Santa Barbara Waterfront Tours and Tickets

There are plenty of ways to experience the Santa Barbara Waterfront. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:

• Santa Barbara Trolley Tour

• Santa Barbara Electric Bike Tour

• Kayak Tour of Santa Barbara with Experienced Guide

• Electric Bike Rental in Santa Barbara

• Wildlife Kayak Tour in Santa Barbara Harbor (2 Hours)

Visiting the Santa Barbara Waterfront is free—you can walk along the harbor, enjoy Stearns Wharf, or relax on the beaches without paying admission. To see more, consider a guided tour. Coastal walking and biking tours start around US$35, while kayaking or paddleboarding experiences are typically US$60–$90. Private sailing charters run higher, offering a more exclusive way to take in the coastline.

Yes, there is parking available near the Santa Barbara Waterfront. Expect to pay around US$3.50 per hour, with a daily maximum of US$20–$40, depending on the lot. Stearns Wharf offers the first 90 minutes free, then about US$3 per hour, capped at US$30 per day.

Yes, the Lil’ Toot water taxi is a fun way to travel between the Santa Barbara Harbor and Stearns Wharf. Keep an eye on the schedule; the water taxi runs hourly on Friday through Monday from 11:45am to 4:15pm. It offers 1-way narrated rides between the Santa Barbara Harbor and Stearns Wharf, and reservations are strongly encouraged to avoid sold-out trips.

The Santa Barbara Waterfront is a hub for water sports. You can rent kayaks or paddleboards right at the harbor and explore the coastline at your own pace. You can also book guided tours that take you out to the Channel Islands sea caves, where paddling through hidden grottos is a highlight.

Yes, many parts of the Santa Barbara Waterfront welcome leashed dogs. You can stroll through areas such as Shoreline Park and Chase Palm Park, as well as walk along the harbor or Stearns Wharf with your pup. Arroyo Burro Beach (Hendry’s Beach) is unique—it offers a designated off-leash area where dogs can play freely in the sand and surf. For leashed walks with your dog, the Douglas Family Preserve and many downtown patios are also pet-friendly.