Santa Barbara Harbor — Attraction in Santa Barbara

I am writing as a visiting boater staying at a guest slip in the Marina. Santa Barbara Harbor is city owned and operated by harbormaster's officers who are available 24/7 an are available on VHF channel 12 as well as by phone. Visiting boats pay $1 per foot per day and no reservations are taken. (This is in 2020) Guest slips are almost always on the main dock which is fairly new and quite long parallels the breakwater with a locked gate right near the harbormaster's office. The are two bathrooms and showers on either end of this dock. They are locked like the access gate but open with an electronic card key activated by the office. These heads are very clean and well kept. I very much like the many trash and recycling bins both on the main dock and the fingers. Slips are side ties and have both water and standard 30 amp 120 vac (at least the 30 and 40 foot slips do). All in all a very professionally run marina kept in excellent condition and available a a reasonable cost.

The harbor itself had a fuel dock with both gas and diesel and ice is available in large quantities from a commercial ice house on the pier next to the ice house. There are several restaurants in the marina along with a shipyard, many yacht brokers, a museum, and the venerable Santa Barbara Yacht Club. The is a launch ramp and boat and SUP rental available on the land side of the marina. A short walk around the marina will bring you to Stearn's Wharf with shops and restaurants and an ocean oriented museum. Fishing is a favorite activity there and a large anchorage is located just east...

This has always been a welcome visit when out cruising because of the onshore sights as well as the friendly boat owners and visitors when using the facilities. Santa Barbara hospitality at its best! After the pandemic hiatus it was wonderful to tie up to such a lovely marina.

This visit was a reminder that we are still not back to previous expectations of respectful behavior. In the Marina One rest room we experienced inconsiderate behavior of a woman that had taken over the restroom and showers with water running needlessly using up seat covers to dry her unclothed body in front of the hand dryer. Our 6 year old granddaughter was very upset and the woman was unapologetic for her behavior. The restrooms were not clean and maintained like we have experienced in the past. Not sure if this woman was trespassing or a slip owner but it definitely left us wondering what is happening in our beloved...

This is one of the most picturesque harbors in the world! Sure. It may be missing a dramatic bridge and an opera house, but the small town charm and Mediterranean climate is second to none. A perfect example however of where not to build a harbor because it needs constant dredging. Regardless a trip to Santa Barbara is incomplete without a visit to this interesting place with tremendous views of the dramatic coastline and towering peaks of the Santa Ynez range. It is common to see dolphins, seals, many types of birds, and incredible sea life. You can take the little your harbor shuttle to Stearns wharf and back.Try Brophy brothers if you can get in. I saw Barack Obama there recently as he enjoyed a tray of shrimp and clams. I heard Prince Harry and the Duchess make secret visits for their favorite seafood. Within walking distance of tilted towers you can do the electric slide all the way...