Currency
US Dollar (USD)
Language
English
Time Zone
PST (UTC-8)
Best Time to Visit
Apr–Nov
Typical Duration
11-21 nights
Price Range
$409-$4,139 per person
Port Type
Port of Call
Tender Port
No
Santa Barbara is a picturesque California coastal destination known for its Mediterranean climate, Spanish colonial architecture, and scenic beaches that make it a popular port of call for West Coast cruises.
Cruises that visit Santa Barbara, California
- cruises to Santa Barbara, California
- Santa Barbara, California sailings
- Santa Barbara, California cruises
- 7-night Holland America Line cruise
- 8-night Virgin Voyages cruise
- 14-night Holland America Line cruise
- 20-night Holland America Line cruise
- 21-night Holland America Line cruise
- 22-night Holland America Line cruise
Build Your Day in Santa Barbara, California
Cruise calls are short. Set your ship's arrival time, pick the stops you care about, and we'll show whether they realistically fit before departure.
Ships typically depart around 4:00 PM
Usually about 8 hours ashore
Getting around:
Stearns Wharf
Historic pier with dining & shopping
Open 24 hours
Santa Barbara Zoo
Compact zoo with hundreds of animals
Open · Closes 5 PM
Boathouse at Hendry's Beach
Beachfront spot for seafood & brunch
Open · Closes 9 PM
Carpinteria State Beach
Rocky areas and bigger waves or smooth sand and calm waters.
Brophy Bros. Santa Barbara
Casual seafood spot with harbor views
Opens soon · 11 AM
Santa Barbara Shellfish Company
The best dining experience in Santa Barbara for seafood!
Opens soon · 11 AM
Arroyo Burro Beach County Park
Tide pools and a long stand to walk the sandy beach!
Paseo Nuevo
Lots of shops, restaurants, bars and vendors
Opens soon · 11 AM
Goleta Beach Park
Pros: Close to pier, ok sand, water is easy to swim in, free parking?
Santa Barbara FisHouse
Wonderful, seafood, and good prices for the Santa Barbara area.
Closed · Opens 11:30 AM
Shoreline Park
Grassy areas & playground with sea views
Open · Closes 7 PM
Joe's Cafe
Nostalgic spot for modern American fare
Open · Closes 10 PM
Gaviota State Park
A nice quiet beach for a quick swim in the waves
Santa Barbara County Courthouse Gardens
It's one of Santa Barbara's must-see attractions.
Open · Closes 5 PM
Finney's Crafthouse
I was impressed by the service, food and overall Santa Barbara vibes.
Opens soon · 11 AM
Leadbetter Beach
Great beach, clean and nice to have wash stations to clean off sand
Open · Closes 10 PM
La Cumbre Plaza
Best shopping center in Santa Barbara, clean and plenty of parking nearby 👍👍
Open · Closes 7 PM
Shoreline Cafe
Great for a casual meal by the beach.
Open · Closes 7 PM
Loquita Santa Barbara
Modern Spanish cuisine in warm environs
Closed · Opens 5 PM
Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History
Exhibits featuring area history & nature
Open · Closes 5 PM
Refugio State Beach
It's clean with actual lifeguards.
Five Points Shopping Center
Lots of options for snacks, refreshments, shopping, etc.
Open · Closes 11 PM
The Lark Santa Barbara
Great funk zone eatery with the best food and service in Santa Barbara.
Closed · Opens 5 PM
El Capitán State Beach
The beach is nice and the access is close.
Convivo Restaurant & Bar
Great food and atmosphere for a Saturday night dinner by the beach!
Open · Closes 9 PM
Jeannine's Restaurant & Bakery
Just a delightful breakfast spot, probably best in Santa Barbara.
Open · Closes 1:30 PM
Benchmark Eatery
Chicken piccata was delicious and a great value!
Closed · Opens 11:30 AM
Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center
We walked and took pictures and enjoyed all the fun things Inside !
Open · Closes 5 PM
Santa Barbara Roasting Company
World class lattes/coffee, charming location, personable staff.
Open · Closes 6 PM
Cajun Kitchen
Unassuming standby for New Orleans fare
Open · Closes 2 PM
Scarlett Begonia
A must stop for casual fare and they also have a patio for sunny days.
Open · Closes 2 PM
Reunion Kitchen + Drink
Casual atmosphere with excellent drinks and food.
Opens soon · 11 AM
Handlebar Coffee Roasters
Excellent cappuccino, cowboy cookie, and overall experience.
Open · Closes 5 PM
The Cruisery
A ton of food for a reasonable price, especially in Santa Barbara.
Closed · Opens 2 PM
Barbareño
Best food and service in santa barbara.
Closed · Opens 5 PM
On The Alley Santa Barbara
Outdoor seating·Doesn't accept reservations·Vegetarian options
Open · Closes 8 PM
Finch & Fork
Every dish was incredible and the service / ambiance was warm and welcoming.
Open · Closes 2 PM
bouchon Santa Barbara
Local & organic Cal-French fare
Closed · Opens 5 PM
1000 Steps Beach
Clean, Public restrooms and the beach below.
Open 24 hours
Santa Barbara Museum Of Art
Small museum with Asian & American art
Closed · Opens 11 AM Tue
Secret Bao
Farmers Market Delicata Tempura & Dip - this was a special and delicious!
