Stearns Wharf
Historic wooden wharf in Santa Barbara offering restaurants, shops, an aquarium, and stunning ocean views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Stearns Wharf
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic wooden wharf in Santa Barbara offering restaurants, shops, an aquarium, and stunning ocean views.
"OMG!!! Stearns Wharf is an absolute highlight of any trip to Santa Barbara!"
🚗 Drive-On Parking
You can drive your car directly onto the wharf! First 90 mins free, then hourly. :car:
🎣 Fishing Fun
Try your luck fishing off the pier. You might even catch a thresher shark! :fishing_pole:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Ocean Views
Furthest point of the wharf
Enjoy breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views of the ocean and coastline. Perfect for sunset photos.
Sea Center Aquarium
On Stearns Wharf
Discover local marine life at this small, engaging aquarium. A hit with families and marine enthusiasts.
Local Eateries
Along Stearns Wharf
Savor fresh seafood and casual dining with ocean breezes. Many restaurants offer outdoor seating.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Parking Pointers
Best Time to Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Drive-On Parking
You can drive your car directly onto the wharf! First 90 mins free, then hourly. :car:
🎣 Fishing Fun
Try your luck fishing off the pier. You might even catch a thresher shark! :fishing_pole:
🚶♀️ Stroll & Sightsee
Enjoy a leisurely walk, browse the shops, and soak in the coastal vibes. :walking:
📸 Photo Opportunities
Capture stunning photos of the ocean, city skyline, and the wharf itself. :camera:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Drive-On Parking
You can drive your car directly onto the wharf! First 90 mins free, then hourly. :car:
🎣 Fishing Fun
Try your luck fishing off the pier. You might even catch a thresher shark! :fishing_pole:
🚶♀️ Stroll & Sightsee
Enjoy a leisurely walk, browse the shops, and soak in the coastal vibes. :walking:
📸 Photo Opportunities
Capture stunning photos of the ocean, city skyline, and the wharf itself. :camera:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Stearns Wharf is a historic and picturesque destination offering stunning ocean views, diverse dining, and a relaxed atmosphere. Visitors appreciate the convenience of driving onto the wharf and the lively coastal vibe. Some find the parking fees add up, and restroom conditions can occasionally be less than ideal.
"Stearns Wharf is in Santa Barbara. It's the oldest working g wharf in California. It was built in 1873. 2300 foot long. Yes it's that long, to allow ocean ships back then to tow up at low tide. John Peck "JP" Stearns opened a lumber yard in 1867 and needed a way to ship lumber. He got a backer, Colonel William Hollister, to help him finance and build the wharf. Fast forward to today, they have a restaurants, shops, bait & tackle shop, boat rides, and a Sea Center aquarium.
The crazy thing about the wharf is that you can drive your car out onto it and park. The wharf acts as a parking lot too. Wild! We drove our car out there and parked. Parking is free for the first 90 minutes. $3 for each additional hour. There is a public restroom but it was a wet mess. A layer of water was on the ground as if they hosed it down. So if you are unsteady on your feet, precede with caution.
Folks can fish off the pier. We saw a young man catch a thresher shark. Wow. The vibe of the pier was casual, even the eateries. Walk out to the furthest point and catch the 360 views. Beautiful! I bet the sunset is spectacular against the drop into the ocean's horizon."
Lillian
"This is a good place to take a break and have a meal while driving along the west coast line.
The location is like an island, you feel you're out of crowd of city.
The parking is free, if you can find a spot.
The restaurant is good, both service and food. The sea view makes you feel very relaxing when eating outside.
Strongly recommended to drop by ."
Ken Xu
"Stearns Wharf of Santa Barbara is an historic destination that may be one of the most famous of piers on the California coast! The present day pier has been reconstructed since the original commercial wharf was developed in 1872 by John P. Stearns, with funding help from W. W. Hollister.
Unlike other piers down the coast, this one is geared up for visitors, with signage, exhibits, memorabilia,, gift shops, restaurants, boat rides and of course restrooms.
I enjoyed the views of the calm ocean as well as the overview looking back towards land. It seemed as tho wherever I stopped to take pictures, other visitors were also taking in the scene beside me!
There’s easy access off the end of State Street, where public parking’s available.
