Santa Barbara, CA
Welcome to Santa Barbara, the jewel of California's Central Coast, often called the "American Riviera." Known for its stunning beaches, Spanish-style architecture, and world-class wineries, this port offers a sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere.
Major cruise lines like Princess Cruises and Celebrity Cruises frequently anchor here, tendering passengers ashore for a day of exploration.
Cruise travelers are drawn to Santa Barbara for its unique blend of scenic beauty, cultural attractions, and the chance to experience the quintessential laid-back California lifestyle, all within easy reach of the waterfront.
One of Santa Barbara's most iconic landmarks is the Old Mission Santa Barbara, known as the "Queen of the Missions," offering a beautiful glimpse into California's history just a 10-minute drive from the port.
For breathtaking 360-degree views of the city, ocean, and mountains, climb the clock tower at the Santa Barbara County Courthouse, a stunning example of Spanish Colonial Revival architecture located downtown.
Right where you land, Stearns Wharf offers shops, restaurants, and the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center.
Just steps from the wharf is the trendy Funk Zone, a converted warehouse district perfect for wine tasting, browsing art galleries, and enjoying gourmet food.
Last updated on February 27, 2026
A popular day trip is to the charming Danish-inspired village of Solvang, located in the heart of the Santa Ynez Valley (SYV) wine country. It is approximately a 45-minute drive from the port and is famous for its bakeries, windmills, and unique shops.
For a taste of luxury, the exclusive enclave of Montecito is just a 10-15 minute drive away, known for its lavish estates, celebrity residents, and upscale boutiques on Coast Village Road.
The greater Santa Ynez Valley (SYV) itself is a premier destination for wine lovers, with dozens of vineyards and tasting rooms accessible via guided wine tours or by car.
Last updated on February 27, 2026
Cruise ships visiting Santa Barbara anchor offshore and tender passengers directly to Stearns Wharf, which juts out into the harbor.
This location is ideal, placing you directly on the vibrant Santa Barbara Waterfront.
The downtown area, centered around State Street, is a pleasant and flat 10-15 minute walk from the wharf.
The wharf itself has restaurants and souvenir shops, and the surrounding area, including the Funk Zone, is rich with amenities, making it easy to explore on foot without needing immediate transportation.
Last updated on February 27, 2026
The official currency in Santa Barbara is the US Dollar (USD).
Major credit cards such as Visa, MasterCard, and American Express are widely accepted in almost all shops, restaurants, and tour companies.
ATMs are readily available throughout the city, including near the waterfront and on State Street, for cash withdrawals.
Exchanging foreign currency is not common practice in shops, so it is best to use US dollars or credit cards for all purchases.
Last updated on February 27, 2026
Santa Barbara is considered a very safe city for tourists, and exploring independently is common and encouraged.
Standard safety precautions should be followed, such as being aware of your surroundings in crowded areas like State Street and keeping valuables secure.
There are no specific areas that tourists need to avoid during a daytime visit.
When visiting beaches like Leadbetter Beach, pay attention to any posted signs regarding surf conditions or rip currents.
Last updated on February 27, 2026
Santa Barbara boasts a mild, year-round Mediterranean climate, making it an ideal cruise port in any season.
During the popular spring and fall cruise seasons, expect sunny skies with average temperatures ranging from 60-75°F (16-24°C).
Summers are warm and dry, often with morning coastal fog that burns off by midday, while winters are mild with a bit more chance of rain.
Packing layers, including a light jacket or sweater, is always recommended as coastal breezes can make it feel cooler, especially in the evenings. Sunscreen is a must year-round.
Last updated on February 27, 2026
From the tender drop-off at Stearns Wharf, many of Santa Barbara's main attractions are easily accessible on foot.
For a convenient and scenic option, the Santa Barbara MTD Downtown-Waterfront Shuttle is a small electric bus that costs only 50 cents and runs frequently along the waterfront and up and down the main shopping district of State Street.
Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available for trips to destinations further afield, such as the Old Mission Santa Barbara or the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden (SBBG).
Taxis are also available, and several companies offer bike rentals and pedicab tours along the waterfront.
Last updated on February 27, 2026
The primary shopping destination in Santa Barbara is State Street, a beautiful tree-lined promenade featuring a mix of high-end boutiques, national retailers, and art galleries in an open-air mall setting called Paseo Nuevo.
For a more unique experience, explore the Funk Zone, located near the waterfront, where you can find artisan shops, surf shops, and art galleries alongside numerous wine tasting rooms.
Local souvenirs to look for include wines from the nearby Santa Ynez Valley (SYV), local olive oils, and handmade crafts.
Prices are generally fixed, and while there are no specific duty-free shops for cruise passengers, the quality and variety of local goods are excellent.
Last updated on February 27, 2026
Zip around Santa Barbara's beautiful scenery on a private, guided electric bike tour. Led by passionate local guides, you'll see the waterfront bike path, State Street, and several historical sites. As a private tour, the experience will be customized to your party's ability and interests. Helmets are provided for your safety on the city's best and largest selection of e-bikes.
Choose between a private or group guided kayak tour to explore the Santa Barbara coastline. Your experienced local guide will show you the stunning boats in the harbor and introduce you to local sea lions and seals. Paddle at a customized pace while taking in views of the city and the Santa Ynez Mountains, keeping an eye out for dolphins along the way. Your guide will also share information about the area's top attractions.
