Thank you very much for reaching out and for taking this special trip to Santa Barbara. We would be happy to help with ideas for your visit! There are many hotels at a variety of styles and price ranges right along Cabrillo Boulevard, which overlooks the beach and ocean. For an exhaustive list of hotels you can check out our visitors' bureau Visit Santa Barbara. You can do an online search for their website since they don't post here. For ideas of things to do, there are so many options! Do you and your wife enjoy the arts? There is a Sunday artwalk along Cabrillo Boulevard with has all local, handcrafted items. Even without purchasing, it's fun to peruse. Museums? There is a Museum of Art, Natural History Museum, Karpeles Manuscript Library (right in downtown and free to enter), Maritime Museum (in the harbor and same building as the viewing deck), among others. Along the waterfront there is a free fourth-floor viewing deck in the harbor with gorgeous views. Also, the Courthouse has a clock tower with gorgeous views of the city and that is also free of charge. There are also great local coffee shops to sit in and take in the atmosphere, restaurants that can be as fancy or casual as you'd like, and great locally-made ice cream shops too. If you'd like to get out into nature, there are near-by hikes or even a flat Douglas Family Preserve for an easy stroll overlooking the ocean. We hope this helps and that you have a truly memorable and special weekend. If you have any additional questions, call any time: 805-897-1962.

Hello, I'd love to help you plan your day off of the cruise ship in Santa Barbara. When you disembark the ship's tenders, you will be right in between our Wharf and Harbor. Both are a half-mile walk away. There is ice cream and sushi at the harbor as well as great seafood options, a maritime museum a free 4th floor lookout with amazing views of the city and a breakwater you can walk along. There are also activities such as stand-up paddle boarding and kayaking, etc. The Wharf also has a Sea Center museum and great food options (there is ice cream there as well) and lovely views. To walk from Sea Landing (the name if your disembarcation spot) to downtown Santa Barbara along State Street is quite easy. It's about 2 miles to the top of the downtown and there are shuttles for $.50 per ride you can use to get there and back. Regarding excursions, there are many things you can set up on your own without going through the cruise ship or even set up the day you arrive. We have a large hospitality booth to help you plan your day and provide maps in case that might help. I represent the City's Waterfront and would be happy to answer any additional questions you might have. Feel free to email me at DSamario@SantaBarbaraCa.gov.