Santa Barbara Harbor

Santa Barbara Harbor

Santa Barbara Harbor

Santa Barbara Harbor

Santa Barbara Harbor

Santa Barbara Harbor

Santa Barbara Harbor

Santa Barbara Harbor

Santa Barbara Harbor

Santa Barbara Harbor

Santa Barbara Harbor

Santa Barbara Harbor

Santa Barbara Harbor

132-A Harbor Way
Santa Barbara, CA 93109    Map
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Santa Barbara Harbor is one of the most picturesque boating locations in Southern California. Built in 1929, this 1100-slip harbor has become a popular destination for recreational boaters, fishermen, and tourists alike. Here you will find world-class yachts, commercial fishing boats, and pleasure craft side-by-side. The harbor, Stearns Wharf and nearby State Street provide visitors with a wide variety of services and recreational activities including fine restaurants, wine tasting, gift shops, whale watching, cruises and marine supplies, just to name a few.

Once you walk past the commercial area you encounter a breakwater that runs the length of the Santa Barbara Harbor. The breakwater is intended to prevent waves from damaging boats in the harbor but to the general public it is perfect for strolling on sunny days and warm nights. Incorporating stone brought over from Santa Cruz Island, the breakwater is a smooth path lined with flagpoles and offers great views of the harbor, the city and the Santa Ynez Mountains. During storms it is fun to watch waves crash and splash over it. The there is small beach at the very end called Sandspit Beach that is never crowded, except for the flocks of seagulls and pelicans. Sandspit is the only beach in Santa Barbara with a view of the city and the riviera. Sandspit Beach, also known as Harbor Beach, is one of Santa Barbara's hidden gems.

Panoramas

History

The Santa Barbara Harbor was built in 1929 and is a popular destination for locals, tourists, recreational boaters, fishermen, and those who live on their boats. The Santa Barbara harbor has about 1,100 marina slips, with a dozen or so reserved for visitors and the rest for long-term occupants.

Max Fleischmann, heir to the Fleischmann's Yeast fortune, donated $600,000 towards the creation of the Santa Barbara harbor because he wanted a safe mooring for his 250 foot yacht. Fleischmann was a major Santa Barbara philanthropist whose generosity also included funding early research by the Sansum Medical Association, making significant contributions to the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, establishing the Santa Barbara Foundation, and helping to restore the Santa Barbara Mission after the 1925 earthquake.

Santa Barbara Harbor is managed by the City of Santa Barbara's Waterfront Department. Their mission is to provide the community with a quality Waterfront for recreation and commercial use, along with mooring and landside services for boating. The department oversees the Harbor, Stearns Wharf, parking lots, tidelands, and submerged lands.

Boat Launch Mini Mart

Though Boat Launch Mini Mart at the Santa Barbara Harbor may be a well-stocked goods and grocery business, they are actually famous for their hot dogs! Located in front of the Santa Barbara Sailing Center, you can enjoy the renown Dolly Dog while relaxing by the water and watching the boats come and go. Their menu features all standard hot dog dressings plus chili, sauerkraut, jalapenos, and more.

Breakwater Restaurant

The Breakwater Restaurant is a longtime Santa Barbara Harbor 'favorite breakfast' spot for locals and visitors from all over the world. Serving great American style breakfasts, lunches and dinners, the 95-seat patio offers a great Harbor View. A casual atmosphere complements the tasteful menu, prepared and served by friendly, professional staff at an affordable price for the whole family. The Breakwater Restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner daily starting at 7am and is a pet-friendly restaurant. It is also the go-to place ice cream cones!

Brophy Bros.

Brophy Bros. restaurant was established in 1986 and is operated by the original owners, The Bennett family. The restaurant is a high paced, casual and social venue. Prepare to meet people and interact with locals. Brophy Bros. has been fortunate to have received Best Seafood and Best Clam Chowder in Santa Barbara year after year. Brophy's is located right on the docks with amazing views of the mountains and harbor. Choose your spot - sit at the full length bar facing the view and the clam bar, grab a window and lean in, or sit at a table either inside or out.

Chuck's Waterfront Grill

Chuck's Waterfront Grill began serving friends and family in the Santa Barbara Harbor in 1999. It's a great spot to sit and relax by the boats, watching all the action. Enjoy steaks, fresh seafood, cocktails, and more. Chuck's Waterfront Grill has a beautiful waterfront deck, with radiant heating in the flooring, glass partitions to buffer the breeze, and sails overhead to keep dining guests comfortable while overlooking the boats. If you prefer inside, there intimate, cozy booths and the full bar. Free valet parking.

Endless Summer Bar & Grill

Named to Sunset Magazine's list of 'Top Ten Seafood Spots by the Sea,' The Endless Summer bar-cafe has vintage surfboards hanging everywhere, surf videos from all over the world, and fresh seafood straight from the local fishermen's market. Watch your favorite sports team, or live surf competition on one of the 50-inch 4k TV's. Many of the local fishermen stop here to 'talk story' at day's end over a Rincon Burger or Halibut Tacos, washed down with a Mai Tai or an Endless Summer Blonde Ale. The Endless Summer film made in the early sixties helped define the genre and mirrored the surf culture, which has become such a part of the California lifestyle.

