The coastal cities of Southern California lure flocks of visitors year-round with their sunny weather, wide sandy beaches, charming shops, and delicious food options. Santa Barbara is certainly no exception. Stearns Wharf is not only one of Santa Barbara’s most popular attractions but is also California’s oldest working wharf. This historic beachfront attraction in Southern California will keep you coming back for more.
Stearns Wharf lies at the end of Santa Barbara’s famous State Street and is a popular destination for dining, wine tasting, harbor cruises, and more.
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The wharf stretches from the shore out over one of Southern California’s most beautiful beaches and gives visitors panoramic views of the coastline.
MissBeee/TripAdvisor
There is a little something for everyone at Stearns Wharf’s shops, including gifts, clothing, ice cream, toys, candy, and wine tasting. You can even pick up some bait and tackle and do some fishing.
jorgebulcao/TripAdvisor
Located on the wharf, the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center is an interactive marine facility. Learn about and touch rays, urchins, anemones, and even sharks.
Lululu007/TripAdvisor This hands-on experience is a must-do for families with young children.
Step off the wharf with Celebration Cruises and enjoy a fun brunch or dinner cruise, whale watching, or a sunset ride aboard the luxurious “Azure Seas” yacht, complete with a full bar.
airannepr19/TripAdvisor Another option is a one-hour tour on “Lil’ Toot,” the smiling boat that blows bubbles out of his stack.
Opt for fine dining at The Harbor Restaurant or head upstairs to Longboard’s Beach Bar and Grill for more of an island vibe.
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Take a seat at the bar or at a real longboard table inside, or head out to the second-floor deck for some sun and sea breezes while you eat.
Longboards Grill/Google Local
Whether you order fish and chips, a gourmet burger, a lobster roll, or just your favorite cocktail, everything at Longboard’s gets a tropical touch.
Longboards Grill/Google Local
Looking for a huge selection of fresh seafood options? Stroll down the pier to Moby Dick’s where every table, inside or on the patio, has an ocean view.
Joshua Lee/Google Local
While most come to Moby Dick’s for fish and seafood, there are plenty of land-lover choices too, not to mention an impressive drink menu.
Vlad/Google Local
Whether you are at the wharf for breakfast, grabbing lunch and ice cream before going kayaking, or enjoying drinks while the sun sets, once you visit, you will want to come back again.
Management/TripAdvisor Day or night, Stearns Wharf is a delightful way to experience Santa Barbara’s beach iconic vibe.
Parking on the wharf itself is free for the first 90 minutes, or you can walk on for free. You can also board the Santa Barbara Trolley and hop off right at the wharf.
Jenny L/TripAdvisor
MissBeee/TripAdvisor
jorgebulcao/TripAdvisor
Lululu007/TripAdvisor
This hands-on experience is a must-do for families with young children.
airannepr19/TripAdvisor
Another option is a one-hour tour on “Lil’ Toot,” the smiling boat that blows bubbles out of his stack.
Gustavo Porras/Google Local
Longboards Grill/Google Local
Joshua Lee/Google Local
Vlad/Google Local
Management/TripAdvisor
Day or night, Stearns Wharf is a delightful way to experience Santa Barbara’s beach iconic vibe.
Have you visited Stearns Wharf? Tell us about your favorite beachfront activities in Santa Barbara in the comments.
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Address: 217 Stearns Wharf, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, USA
