Santa Barbara CA California
USA

34 Cruises availables At departure or passage at this port

Holland America Line (18 Cruises)

Princess Cruises (13 Cruises)

Virgin Voyages (3 Cruises)


Frequently Asked Questions

It does not dock: ships anchor offshore and tender passengers to the small landing at the marina, within walking distance of the shore and the first streets.
Mostly, yes. Stearns Wharf is a few minutes away, the Funk Zone lies between the pier and downtown, and State Street is about ten minutes’ walk. A waterfront shuttle, almost symbolic at fifty cents, spares you the distances; the mission, however, needs a short taxi ride.
Stearns Wharf on landing, a stop in the Funk Zone, then State Street for the architecture and the shops. With time left, take a taxi up to the Santa Barbara Mission before returning along the beach.
The oldest of the local piers, a timber wharf reaching into the ocean at the foot of the main street. Worn planks creak underfoot, pelicans watch the anglers, and a small marine centre lets you meet the creatures of the Santa Barbara Channel.
A district of former warehouses turned tasting rooms, artists’ studios, colourful murals and food counters, between the pier and downtown. Growers from the neighbouring valleys pour their pinots and chardonnays steps from the beach.
Because an earthquake destroyed much of downtown in 1925 and the city rebuilt in a unified Spanish colonial style: pale walls, ironwork, fountains and bougainvillea. Even the most ordinary businesses fall in with the scheme.
A pink and ivory facade framed by twin bell towers, gardens of olive and prickly pear, and an interior that keeps the decoration painted by the craftsmen of the day. Founded by the Franciscans, it is known as the queen of the California missions.
Not really, and that is the point. This call is best taken without a watch and almost without a plan: farmers’ markets, patio cafés, kayaking in the marina. Southern California appears here in its gentlest form, far from the queues of Los Angeles less than two hours away.
The US dollar and English, with Spanish present in place names and kitchens. Credit cards are accepted everywhere and restaurant tipping runs 15 to 20 percent.
Almost any time of year, the climate being mild and dry. Keep in mind, though, that landing is by tender: a rough sea can cancel the call, which happens more often in winter.