Stearns Wharf

California’s oldest working wooden wharf, Stearns Wharf has been a Santa Barbara landmark since 1872. Standing proudly in the heart of Santa Barbara’s waterfront, this historic pier stretches 2,300 feet into the Pacific Ocean, offering visitors a quintessential California coastal experience.

Built by local lumber merchant John P. Stearns to handle cargo and passenger ships, the wharf has survived storms, fires, and earthquakes to become one of Santa Barbara’s most beloved attractions. Today, it serves as a vibrant destination where visitors can stroll above the sparkling waters while taking in panoramic views of the Santa Barbara coastline, Channel Islands, and Santa Ynez Mountains.

The wharf features:

• Local seafood restaurants serving fresh catches daily
• Unique shops and boutiques
• The Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center
• Watch fishermen bring in their daily catch
• Prime spots for viewing spectacular sunsets
• Opportunities for dolphin and whale watching
• Public fishing areas (no license required on the wharf)

As the perfect vantage point for harbor seal spotting, people-watching, and photographing sailboats in the harbor, Stearns Wharf attracts over 5 million visitors annually. Its wooden planks and salt-weathered railings tell the stories of generations who have gathered here to experience the magic of the American Riviera.

Free parking is available for the first 75 minutes with validation from wharf merchants, making it easy for visitors to explore this historic maritime landmark at their leisure.