Located just off the Southern California coast in the Santa Barbara Channel, the series of islands that encompass Channel Islands National Park are sparsely visited, especially given their incredible natural beauty. Tide pools, kelp forests, and rugged mountains provide a habitat for unique flora and fauna.
Goleta is a small town on the California coast just west of Santa Barbara known as a high-end beach destination and the site of monarch butterfly migrations. With a mild, warm climate, the town is popular with visitors looking for beaches, swimming, and other water sports and activities. Nearby, the Santa Ynez Mountains make for a picturesque backdrop.
Discover the diverse Pacific ecosystem and engage with marine animals at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center. Located on the historic Stearns Wharf, the family-friendly educational space features interactive exhibits, a theater, and life-size replicas of gray whales.
Many who take a cruise around Southern California will make a stop in sunny Santa Barbara. The Santa Barbara Cruise Port is right in the heart of town on Cabrillo Boulevard, within walking distance of all sorts of local attractions. It’s an easy walk to the bottom of State Street, the main thoroughfare through town.
