It is gratifying to see such a variety of watercraft funneling through the Santa Barbara Harbor entrance here in summertime. It means people are enjoying our beautiful waterfront and finding fun aplenty.
Water temps are up and just right for mixing warm sunshine with refreshing dips.
A truly magical spot is the very end of the sandspit, accessible either by an enjoyable walk along the length of the harbor breakwater, or by swimming, paddling, sailing, or motoring across the harbor.
This spot is sandy, with both shallow water and a drop-off into the dredged harbor channel.
Early mornings and late afternoons/evenings see fisherfolk taking advantage of standing within casting distance of both shallow water and a deep (roughly 30 feet) channel.
This variety of depths provides anglers with some exciting possibilities like bass, halibut and even white seabass.
During the middle of the day, the sandspit hosts kids of all ages, including us older kids with graying hair.
Perhaps the most magical aspect of this prime spot is the waterfront views of beaches, Cabrillo Boulevard, hotels and eateries, Stearns Wharf, and our postcard-perfect mountain backdrop.
Even us salty professionals who operate year-round through the harbor entrance manage to smile at all the folks having so much fun. During much of the rest of the year we pretty much have the place almost to ourselves.
Navigating the demarcated vessel traffic channel through the harbor can be tricky and even treacherous when a 100-yard stretch of water is filled with swimmers, paddle-boarders, float tubers, kayakers, jet skiers, sailors, and power boaters.
There are way too many close calls because less experienced people forget to keep a 360° lookout and remember the Rules of the Road for right-of-way.
One amusing part is watching people play the weather game. We often have overcast skies in the morning. It seems as though a thousand sets of eyes must be watching out their windows waiting for the blue skies to win the battle with the marine layer.
When the blue prevails, people pile out of hotels, homes and cars to converge en-masse on the waterfront. Then whenever the marine layer reasserts itself, many folks skitter back indoors while others tough it out, thanking themselves for remembering to bring a hoodie.
A typical day of sun and sand adventure begins with a hearty and leisurely breakfast at any one of our waterfront cafes or restaurants, followed by a little shopping for layered clothing, snacks and drinks.
Next is a stop by the Sail Center, Santa Barbara Landing or paddle sports vendor on the beach to line up watercraft adventures.
By then, hopefully, the blue skies will have won out over any morning overcast and it is time to hit the water and sand. This is a great way to spend a July day in Santa Barbara.
