City Guides: Things to do While Boating in Santa Barbara, California
Located northwest of Los Angeles, between Long Beach and Pismo Beach on the Pacific Ocean, Santa Barbara combines Spanish culture and architecture with the surf lifestyle of Southern California. From whale-watching, fishing and boating to historic attractions and the natural beauty of the Santa Ynez Mountains, there’s plenty for your whole crew to enjoy from a private boat dock for rent. Let’s take a look!
Old Mission Santa Barbara
Photo: Old Mission Santa Barbara (Facebook)
Founded in 1786, Old Mission Santa Barbara is home to Franciscan friars and a museum. The 18th-century Spanish mission is part of the 21 California missions set up by Spanish Franciscans. It features beautifully landscaped gardens and stunning architecture on 15 acres overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Take a tour of the buildings, which includes the Mission church, historic cemetery and mausoleum and the museum (it has nine rooms full of artifacts and artwork).
Santa Barbara Zoo
Photo: Santa Barbara Zoo (Facebook)
Backed by the San Ynez Mountains and overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the Santa Barbara Zoo is a fun spot to take the kids (or kids at heart) on a day trip from a private boat lift rental. It’s about 30 acres in size and near East Beach. Home to more than 500 reptiles, mammals, insects and birds, you can check out penguins, California condors, lions and elephants. There’s a train that goes around the exterior of the zoo. Kids can attend zoo camp and go behind the scenes as well as feed giraffes and experience a nighttime zoo safari. There is a restaurant, a café, a kid’s play area, picnic areas and a gift shop. Check it out after a day at the beach before heading back to a private boat dock for rent.
Santa Barbara Museum of Art
Photo: Santa Barbara Museum of Art (Facebook)
Head to the Santa Barbara Museum of Art for a culture fix while in the Golden State. Check out Asian and American art as well as exhibits on Van Gogh and his influences, architectural photography, Mid-Century abstract art and bronze sculpture. Located in downtown Santa Barbara, the museum hosts special events like chamber music, the Santa Barbara Symphony and sketching in the galleries.
Stearns Wharf
Photo: Wikimedia
For a fun day of shopping, dining and entertainment, head to the historic pier at Stearns Wharf. Completed in 1872, the wharf was the passenger and freight shipping center on California’s South Coast. Today, it’s home to a variety of fun attractions. Enjoy live music, go fishing at the pier, book a sightseeing cruise, check out the candy and ice cream shop, indulge in a seafood dinner or hang out with sea creatures at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center. Or just watch sailboats and motor yachts in the harbor. You can also take the water taxi to and from the Santa Barbara Harbor.
Channel Islands National Park
Photo: Channel Islands National Park (Facebook)
Just off the coast of California, Channel Islands National Park is one of our favorite day trips from a private boat dock for rent. The park is made up of five islands that are only accessible by the park’s concessionaire boats, seaplanes or private boats. The islands include Anacapa, Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, San Miguel and Santa Barbara Island. At about a 3.5-hour boat ride, Santa Cruz Island is the closest to Santa Barbara on the mainland. It offers steep cliffs, sea caves, sandy beaches and rocky coves. Go cave kayaking, hiking, snorkeling or just enjoy the scenery.
Pencil in some of these fun attractions the next time you’re in town or hanging out at a private boat slip rental in Santa Barbara. Let us know your favorites!