Harbor Market

A friendly neighborhood market tucked in among the bustling yachts and fishermen, where they know your name. Have coffee, donuts, sandwiches and whatever else you may have forgotten to bring, they probably have it. The Harbor market is open 7 days a week.

On The Alley

On The Alley in the Santa Barbara Harbor is brought to you by the same family that operates the popular Brophy Bros. restaurant. On The Alley serves honest simple food items with a flair. With two locations (Santa Barbara Harbor & Goleta Camino Real Marketplace) On The Alley is perfect for that quick breakfast, lunch or dinner. On The Alley provides a counter-service menu, including some favorites from its sister restaurant, Brophy Bros.

Santa Barbara Fish Market

The Santa Barbara Fish Market has been serving our community with fresh seafood for many years. They take great pride in being the only local commercial fishermen's direct outlet to the public. The Fish Market focused on locally harvested seafood products as well as seafood products from around the world. They provide only the highest quality products while supporting sustainability through the education of staff and customers, and by teaming up with organizations like the Stearns Wharf Sea Center Sustainable Seafood Program.

Shoreline Beach Cafe

The Shoreline Cafe is the only restaurant in Santa Barbara where you can sit at a table and be served breakfast, lunch or dinner with your feet in the sand. You can have a table right on the beach. Order a Country Scramble or a Beach Burger and watch the waves while the kids build sand castles. The Shoreline is family and group friendly, but has a long wait at peak eating times on sunny days. Tables on the sand usually have the longest wait. There is also dining on the patio or at bar seats. There is also a walk-up window with a limited menu for drinks, shakes, and to-go food. Paid and short term free parking is right in front of the eatery.

Sushi GoGo

Sushi GiGo is located in the center of all the action at the Santa Barbara Harbor - below Brophy Bros. restaurant and at the foot of the City Pier. They are committed to providing you with an exceptional dining experience every time you visit. Each dish on the menu is prepared to order using the freshest and highest quality ingredients. Sushi GoGo's mission is to provide you with delicious food, friendly service, and great dining ambiance through integrity and team work.

Blue Water Hunter Dive Shop

The Blue Water Hunter devoted to the art and tradition of freediving and spearfishing. Bringing together the finest equipment and information for all of your diving needs. Whether you're just starting out, or are an experienced spear fisherman, The Blue Water Hunter can satisfy all your needs. Blue Water Hunter is committed to quality service and to the ocean environment and its inhabitants. Blue Water Hunter encourages all their customers to help promote a positive image of hunting by practicing proper hunting etiquette, including abiding by all fish and game regulations.

Channel Islands Outfitters

Channel Islands Outfitters is a kayak center, with a large variety of equipment for rent - more than 7,000 square feet of kayaks and kayaking gear. Their mission is to provide meaningful connections to the natural world through affordable water sports activities. Keeping the oceans healthy and clean is a priority so they partner with many local organizations to participate in and organize beach clean-ups, creek clean-ups, and community activism.

Santa Barbara Sailing Center

Santa Barbara Sailing Center is a whole community on and off the water, and Santa Barbara's only all-ages concierge-level rental, charter, and bareboat event center. Choose from a wide variety of public cruises, including whale watching cruises, and see oceans of marine life and spectacular coastline views. Learn to sail, charter a sailboat, rent a variety of small sail or power boats or escape on award-winning Liveaboard Instructional Sailing Vacations to the world-famous Channel Islands National Park. Workout or just float around with kayak rentals and stand up paddle board rentals, or book a private guided tour. Since 1967, the crew has been sharing the sailing love and lifestyle with guests of all levels of experience.

Sea Landing

Sea Landing on the east side of the Santa Barbara Harbor is your home for local ocean adventure. Sea Landing feaures Scuba diving, whale watching, deep sea fishing, coastal cruises and kayak/jet ski/SUP rentals. Sea Landing has everything you need to explore one of the most beautiful and unique locations on the planet. They have been exploring these waters since 1974 aboard one of the best fleets on the coast.

Boat Launch Facility

The Santa Barbara Harbor has a boat launch facility located close to the Harbor mouth and next to Sea Landing. It is composed of 6 ramps, popular for power boats, sailboats, kayakers, stand-up paddle borders and more. For many, water adventure begins at the Santa Barbara Harbor's boat lanuch facility.

Harbor Mail Center

Santa Barbara Harbor has a handful of houseboats in addition to 100+ liveaboards. Unfortunately the U.S. Post Office, UPS, and FedEx don't deliver mail or packages on the docks so decades ago the Harbor Mail Center was created, offering mailbox rental and related services.

Marine Services

Marine Services is a reliable, insured independent business. They are one of the only exclusive engine repair companies serving the Central coast from Oxnard to Morro Bay with completely mobile services. Their trained technicians will ensure a smooth, hassle-free operation providing safe and reliable maintenance. Marine Services works closely with commercial fishermen, charter businesses, yacht brokers, Harbor Patrol, Boat Yard, and local boat owners.

