The working harbour at the foot of West Beach has around 1,100 slips and one of the last commercial fishing fleets on the southern California coast. A breakwater built in the 1920s — and the only natural lee from north-westerly weather between Point Conception and Point Mugu — gives the boats their shelter.
A waterfront promenade runs around the inner harbour. The Santa Barbara Maritime Museum at the head of the harbour covers the history of fishing, sailing, and the U.S. Navy here. Brophy Bros. upstairs and the Saturday morning fishermen's market at the end of the wharf are the best of the food spots.