I found free street parking just south of the pier. There’s also more secure paid parking areas within walking distance.
The pier is compatible with handicap access and convenience."
Jim Kara
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Stearns Wharf is easily accessible by car, located at the end of State Street in Santa Barbara. Public parking is available on the wharf itself, with the first 90 minutes free. For those looking to save money, free street parking can be found south of the pier, though it may require a short walk.
Yes, you can drive your car directly onto Stearns Wharf and park. The first 90 minutes are free, with subsequent hours incurring a fee.
Besides parking directly on the wharf, you can find free street parking a short distance away, or utilize more secure paid parking areas within walking distance.
Absolutely! Stearns Wharf is a central attraction in Santa Barbara and is easily walkable from many downtown hotels and attractions.
While specific bus routes may vary, Santa Barbara has a public transportation system that can get you close to the waterfront area, from where Stearns Wharf is a short walk. Check local transit schedules for the most up-to-date information.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Stearns Wharf itself is free to enter and explore. There are no admission fees to walk along the pier, browse the shops, or enjoy the views.
Yes, the Sea Center aquarium located on Stearns Wharf requires an admission ticket. Pricing details can typically be found on their official website or at the entrance.
Stearns Wharf is generally open to the public throughout the day and into the evening. Individual shops and restaurants will have their own operating hours.
Stearns Wharf occasionally hosts events, especially around holidays like the Fourth of July. It's best to check local event listings or the official Stearns Wharf website for upcoming activities.
Yes, fishing is permitted from Stearns Wharf. You can bring your own gear or inquire about bait and tackle shops on the wharf.
📸 📸 Photography
The furthest end of the wharf offers stunning 360-degree views of the ocean and coastline, perfect for panoramic shots. The entire length of the wharf provides great opportunities to capture the pier's architecture and the Santa Barbara cityscape.
Sunset is highly recommended for breathtaking photos as the sun dips below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the ocean. Early mornings can also offer beautiful light with fewer crowds.
Capturing the classic wooden pier stretching into the ocean, the colorful shops and restaurants, and the distant Santa Ynez Mountains provide iconic photo opportunities. Don't forget to photograph the Sea Center aquarium exhibits!
Drone usage is typically regulated in public areas. It's advisable to check local ordinances and Stearns Wharf specific rules regarding drone operation before flying.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive ocean views and the length of the wharf. A telephoto lens can be useful for zooming in on distant landmarks or marine life.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Stearns Wharf features a variety of restaurants, with a strong emphasis on fresh seafood. You'll find casual eateries to more sit-down dining options, many offering ocean views.
While some restaurants can be pricier due to the prime location, there are often more casual spots and cafes offering more budget-friendly choices. Exploring the different eateries will help you find something that fits your budget.
Absolutely! Fresh seafood is a specialty on Stearns Wharf, with many restaurants serving locally caught fish and shellfish.
Many restaurants are accommodating and may offer vegetarian or vegan dishes, or can modify existing menu items. It's always a good idea to check menus or ask your server.
Popular choices often include places known for their seafood, like Santa Barbara Shellfish Company, and other establishments offering diverse menus with ocean views.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Beyond the aquarium, families can enjoy fishing off the pier, browsing the souvenir shops, and perhaps grabbing an ice cream. The casual dining options mean you can easily find something to please picky eaters. Remember to keep an eye on children near the water's edge, and be mindful of the potentially wet restroom facilities.
💰 Budget Travelers
While dining on the wharf can be pricey, you can opt for more affordable casual eateries or simply enjoy a picnic with items purchased elsewhere. The Sea Center aquarium does have an admission fee, but it's a relatively small cost for a family-friendly attraction.
📸 Photographers & View Seekers
Beyond the grand vistas, look for details: the textures of the wooden planks, the colorful signs of the shops, and the activity of fishermen. The Sea Center aquarium also provides unique photographic opportunities with its diverse marine life.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Stroll Through History
Today, Stearns Wharf offers a blend of historical charm and modern amenities. Visitors can explore a variety of shops, enjoy diverse dining options, and learn about local marine life at the Sea Center aquarium.
Experiencing the Wharf's Vibe
Many visitors find the wharf to be a perfect spot for a break during a scenic drive along the coast.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit