For a day of fun in the sun, head down to the Santa Barbara waterfront, where walking paths, bike trails, clean beaches, and the palm-tree-lined Shoreline Park await. The harbor is the launching point for guided kayak tours of the waterfront as well as kayak and SUP rentals. There are three beaches within easy reach here: Leadbetter Beach, known for its surfing; plus East Beach and West Beach, which are separated by Stearns Wharf.
Visitors can stroll the wharf boardwalk for a great view back over the city, and stop at one of the restaurants or wine tasting rooms along the way. Stearns Wharf is also home to the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center where younger visitors will enjoy the chance to interact with sea life including manta rays, sea urchins, and anemones.