebrity Cruises.
Passengers are drawn to its relaxed yet upscale atmosphere, where they can easily explore historic missions, stroll along palm-lined shores, or indulge in world-class food and wine, all within a compact and beautiful setting.
A visit to Santa Barbara is incomplete without seeing the Old Mission Santa Barbara. Known as the "Queen of the Missions," this stunning example of Spanish Colonial architecture features beautiful gardens, a historic church, and a museum. It's a short 10-minute taxi or ride-share from the waterfront.
Easily accessible from the tender pier, Stearns Wharf is California's oldest working wooden wharf. Visitors can enjoy fresh seafood, browse souvenir shops, visit the Sea Center, or simply take in the panoramic views of the coastline and mountains.
For one of the best views in the city, head to the Santa Barbara County Courthouse. This Spanish-Moorish architectural masterpiece is free to enter, and a trip up its clock tower rewards you with a 360-degree vista of the city, ocean, and mountains.
Last updated on June 29, 2025
A popular day trip for many visitors is the charming Danish-inspired town of Solvang, located in the Santa Ynez Valley. Approximately a 45-60 minute drive from the port, Solvang delights with its unique architecture, windmills, and traditional bakeries.
The surrounding Santa Ynez Valley is one of California's premier wine regions, and many shore excursions focus on wine tasting tours. Numerous world-class wineries can be reached within a 30- to 60-minute drive, offering a scenic journey into the countryside.
For a closer escape, the upscale community of Montecito is just a 10-15 minute drive away, known for its luxurious estates, boutique shopping on Coast Village Road, and beautiful Butterfly Beach.
Last updated on June 29, 2025
Cruise ships visiting Santa Barbara anchor offshore and transport passengers to shore via tender boats. This provides a scenic arrival with beautiful views of the city and coastline.
The tender boats typically drop passengers off at the Santa Barbara Harbor sea landing, right next to Stearns Wharf.
This location is ideal for tourists, as it is situated directly on the waterfront and at the foot of the main downtown thoroughfare, State Street. While the heart of downtown shopping is about a 15-minute walk, the waterfront area itself has numerous restaurants, shops, and attractions. Shuttles are often available to take passengers from the pier into the main downtown area.
Last updated on June 29, 2025
The local currency in Santa Barbara is the US Dollar (USD). Other major international currencies like the Euro are not accepted in shops or restaurants.
Credit cards, including Visa, MasterCard, and American Express, are widely accepted in almost all establishments, from small boutiques to large restaurants.
For cash, ATMs are readily available throughout the city, especially along the main commercial corridors like State Street and near the waterfront. It is generally easier to withdraw USD from an ATM than to find a currency exchange office.
Last updated on June 29, 2025
Santa Barbara is considered a very safe destination for tourists. The main tourist areas, including the waterfront, downtown along State Street, and the Funk Zone, are safe to explore independently during the day and evening.
As in any tourist destination, visitors should exercise standard precautions. Be aware of your surroundings, keep valuables secure, and be mindful of personal belongings in crowded places.
There are no specific areas that tourists need to avoid. Exploring on foot or using guided tours for specific activities like wine tasting are both safe and popular options for enjoying all that the city has to offer.
Last updated on June 29, 2025
Santa Barbara boasts a mild, year-round Mediterranean climate, making it an ideal cruise destination in any season. Summers are warm and dry, with average temperatures ranging from the high 60s to low 80s Fahrenheit (20-28°C), though morning coastal fog is common.
The most popular cruise seasons of spring and fall feature pleasant temperatures, typically in the 60s and 70s F (15-24°C), with plenty of sunshine.
Winters are mild but bring a higher chance of rain, with temperatures averaging in the 50s and 60s F (10-18°C). Regardless of the season, packing in layers is always recommended. A light jacket or sweater is useful for cool evenings and ocean breezes. Sunscreen is a must year-round.
Last updated on June 29, 2025
Santa Barbara's key attractions are quite accessible from the cruise tender pier. The downtown area and waterfront are very walkable, making it easy to explore on foot.
For destinations further afield, the Downtown-Waterfront Shuttle is an excellent and inexpensive option. These electric trolleys run frequently along the waterfront and up and down State Street.
Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available and provide a convenient way to reach sites like the Old Mission Santa Barbara. Taxis are also available near the harbor. A popular local renting a bike allows visitors to cruise along the scenic beachfront bike path at their own pace.
Last updated on June 29, 2025
Santa Barbara offers excellent shopping opportunities, primarily centered around the downtown area. State Street is the main shopping corridor, featuring a mix of major retail brands, local boutiques, and art galleries in a beautiful, pedestrian-friendly environment.
For a unique experience, explore the Funk Zone, an arts and entertainment district located between the ocean and Highway 101. Here you'll find artisan shops, surf shops, and numerous wine tasting rooms selling local vintages.
Paseo Nuevo is a beautiful open-air mall located on State Street that provides a concentrated shopping experience. Look for local specialties like wine from the nearby Santa Ynez Valley, artisanal olive oils, and unique arts and crafts as perfect souvenirs.
Last updated on June 29, 2025
At Our, you will discover the city's architectural jewel, a Spanish Colonial Revival masterpiece offering 360-degree views from its clock tower. Explore the magnificent mural room and wander through sunken gardens that embody the spirit of Santa Barbara.
This is the place to experience the city's vibrant, contemporary culture in a converted warehouse district by the sea. Here you can stroll through urban wine trails, sample local craft beers, and browse unique art galleries and shops.
With a Private Guided excursion, your day is customized to your personal interests, from historic adobes to stunning coastal bluffs. Your local guide provides insider access and storytelling, creating a unique and intimate look at the American Riviera.
Journey to Because our to understand the city's rich history at the iconic "Queen of the Missions," founded in 1786. You can tour the historic church, museum, and beautiful sacred gardens that serve as the spiritual heart of the region.
Discover why Many people say our coastline is the most beautiful by taking a scenic drive along the waterfront and up into the hills. This tour provides breathtaking photo opportunities of the harbor, red-tiled roofs, and the sparkling Pacific Ocean.
Join local guides on a comfortable electric bike tour to see more of Santa Barbara in less time. You'll access car-free areas like the State Street Promenade and enjoy 360-degree views from the Courthouse tower. Hear interesting stories and fun facts about the sights, and even get insider tips on the best local restaurants. Many guests call this tour the highlight of their trip to Santa Barbara.
Experience a unique private wine tour with insider access to small production wineries not open to the public. Enjoy limited-release, premium wines during seated, one-on-one tastings with the owners and winemakers themselves. You'll tour private vineyards and barrel rooms, avoiding crowded commercial wineries entirely. Travel in a luxury Tesla or Mercedes for an exclusive and intimate day.
Join a top-rated, small-group wine tour for an exclusive experience limited to just six guests. You'll gain access to private, appointment-only wineries not open to the public for seated tastings of high-end, limited-release wines. Tour vineyards and barrel rooms, often with the owners and winemakers themselves. This intimate tour avoids crowded commercial wineries, ensuring a more unique and personal day.
Explore Santa Barbara’s gorgeous terrain on a private mountain bike tour suitable for beginner or intermediate riders. Your expert guide will lead you on a fun, scenic ride along coastal bluffs and through picturesque meadows. Enjoy the comfort of a high-end, full-suspension mountain bike designed to make your off-road tour easy and fun. For your safety, helmets are provided and required.
Embark on an adventure-packed day in Belize that combines history, thrills, and nature. You will have the opportunity to visit the ancient pyramids of Altun Ha. Then, soar through the canopy on a zip-line course, followed by a cave-tubing adventure through some of Belize's caves.
Discover premium boutique wineries on a casual yet adventurous exploration of Santa Barbara wine country. With over 25 years of industry experience, this tour is designed for you to relax and enjoy scenic views. You'll taste high-quality wines and be treated to a fresh, catered picnic lunch. The goal is to create an informative and unforgettable wine tour experience.
Grab your walking shoes for a 3.5-hour food tour through downtown Santa Barbara. This tour features a fun mix of six tantalizing tastings, from Northern Italian dishes and gourmet cheese to local wine and handcrafted chocolates. Along the way, you'll hear a sprinkle of local history and have conversations with local chefs and business owners.