Ocean Aire Marine Electronics

Ocean Aire Electronics is located in the middle of the business zone in the Santa Barbara Harbor. Contact Ocean Aire Electronics for the latest in marine electronics, including VHF radios, chart plotters, GPS devices and radar. The friendly staff will make sure your boat electronics are taken care of.

Santa Barbara Yacht Club

Founded in 1872, Santa Barbara Yacht Club is the second oldest yacht club on the west coast of North America (San Francisco Yacht Club was founded in 1869). They are a family-oriented club, rich with history and tradition. The Santa Barbara Yacht Club is devoted to promoting and managing yachting activities, advancing the art of seamanship, preserving maritime tradition, and providing for the social and recreational needs of their members, while being mindful of their important role in the community.

Seacoast Yacht Sales

Seacoast Yacht Sales is the only yacht brokerage that has a local presence in 6 harbors from Santa Barbara to San Diego. A boutique brokerage in each location that is as unique as the local harbor community. They have deep long-term relationships with the entire harbor community in each harbor. Whether you need to know the best surveyors, mechanics, or sail maker, or you need to find a slip for your boat, Seacoast Yacht Sales can help.

Sunset Kidd Yacht Sales

Buying or Selling a boat? Let the professionals help you. The Sunset Kidd Team has more than 3 decades of experience. They specialize in capable yachts for the Santa Barbara Channel. If you haven't located your dream boat yet, Sunset Kidd has a knowledgeable staff that can help you find the one.

The Chandlery Yacht Sales

Chandlery Yacht Sales is fortunate to have a great inventory of pre-owned power and sailboats. In addition to their catalog of pre-owned yachts, Chandlery often knows of boats not yet on the market. Chandlery Yacht Sales is also a Buyer's Agent and would be happy to represent you in your purchase.

Museum Store

The popular Santa Barbara Maritime museum is a showcase for the diverse maritime history of the Santa Barbara Channel. The Museum's store, located next to the entrance to the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum, is a great place to find treasure! The beautiful Museum Store is full of nautical-themed gifts and souvenirs for all ages.

The Store

The Store, located below the popular Brophy Bros. restaurant at the Santa Barbara Harbor, offers a variety of clothes including hats, Crew Sweatshirts, Long/Short Sleeve Tees, Toddler Tees, Port Authority 1/4 Zip-up, Heavyweight Hoodie, Lightweight Hoodie, Hoodie + Sweatpants, Polo Shirts, and more.

West Marine

At the West Marine store in the Santa Barbara Harbor you will find hundreds of products in stock for boating, sailing, fishing, or paddling. They also offer hats, shirts, shoes, sunglasses, and more. Since their founding in 1968 in Sunnyvale, California, West Marine has grown to over 250 stores. West Marine also runs Blue Future, a grant for those who are passionate about preserving and sustaining marine wildlife for future generations.

Lil' Toot

Lil' Toot, Santa Barbara's original waterfront taxi, provides narrated boat rides and sunset boat rides between the Santa Barbara Harbor and Stearns Wharf every hour. With seating up to 19 passengers, Santa Barbara water taxi rides and harbor tours are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Lil' Toot offers a first rate experience and tour of the Santa Barbara waterfront. The captain and crew will fill the cruise with interesting facts and tidbits about local harbor history, celebrity-owned yachts, wildlife and more. Have kids? They can even help drive the boat - and toot Lil' Toot's namesake whistle.

Outdoors Santa Barbara Visitor Center

Located at the highest spot in the Santa Barbara Harbor, the visitor center offers one of the best views of the city, beaches, harbor, mountains, wharf and islands. Stepping inside the visitor center there are interpretive displays about Chumash culture, Spanish explorers, Missionaries and American Ranchers. A spectacular mosaic tiled floor showing the Channel Islands and the Marine Sanctuary, the Rainbow Bridge legend and flowers native to the islands.

Santa Barbara Harbor and Seafood Festival

One day each October, from 10am to 5pm, the Santa Barbara Harbor & Seafood Festival draws seafood lovers of all ages to Santa Barbara's popular Harbor for one of the community's most unique and beloved events. The festival is timed to celebrate the opening of commercial lobster season (early October), and showcases a variety of delicious regional seafood specialties. There are children's activities, boat rides, cooking demonstrations, and maritime education.

Santa Barbara Maritime Museum

Santa Barbara Maritime Museum opened its doors to the public in 2000 in the Waterfront Center Building at the Santa Barbara Harbor, formerly the Naval Reserve Building, with the unique mission to interpret the diverse maritime history of the Santa Barbara Channel. Founded by a group of fishermen, divers and sailors - those who are a part of this history - Santa Barbara Maritime Museum centered on interactivity and the founders envisioned it as a place where the public could experience maritime culture without leaving the harbor. Exhibits at Santa Barbara Maritime Museum take you on a winding journey through two floors where you will learn about: Early Explorers, the Chumash, Whaling, History of the Waterfront, Commercial Diving and Technology, Commercial Fishing, The History of Oil in the Santa Barbara channel, Surfing, Navigation, Shipwrecks, Channel Island Ranching, Point Conception Lighthouse Lens, and Santa Barbara Lighthouse Women Keepers.