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Local picks

Fun activities in Waterfront, Santa Barbara

You need a way to fill your time that involves more than just walking around.

Based on 751 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Santa Barbara Maritime Museum image 1
Santa Barbara Maritime Museum image 2
Santa Barbara Maritime Museum image 3
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Spacious museum offers interactive exhibits and a wet deck where kids touch ocean specimens. Quiet, seaside English vibe blends with spectacular harbor views. Activities mix hands-on learning and fun for all ages.

Interactive exhibits make learning about maritime history engaging and fun for kids. The museum offers a memorable mix of education and entertainment.

People are saying

"You'll learn so much about local maritime history here."

"You get a great view from the 4th floor."

"The interactive exhibits are really fun for all ages."

Good to know

1

Admission is $12 per adult, with discounts for military and first responders.

2

Free parking is available for 90 minutes at the museum.

3

Interactive exhibits include a sportfishing game and a boat driving simulation.

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Eat This Shoot That! image 1
Tourist attraction

Walking tours offer food tastings and local history in a lively neighborhood. Guides share detailed stories while leading groups through unique establishments. Activities blend fun with culture for an engaging experience.

Activities include a variety of fun tours that mix history with engaging experiences. Food options add to the overall entertaining atmosphere.

People are saying

"Our guide Hannah was great and knew so much about the food."

"I learned so much history from my awesome tour guide."

"Our guide Hannah was knowledgeable and fun, making it enjoyable."

Good to know

1

The food tour includes a variety of local offerings from unique businesses.

2

Reservations are recommended to secure a spot on the food tour.

3

The tour lasts approximately three hours, allowing ample time for exploration.

03
Lil' Toot Santa Barbara image 1
Tourist attraction

Small boat cruises offer intimate seating for groups up to 19 with calm waters ensuring smooth rides. Wildlife like seals and dolphins add excitement while the captain shares fun facts. Perfect for families and small celebrations seeking a quick, scenic escape.

Calm waters make the harbor trip smooth and easy on those prone to seasickness. The boat fits groups of 12 comfortably, with the captain and Garrett sharing fun facts throughout the ride.

People are saying

"It's a magical and stress-free celebration with a wonderful crew."

"The captains and crew are so friendly, sharing fun facts and great commentary."

"It's a perfect little escape to unwind and enjoy the scenery."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for the boat tour to ensure availability.

2

The boat accommodates up to 19 passengers, making it suitable for small groups.

3

The boat ride costs $10 each way, providing a budget-friendly option.

04
Pier Santa Barbara image 1
Tourist attraction

Long wooden pier offers stunning ocean views and a calm vibe. Visitors enjoy fun shops and a museum that blends fun with learning. Activities like fishing and paddleboarding add to the active waterfront recreation.

Clean pier offers fun shops, a museum that is both fun and educational, and plenty of spots for fishing. Ocean, city, and mountain views make walking and relaxing enjoyable for all ages.

People are saying

"I enjoyed the great view; it was amazing."

"I found lots of fun things to do and relax here."

"The sunset here paints the sky with beautiful, vibrant colors."

Good to know

1

Parking is free for the first 90 minutes at Pier Santa Barbara.

2

Live music events occur regularly at the pier, especially on weekends.

3

Happy hour specials are available at various restaurants on the pier.

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Santa Barbara Sportfishing Charters image 1

Spacious boat offers plenty of deck room and a relaxed vibe with gorgeous views and dolphin sightings. Captain Tony ensures consistent catches of rockfish and halibut while keeping trips fun and safe for all ages.

Captain Tony creates a fun atmosphere focused on safety and enjoyment for all skill levels. The trip includes wildlife spotting and plenty of fishing, making it engaging for kids and adults alike.

People are saying

"Captain Tony knows exactly where to find the fish."

"Captain Tony made the day so relaxed and enjoyable for everyone."

"Captain Tony made our fun fishing activities enjoyable for everyone."

Good to know

1

Captain Tony is knowledgeable about local fishing spots and the coastline.

2

The trip includes opportunities to catch various types of fish, including rockfish and halibut.

3

Expect a fair pricing structure for the quality of the fishing experience.

06
Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center image 1

Small aquarium on a pier offers interactive touch tanks with sharks and sea stars, making it both educational and fun. Upstairs features underwater simulation and jellyfish tanks for an intimate experience. Waterfront views add to the charm.

Interactive exhibits and touch tanks create an immersive experience that is both educational and fun. The pet a shark tank and the wet deck offer unique ways to engage directly with marine life.

People are saying

"It's really Kid Friendly with lots of interactive exhibits."

"This local spot has great displays of local sea life."

"The interactive exhibits here are so much fun for kids and adults."

Good to know

1

Admission is $14 for adults, but only $3 with WIC or SNAP benefits.

2

The Sea Center features interactive exhibits and touch tanks for hands-on learning.

3

Children aged 3 to 5 will enjoy the numerous touch pools available.

07
Santa Barbara Beach Yoga image 1

Outdoor yoga on the beach blends ocean sounds with fresh air for a grounding feel. Noise-canceling headphones provide clear guidance and fun beats to keep energy high. Classes welcome all levels with an encouraging vibe and friendly cheers.

Yoga sessions feature fun beats to flow to and an encouraging vibe with friendly cheers like "yeAA". This activity offers a very fun and different way to enjoy time outdoors.

People are saying

"Vicki led a thoughtful yoga class, tailoring it for all levels."

"Emma's yoga class is a welcoming, relaxing spot for all."

"Shannon's encouraging reminders made the fun activities feel positive."

Good to know

1

Classes are suitable for all levels, from beginners to experienced practitioners.

2

Noise-canceling headphones are provided to enhance the yoga experience.

3

Sound baths are offered during some sessions for added relaxation.

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Leadbetter Beach image 1
Public beach

Sandy beach offers incredible ocean views and a glassy surface perfect for sunbathing and swimming. Families enjoy picnics and grilling under palm shade while spotting dolphins and sea lions. Easy parking and nearby dining make it a lively, welcoming spot for all.

Sunbathing and family fun happen on a beautiful beach. Swimming off course adds a challenging twist. Watching dolphins and sea lions brings extra wildlife excitement.

People are saying

"This beach is beautiful and offers breathtaking views."

"It's a great spot for picnics with plenty of space and tables."

"It's so fun watching dolphins and sea lions play in the surf."

Good to know

1

Avoid swimming within 50 yards of drains or runoff at Leadbetter Beach.

2

Parking is easily accessible and close to the beach.

3

Leadbetter Beach is a great spot for picnics and gatherings without needing a reservation.

09
Skater's Point image 1

Skatepark offers spectacular sea view and smooth surfaces for skating. It features varied ramps and bowls that challenge skaters of all levels. Families enjoy the lively atmosphere and fun activities here.

Skateboarding offers a fun experience here despite some flaws. The park feels enjoyable and lively for skating activities.

People are saying

"I found the skatepark really fun to enjoy."

"The sea view from the skatepark is beautiful."

"I found the parking available to be great and close."

Good to know

1

There is close, free parking available near the skatepark.

2

The skatepark can get crowded, especially on weekends.

3

The park has a variety of ramps, rails, bowls, and ledges for skaters.

10
Stearns Wharf image 1
Historical landmark

Pier offers breathtaking ocean views and a peaceful atmosphere with historic charm. Visitors enjoy fishing off the dock and exploring hands-on marine exhibits that engage kids. Driving over water adds a unique twist to the fun, while casual dining rounds out the experience.

Fun and lively atmosphere draws people in with scenic views and a variety of food options. Driving over the water adds a unique and enjoyable twist to the experience.

People are saying

"The panoramic views of the mountains meeting the Pacific are breathtaking."

"You'll find fun activities like strolling, shopping, and eating with great ocean views."

"It's so quiet and relaxing here."

Good to know

1

Parking is free for the first 90 minutes at Stearns Wharf.

2

There are various shops and restaurants with ocean views on the wharf.

3

Visitors can walk to Stearns Wharf from nearby hotels.

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Waterfront, Santa Barbara

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