Be swept away to a private Montecito estate, where you'll find a stone tea house set amidst lush, exotic gardens. Here, an experienced tea master will serve you premium teas from the world's top estates. This experience is designed for quiet reflection and to uplift the spirit, away from the noise of daily life. Afterward, you can explore the gardens and enjoy snacks.
This three-hour walking tour highlights the most excellent wines and history to be found in Santa Barbara. You'll enjoy tastings at two of the region's best boutique wine tasting rooms, paired with a tasting of delicious handmade local chocolates. As you walk through downtown, you'll receive an in-depth historical tour of sights like the County Courthouse and State Street.
Peel back the layers of history on a walking tour focused on 18th and 19th-century Santa Barbara. Your knowledgeable local guide will show you must-see sites and out-of-the-way architectural gems in the old core of the city, El Pueblo Viejo. With an in-depth understanding of local history and architecture, this tour uncovers hidden places not listed in every guidebook. The experience can even be catered to focus on your specific interests.
Join a boutique and casual afternoon excursion to Santa Barbara's gorgeous wine country. A later start time allows you to relax in the morning and not miss out on the fun. Traveling in a small, intimate group provides for an authentic experience as you visit ultra-premium vineyards.
Discover Santa Barbara's finest attractions with a boutique tour operator offering meticulously curated excursions. You will be taken to hidden gems and renowned spots nestled amidst breathtaking landscapes. All entry fees, parking, and tickets are pre-paid for a seamless experience. Please note this tour involves walking and stairs and is restricted to guests up to 60 years of age.
Venture on a 12-minute aerial journey for a unique perspective of the sun-kissed California coastline and vibrant Santa Barbara. As you glide through the skies, the city reveals its downtown area, picturesque harbor, and majestic mountain backdrop. This quick flight encapsulates the spirit of discovery from a breathtaking angle. Every moment captures the essence of Santa Barbara’s coastal charisma and urban elegance.
Experience the best of the Santa Barbara coastline during a 2-hour introductory surfing lesson at Mondo's Beach. Your instructor will focus on teaching you the fundamentals for a successful first ride. You'll learn the basics of reading the water, paddling, popping up, and riding a wave, as well as important surf etiquette.
See stunning Santa Barbara from horseback before enjoying tastings at two distinct vineyards in the Santa Ynez Valley. Your day begins with a 90-minute ride through a canyon to a coastal lookout with views of the Pacific Ocean. After your ride, you'll visit two wine venues for included tastings. This six-hour tour includes convenient door-to-door transportation from anywhere in Santa Barbara.
Save money on your wine country exploration by booking a designated driver to chauffeur you in your own vehicle. This service allows you to create a highly customizable tour perfectly suited to your specific desires. The owner will personally reach out before your tour to help you plan everything. This option is guaranteed to save you money compared to pricier all-inclusive tours.
Go beyond a simple surf lesson and enjoy an authentic day in the life of a Santa Barbara surfer. Your host, Micah, treats guests like family, creating a truly immersive experience. You'll receive a comprehensive and thorough lesson designed to immerse you in the local surf culture and create a new passion.
Relax and enjoy a wine tour that is completely tailored to your group’s preferences. With over 25 partner wineries, the route can be customized daily to suit your taste. You can choose up to three small-production or family-owned estate wineries to visit. Simply tell your guide your wine preferences, and they will do all the planning work for you.
Cruise through the heart of Santa Barbara, from downtown's State Street and the vibrant Funk Zone to the scenic coastline. This tour takes you along both East and West Beach before climbing to Santa Barbara City College for the best views of the city. From there, you will head to the celebrity hangout of Montecito. You'll see famous spots like Butterfly Beach and the Rosewood Miramar resort.
Explore the vibrant colonial city of Colombo on a comprehensive sightseeing excursion. This tour is designed to show you the city's very best and most popular destinations. Discover the key sights and get a fantastic overview of this historic city.
Showing 5 ships in the area
No ships scheduled in port today.
Prices are roughly steady throughout the year. Overall cruises visiting Santa Barbara are rather inexpensive compared to other itineraries. The chart below shows the monthly average cost per day for cruises visiting Santa Barbara.
Want to hear about the best deals and cruise tips every week? Sign up for our free weekly VIP Newsletter, customized exactly to your preferences!
