Explore Santa Barbara
Stearns Wharf
Type: Sightseeing
10Best Says
Built in 1872 to handle incoming freight and passengers, Stearns Wharf is one of the West Coast's oldest wooden piers. These days, following renovations in 1982, the wharf is a magnet for tourists,... Read More
Built in 1872 to handle incoming freight and passengers, Stearns Wharf is one of the West Coast's oldest wooden piers. These days, following renovations in 1982, the wharf is a magnet for tourists, who come to gaze out on the Channel and shop its various venues. Eateries also share space, and you'll even catch sight of locals plying the waters for fish, along with boats coming in to unload the day's successes. At times in its past, the wharf has been used by the Navy (during WWII) and by gambling companies. Make sure to see the dolphin fountain that marks the entrance. If you don't take a picture of the dolphin statue, you haven't really been to Santa Barbara.
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Address:
Cabrillo Blvd and State St
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
805-564-5518
Hours:
Due to COVID-19, please check with the attraction for the most recent updates to their opening hours.
Website:
stearnswharf.org
EXPERT TIPS BY:
Geneva Ives
Santa Barbara Local Expert
- Sightseeing: "The boards on the pier can get pretty tricky and uneven. This is definitely not high heel or roller skate territory."
- Best for Sightseeing Because: Stearns Wharf is great fun for kids big and small, with lots of souvenir shops, a sea life museum and an ice cream shop.