Closed · Opens 11:30 AM Wed
The Blue Owl
The food was fresh and tasted unique in flavor, portions were perfect.
Closed · Opens 11 AM Tue
The Black Sheep Restaurant + Bar
Hip spot for eclectic American food
Closed · Opens 5 PM Wed
La Arcada Plaza
Good stores, restaurants, and restrooms!
Opens soon · 11 AM
Goat Tree
Coffee was perfect and the food was super good.
Open · Closes 8 PM
Lotusland
Botanical garden with exotic plants
Closed · Opens 9:30 AM Wed
Loreto Plaza
Prices are expensive but they usually have everything we need
Open · Closes 11 PM
The Brewhouse
Sports bar & grill for small-batch beers
Opens soon · 11 AM
Santa Barbara Maritime Museum
Great kids activities and history of Santa Barbara harbor.
Open · Closes 5 PM
Mesa Shopping Center
Pretty much anything you need you can get here or very close near by !
Open · Closes 10:30 PM
El Presidio de Santa Bárbara State Historic Park
Green space featuring a 1782 fortress
Open · Closes 4:30 PM
Dart Coffee Co
The coffee here was great and they had a great assortment of pastries.
Open · Closes 4 PM
Santa Claus Beach
Beautiful beach, dog friendly, and super clean.
Open 24 hours
Chumash Painted Cave State Historic Park
Native American art on sandstone rocks
Open 24 hours
Santa Barbara Plaza
Coffee store, Supper market, pharmacy, Burgers.
Open · Closes 9 PM
Paloma
From Mac & cheese, to churros, to tuna ceviche, everything was delicious!
Closed · Opens 4 PM Wed
Corazón Comedor
Happy hour food·Private dining room·Vegetarian options
Open · Closes 9 PM
Butterfly Beach
Beautiful area, soft sandy beach, clean.
Live Oak Cafe
Delicious coffee, great service, and tasty food.
Open · Closes 2 PM
Milpas Shopping Center
Great selection of stores
Open · Closes 11 PM
Santa Barbara Historical Museum
Educational museum of city history
Closed · Opens 12 PM Wed
The Nook Santa Barbara
The mahi tacos were bursting with flavor in every bite.
Closed · Opens 11:30 AM
The Funk Zone
Lots of great things to do here and around the surrounding area.
Open 24 hours
El Mercado Shopping Center
There is a lot of stuff.
Open · Closes 11 PM
Dawn Cafe Santa Barbara
The baristas are amazing and the drinks are unique and delicious.
Open · Closes 3 PM
Arlington Plaza
Lots of small shops and restaurants.
Open · Closes 8:30 PM
Brass Bird Coffee & Kitchen
Great atmosphere, great service, good coffee.
Open · Closes 3 PM
Casa de la Guerra
Historic adobe home with exhibits
Closed · Opens 12 PM Thu
Visit Santa Barbara
Onsite services
Open · Closes 5 PM
Outdoors Santa Barbara Visitor Center
... almost secret spot, is one of Santa Barbara's best FREE attractions.
Open · Closes 4:30 PM
Opening hours are indicative — always confirm before you go. Travel times are estimates from Google Maps.
About Santa Barbara, California
Santa Barbara serves as a scenic port of call on West Coast cruises, with Holland America Line and Virgin Voyages regularly calling at this charming California destination. With 14 upcoming cruises and most itineraries spanning seven nights, you'll find Santa Barbara featured on voyages exploring the Pacific Northwest, Mexico, and California's stunning coastline. The port connects travelers to popular destinations including San Diego, Vancouver, Cabo San Lucas, San Francisco, and Astoria, making it an ideal stop for those seeking diverse West Coast experiences.
When your ship docks, you'll discover a relaxed Mediterranean-style town just steps from the waterfront. Stroll through the historic downtown district with its Spanish colonial architecture, or spend a few hours exploring the pristine beaches and local shops that define Santa Barbara's laid-back coastal charm. The port's convenient location means you can maximize your time ashore, whether you're looking to unwind or explore the region's natural beauty and cultural attractions.
When your ship docks, you'll discover a relaxed Mediterranean-style town just steps from the waterfront. Stroll through the historic downtown district with its Spanish colonial architecture, or spend a few hours exploring the pristine beaches and local shops that define Santa Barbara's laid-back coastal charm. The port's convenient location means you can maximize your time ashore, whether you're looking to unwind or explore the region's natural beauty and cultural attractions.
Cruise Lines at Santa Barbara, California
- Holland America Line (9 cruises)
- Virgin Voyages (1 cruise)
Cruises Departing From Santa Barbara, California
Cruises Visiting Santa Barbara, California
Ship Schedule at Santa Barbara, California
Santa Barbara, California Location
Other Cruise Ports in United States
Frequently Asked Questions
What attractions are near Santa Barbara Harbor?
Santa Barbara Harbor is near Stearns Wharf, waterfront parks, and Channel Islands views.
Is Santa Barbara a good place for whale watching?
Yes, several tour operators offer whale watching trips departing from Santa Barbara Harbor.
What are the coordinates of the Port of Santa Barbara?
Latitude 34.420831, Longitude -119.69819.
What facilities does the port offer?
The port provides docking, marine services, and nearby dining along the waterfront.