From Eve
Know before you go
Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Pier Santa Barbara.
Local know-how to help you travel smarter and make the most of every moment.
Stearns Wharf: A Santa Barbara Landmark
Experience California's oldest working wharf in Santa Barbara: Stearns Wharf, offering dining, shopping, and stunning ocean views since 1872.
Stearns Wharf, California's oldest working wooden wharf, has been a vibrant part of Santa Barbara since 1872. Extending into the Pacific, it offers shops, restaurants, stunning views, and a glimpse into the area's maritime past.
Plan your visit
A brief summary to Pier Santa Barbara
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
Plan your visit
144-152 Stearns Wharf, Santa Barbara, Waterfront, California, 93101, US
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Stearns Wharf, a beloved landmark in Santa Barbara, has stood the test of time since its completion in 1872. Built by John Peck Stearns, it served as a vital link for passenger and freight shipping, connecting Santa Barbara to the world. Before the wharf, transporting goods and people required navigating through breakers and kelp in small boats.
Today, Stearns Wharf is a bustling destination with a variety of attractions. Visitors can enjoy fresh seafood at one of the restaurants, browse unique shops for souvenirs, or try their luck fishing off the pier. The Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center offers interactive exhibits showcasing local marine life. Wine tasting is also available with panoramic views.
The wharf has faced numerous challenges throughout its history, including storms and fires. Despite these setbacks, it has been rebuilt and restored, remaining a symbol of Santa Barbara's resilience. A walk along the 2,300-foot pier provides a glimpse into the city's past and present, with stunning views of the coastline and the Santa Ynez Mountains.
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Getting There
Walking
From downtown Santa Barbara, walk towards the ocean on State Street. State Street ends at Cabrillo Boulevard, cross the street and you will see the Dolphin Fountain marking the entrance to Stearns Wharf. The walk is approximately 5 minutes from downtown.
Public Transport
The MTD Downtown-Waterfront Shuttle and the State Street Loop offer convenient service to Stearns Wharf. The MTD Shuttle operates Friday through Sunday from 10 AM to 6 PM, with a one-way fare of $0.50. The State Street Loop, featuring electric golf carts, runs between the Dolphin Fountain at Stearns Wharf and Victoria Street, operating Thursday through Sunday from noon to 7 PM. Alternatively, from Santa Barbara Airport, the Line 11 bus goes directly to the Transit Center, with hourly departures; from there it is a short walk to Stearns Wharf. The bus costs $1-2.
Driving
From Highway 101, exit at Garden Street and head south towards the ocean. Turn right onto Cabrillo Boulevard, and the entrance to Stearns Wharf will be on your left. Parking is available on the wharf. The first 90 minutes are free, after which it costs $3.00 per hour, with a daily maximum of $30.00. Alternatively, parking is available in nearby lots along Cabrillo Boulevard, such as the Garden Street lot, for $2.50 per hour with a daily maximum of $15.00.
A brief summary to Pier Santa Barbara
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Discover Santa Barbara, the American Riviera, where Spanish colonial charm meets modern California flair. Enjoy stunning beaches, historic sites, and world-class dining.
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