Visiting Iconic Stearns Wharf in Santa Barbara

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For a relaxing getaway in Southern California, my first choice of destination is Santa Barbara, home of iconic Stearns Wharf. Known as the American Riviera, Santa Barbara hugs the central coast, about 90 miles northwest of Los Angeles. You have the Pacific Ocean as well as the Santa Ynez Mountains to enjoy. Whether you’re wanting to chill on the beach, engage in active adventures, soak up culture, or dine on fresh seafood, Santa Barbara offers all these and more.

Stearns Wharf is a symbol of Santa Barbara. Jutting out over the water where State Street ends, Stearns Wharf is a favorite Santa Barbara landmark. A visit here is a must when you venture to this lovely place. And a plus is free parking for the first 75 minutes on the Wharf or in nearby city lots.

Pro Tip: The Wharf is more than just an attractive wooden pier. You can find a variety of activities and places to eat. It’s a destination! It is home to restaurants serving fresh seafood, a handmade ice cream shop, and souvenir stores. If you want to fish, stop in the tackle shop for your gear. And the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center provides a look at the sea life beneath the Wharf using interactive exhibits.

Things to do at Stearns Wharf

Stearns Wharf in Santa Barbara offers a variety of activities and attractions for visitors to enjoy. To help you plan your time here, take a look at some things you can do and see at Stearns Wharf.

Marvel at the scenic views

Take a leisurely stroll along the wooden planks of the wharf and enjoy breathtaking views of the Santa Barbara coastline, harbor, and mountains. The panoramic vistas make for excellent photo opportunities.

If you’re an early riser, head to the wharf for breathtaking sunrises.

Dine on delicious seafood

Indulge in delicious seafood and other culinary delights at the restaurants and eateries located on the wharf. From casual cafes to upscale seafood restaurants, you can enjoy fresh catches of the day while soaking in the ocean views.

For an elegant dinner on the water, head to The Harbor Restaurant. Not only can you enjoy fresh seafood, clam chowder, and indulge in lobster tail. And you’ll have a front row seat for sunset on the harbor.

And a new oyster bar is set to open on the wharf in 2024, sure to be a popular choice for dining.

Explore marine life at The Sea Center

Discover the wonders of ocean life in the Santa Barbara Channel at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center. This interactive regional aquarium, sitting towards the beginning of the wharf, offers encounters with marine animals from the Santa Barbara Channel.

Be sure to venture upstairs to the updated exhibit Dive In: Our Changing Channel. Learn about sea creatures such as Moon Jellies and Giant Pacific Seahorses.

The Sea Center is a great place to go with young children to foster their interest in ocean life.

Shop for unique gifts

At the shops and boutiques on Stearns Wharf, you can find one-of-a-kind gifts, souvenirs, clothing, jewelry, and local artisan crafts.

You will find delicious candy at Mother Stearns Candy Shop, Santa Barbara resort wear and souvenirs at Old Wharf Trading, and seashells at Nature’s Own Gift Shop.

Snack on ice cream or sip some wine

Stop for a yummy ice cream at the Great Pacific Ice Cream Company. Or go for wine tasting at Conway Family Wines.

Go fishing

Try your hand at fishing off the Wharf. You can catch a variety of fish, including mackerel, bass, and halibut. No gear? No problem. You can rent fishing gear if you don’t have your own.

A short story of Stearns Wharf

Stearns Wharf was built in 1872 by John P. Stearns, a local lumberman. It served as a commercial and passenger transportation hub. Imagine steamships coming into the harbor, filled with goods to sell. And people who wanted to visit this little town. Fishermen also migrated here to take advantage of the great offshore fishing.

The Wharf suffered four major fires since 1872, closing for as long as nine years. But after each disaster, the city comes together to rebuild and reopen the destroyed restaurants and shops.

Today, Stearns Wharf thrives as the oldest working wooden wharf in California.

Fun facts: The Wharf is 2,300 feet long and is built on 2,307 pilings. About 17 businesses call the Wharf home.

Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, a nature lover, or you are just wanting to enjoy a day of vacation, Stearns Wharf has something for everyone to experience and enjoy.

Getting the lay of the land for your explorations of historic Santa Barbara

It helps to know that the main street of downtown, State Street, runs north from the shore. The wharf reaches over the water just south of State street. The street that hugs the shore is Cabrillo Boulevard. You can walk or bike to see many of the attractions, as streets go under Highway 101 and nothing is far apart.

Many numbered parking lots dot the downtown area. Take a photo of your parking lot so you remember which one to return to and the street it’s on. If you’re a visitor, it’s easy to confuse the street names such as Anacapa and Anapamu, and Cabrillo and Castillo and Carillo.

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Where to eat near Stearns Wharf in Santa Barbara

Here are a few places to eat in Santa Barbara within easy walking distance of Stearns Wharf.

Chad’s

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Chad’s. This restaurant snagged a prime location right across from the waterfront with amazing views. And the breakfast foods, especially the pancakes, are yummy. Sit outside on the patio under a perky yellow umbrella and savor your food and morning coffee as you gaze at the beach.

Santa Barbara Fish House

My favorite dinner place in Santa Barbara is the Fish House. With it’s location right across the street from the beach. And the fresh fish is scrumptious. I always get macadamia nut crusted sea bass because it’s exquisite. .

McConnell’s Ice Cream

Top off your day with an ice cream from McConnell’s. You’ll easily find the shop because a line of people will be coming out the door. And the wait is worth it. McConnell’s has served handmade ice cream for 70 years, and it’s a creamy delight. No preservatives or fillers, just flavors like salted caramel and Dutchman’s chocolate.

Where to stay in Santa Barbara near Stearns Wharf

Many hotels line Cabrillo Boulevard, near Stearns Wharf. Others are found on side streets within walking distance of the Wharf. Here are three that I especially like.

Hotel Milo

This beachfront hotel provides a charming place to stay with your dog. Hotel Milo comfortable and pleasant, with some rooms boasting an ocean view. Walk from here to the harbor or Stearns Wharf. And in cooler weather, relax by a fire pit in the evening. Book a room with a view of the Wharf. Or ask for an upgrade to a view room on arrival. I’ve been lucky to snag a second story room with a view of the Wharf out my window.

Book your dream stay at Hotel Milo and enjoy this perfectly located, charming hotel.

Marina Beach Motel

The Marina Beach Motel on Bath Street, just a half block from the water, opened in January 1941. While the rooms are comfortably and tastefully modern, the footprint of the original motel remains. The rooms form a U, and you can park right in front of your unit, just like in bygone days. In the center of the U, a lawn and outdoor furniture beckon you to relax. Bicycles and a surrey are available for no additional charge. Enjoy a breakfast of local pastries, bagels, and yogurt on the patio. And your pooch is welcome here!

Book your stay at the Marina Beach Motel for a relaxing vacation and easy walk to the Santa Barbara Harbor.

The Mar Monte Hotel

Just steps from the beach, this charming boutique hotel gives you luxury and views of the water. The vibe of the Mar Monte Hotel is modern and sophisticated, with some rooms boasting private balconies that face either the coast or the mountains. The coastal décor is perfect for a seaside getaway.

While this is a bit of a walk from Stearns Wharf, you can choose to stroll along the paved path lined with palm trees and lawns, or ditch your shoes and set out on the beach.

Book your stay at the Mar Monte for beachside fun in the sun.

While you will want to be sure to visit iconic Stearns Wharf in Santa Barbara, you will find so many other fun activities and fascinating places to explore here. And if you prefer to spend time just relaxing seaside under the sun, that’s certainly fine, too.