Explore Solvang's haunted past on the original ghost tour through its charming Danish-style streets. Get hands-on with professional ghost-hunting tools like EMF meters and a Spirit Box as you search for signs of the supernatural. Your guide will share creepy stories of haunted bakeries and lingering spirits, blending folklore with history. This spooky adventure is recommended for ages 12 and up due to mature themes.
This small group wine tour offers private access to family-owned wineries and estates not typically open to the public. With a maximum of seven guests, you'll enjoy an intimate experience tasting limited-release wines in private, seated areas. You will also walk the vineyards and tour barrel rooms, often with the owners or winemakers themselves. This tour avoids all crowded commercial wineries and tasting rooms.
Soar across California's longest, tallest, and fastest ziplines at Highline Adventures. You will fly over 1,200 acres of beautiful ranchland, including the Santa Ynez Valley and colorful protea flower fields. Feel secure throughout the entire experience with the most advanced and safest equipment available, guided by trained and professional staff.
E-bike through the vineyards and quaint towns of the Santa Ynez Valley on this fully supported, single-day tour. Your adventure includes round-trip transport from Santa Barbara, an expert guide, and a Rad Power Bike. After riding, you will be rewarded with outstanding local wine tastings, an olive oil tasting, and a gourmet Italian-inspired picnic lunch at a winery. A souvenir water bottle is also included with your experience.
Explore Santa Barbara's ocean views and city sights on a fun-filled electric bike. These bikes are capable of speeds up to 20 mph with a range of 25 to 75 miles, making sightseeing a breeze. See more of the city than you ever expected, all without breaking a sweat.
Spend up to two hours on a fun and challenging adventure course set within an old growth oak grove. This course features over 80 obstacles at heights up to 60 feet above the ground. With four main routes across two different levels, you can choose obstacles ranging in difficulty from easy to very difficult.
Enjoy a unique and personal wine experience on this small group tour, limited to a maximum of seven guests in a luxury Mercedes Coach. Visit exclusive, private estates and wineries in Santa Barbara County that are not open to the general public. You will taste premium wines and tour vineyards and barrel rooms, often with the owners and winemakers themselves. This tour avoids crowded commercial wineries and offers private, seated tastings.
Explore Santa Barbara's city sights and rugged hills with a 1- or 2-day bike rental. Choose an eco-friendly electric bike for easy cruising, a mountain bike for the Santa Ynez Mountains, or a hybrid for a blend of speed and stability. With a wide variety of models appropriate for beginners and experts alike, biking is a great way to cover lots of ground fast.
Experience the Santa Ynez Valley by pedaling an e-bike or sport bike through quaint farms and stunning vineyards. This immersive tour includes two thoughtfully selected wine tastings and an olive oil tasting from venerable local producers. You'll also enjoy a locally sourced gourmet picnic lunch, all while being led by a guide with over 20 years of sommelier experience.
Learn to surf in the beautiful, year-round waves of Santa Barbara. Your expert instructor will teach you how to stand up on your board and ride a wave, providing balance tips while ensuring your safety. This activity is perfect for all skill levels, and all necessary equipment rental is included.
Experience a wine tour unlike any other, blending Solvang’s quirkiest tasting rooms with chilling tales of true crime. Over two hours, your guide will share gripping stories of serial killers and unsolved mysteries as you visit three unique spots, including a slasher-themed winery. This storytelling experience includes three generous pours: a wine flight, a wine-based tiki cocktail, and a sparkling wine toast.
This private tour for two to four guests offers exclusive access to Santa Barbara’s ultra-small production wineries not open to the public. Travel in a luxury Tesla Model X to private estates for an intimate experience. You will enjoy premium wines in seated, one-on-one tastings and tour vineyards with the owners and winemakers themselves. The tour completely avoids crowded commercial wineries and standing tasting rooms.
Eat your way through Solvang on a small-group food and wine walking tour led by a knowledgeable local. You'll skip the tourist traps and instead visit authentic spots to taste everything from Danish pastries to artisan sushi and local wines. Along the way, you’ll meet local chefs and owners while hearing quirky history and insider tips you won't find in a guidebook.
Discover Santa Barbara's must-see sites and hidden gems on a customizable tour with a knowledgeable local guide. This unique experience is catered to your specific interests, whether they be architecture, history, gardens, or fabulous views. Your guide's in-depth understanding of local lore and ability to answer any question ensures a one-of-a-kind exploration of the city.
Perfect for taco lovers, this guided tour takes you on a specially created taco trail through downtown Santa Barbara. You'll get to experience a wide variety of different types of tacos from a local company that loves food. The price includes up to three alcoholic beverages, and tours are kept small with no more than 14 guests.
Enjoy Santa Barbara's easiest kayak and paddleboard experience from the only rental company located on West Beach. This tour prioritizes using up-to-date, high-end gear for your adventure. Friendly tour guides and beach staff are on hand to answer questions and assist you into the water.
Enjoy Santa Barbara's easiest kayak and paddleboard experience from the only rental company located on West Beach. This tour prioritizes using up-to-date, high-end gear for your adventure. Friendly tour guides and beach staff are on hand to answer questions and assist you into the water.
Learn to stand-up paddleboard in the beautiful waters of Santa Barbara with an expert guide. Your instructor will teach you how to paddle, offer balance tips, and accompany you on the water to ensure you're standing up in no time. This lesson is great for all skill levels, and all necessary equipment is included.
Showing 2 ships in the area
No ships scheduled in port today.
Overall cruises visiting Santa Barbara are rather inexpensive compared to other itineraries. See the graph below for the average cost per day by month. Sailings visiting Santa Barbara during the the peak season of fall are somewhat more expensive than the the low season of spring.
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!
