Stearns Wharf

When compiling your Central Coast to-do list, the iconic Stearns Wharf is an essential landmark to visit.

Constructed in 1872, Stearns Wharf is the oldest deep-water pier on the California coast and is Santa Barbara's top attraction. And what a sight it is to witness! Stearns Wharf juts out 2,300 feet into the Pacific and is supported by 2,307 pilings, with a combined surface area of 3.8 acres. 

Stearns Wharf was constructed for shipping purposes and served the Central Coast for many decades. While that era has passed, the pier is currently home to restaurants, merchants, water sports rentals, and retail stores. 

Visitors can learn about the Wharf's fascinating past at the Sea Center, an extension of the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History. Located on the pier, the Sea Center offers interactive exhibits and up-close encounters with marine life. The combination of history and interactivity creates an enriching atmosphere, perfect for families and curious explorers. 

In addition, Stearns Wharf is involved in local celebrations and events, from summer concerts to annual festivals. These seasonal activities, along with its restaurants and boutiques, make vacationing in Santa Barbara that much more attractive. 

Fun Facts & Cool Features

A fun fact is that up until the 1870s, Santa Barbara was cut off from the world by the mountains and ocean. However, when John Peck Stearns moved to the area and opened a lumberyard in 1867, he envisioned a pier allowing ships to dock at low tide. With financing from Colonel William Welles Hollister in 1872, Stearns constructed the wharf that would bear his name and connect Santa Barbara with the world. 

Stearns Wharf has stood resilient against many catastrophes over the years. During a storm in 1878, a Chinese junk crashed into the pier and destroyed 1,000 feet of decking. When the nearby famed Potter Hotel caught fire in 1921, the Wharf narrowly escaped the devastating sparks. In 1973, the Harbor Restaurant caught fire on the pier, resulting in Stearns Wharf being shut down for eight years for repairs. 

Today, Stearns Wharf offers abundant dining and shopping options that appeal to all tastes. When craving sea-to-table fare, you can't go wrong dining at Santa Barbara Shellfish Company. The unpretentious menu and the laid-back vibe with stellar bay views make dining a joy. 

Additionally, the wharf houses several unique shops showcasing local crafts, souvenirs, and gourmet treats. Shopping and dining with the backdrop of the mountains and the Pacific create a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Another fantastic feature is the numerous sea life that can be spotted around the pier. Seals, dolphins, and various fish are common since the pilings attract marine life, making it a fantastic spot for nature enthusiasts and photographers. 

Stearns Wharf is close to other landmarks, making daily trips to several locations possible. East Beach literally connects with the pier, while the Douglas Family Preserve is a short drive away. 

As you can see, visiting Stearns Wharf is essential to experiencing Santa Barbara. This vibrant and historically rich site offers scenic views, delicious dining options, and opportunities for exploration, making it a worthwhile addition to any itinerary.

Getting There 

Here are step-by-step driving directions to Stearns Wharf from Santa Barbara: 

• Begin on State Street, heading south. 
• Turn left onto Cabrillo Boulevard. 
• Continue on Cabrillo Boulevard, following it along the beach. 
• Take a right onto Stearns Wharf Road. 
• Address: 217 Stearns Wharf, Santa Barbara, CA 93101 

Cost 

While visiting Stearns Wharf is free, here are some costs you may incur:  

• Parking on the wharf: first 90-minutes are free.
• Afterwards, $3 per hour, with a maximum daily fee of $20. 
• Costs for dining and shopping are variable based on individual vendors. 
• Attractions like the Sea Center have entry fees. 

Prices are subject to change; check their website for updates.