Virgin Voyages' guide to Santa Barbara, California
A stone’s throw from the mansions of Malibu, Santa Barbara features all the luxury and idyllic weather of Los Angeles but with the allure of better beaches, bodacious boutiques, awe-inspiring architecture & enchanting Spanish colonial charm.
The American Riviera
Sunny Santa Barbara is the epitome of what makes California’s Pacific Coast so alluring to travelers all over the world. Nicknamed The American Riviera because of its medley of Mediterranean flair, red-tile roofs and palm-lined boulevards, this West Coast wonder offers travelers far and wide something to look forward to.
End your day over succulent seafood and sprawling views on Stearns Wharf or sipping a condensing cocktail on a rooftop as the sun sets over the harbor. No matter what your day looks like in Santa Barbara, you’re going to want to look again and again.
Shore Excursions
Must-sees of Santa Barbara
Majestic museums, stunning sights & tempting tastes.
A Day in Danish Solvang
Step into this Danish-inspired town in the Santa Ynez Valley, where timbered façades, cozy bakeries, and cultural gems line each strollable street. Explore museums like Elverhøj, snap a pic with the Little Mermaid replica, and savor classic treats — from open-face smørrebrød to sugar-dusted aebleskiver. Enjoy the freedom to wander and taste Solvang your way.
Montecito Stars & History
Private estates, beautiful landscaping, luxury shopping, and casual celeb-sightings — Montecito has long been a favorite retreat for Hollywood stars. On this driving tour of the coastal town, pass through Santa Barbara and take in sights like Stearns Wharf and Mission Santa Barbara. Your tour guide will narrate as you navigate through mini-Rodeo Drive, the Montecito Inn, and Our Lady of Mount Carmel church. Afterwards, explore the upscale boutiques and cafes often frequented by the locals.
Santa Barbara & Los Olivos Food & Wine Tour
Your culinary journey starts with a visit to Santa Barbara, where the local food scene benefits from California's bounty of fresh produce and rich Mexican influence. Further up along the coast to the Santa Ynez Valley, is the area’s wine producing region. In Los Olivos, at Sarloos and Sons, you'll sample several varieties of wine produced on the Sarloos family farm and vineyard. Back in Santa Barbara at Corazon Cocina, enjoy a lunch inspired by traditional favorites from Mexico.
More Shore Things for your wishlist...
We have even more in our curated catalog.
Hollywood of the North
Santa Barbara was a major filming site during the silent film era!
There’s a certain glow you’ll have when you leave Santa Barbara. Seemingly the perfect place to achieve true relaxation, this seaside gem takes all the modern conveniences, beautiful places (and even more beautiful faces) of Los Angeles but juxtaposes them beside a slower-paced, vibrant vibe that just makes everything a little better.
This is the place you come to recharge and reconnect with yourself, your friends, with a partner or even a stranger you just met on the ship. So whether you spent your time here dipping your toes in the sand on one of the sprawling beaches, shopping at the countless boutiques or appreciating the stunning Spanish-style architecture, you’re certain to think about this breezy beach oasis again and again – until of course, you return.
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