Stearns Wharf is one of the top attraction in Santa Barbara, California. The Stearns Wharf was first open in 1872, aged more than 100 years old, named after lumberman John P. Stearns. The Wharf served the passenger and freight shipping needs of California’s South Coast for over a quarter century. Today the restored wharf is an ideal destination for shopping, dining and outdoor activities.
There are many specialty shops at Stearns Wharf where you can get your souvenirs, candy, Ice cream and fish and chips. It is great to browse the shops, buy something or eat something. Check out the top things to do at Stearns Wharf Santa Barbara!
1. Dine in Waterfront Restaurant
2. Birds Watching At The Pier
Seagulls here are super big, they fly near human to ask for food. You may see them fighting with each other for food.
2. Rent a Bike
Rent a bike to pedal along the stunning beachfront is also another great way to spend the day in Stearn Wharf.
3. Rent a Fishing Rod
Fishing rods and baits are available at the Stearns Wharf shop.
4. Wooden Planked Structure
This wooden planked structure where cars that drive by make a thump, thump sound. Cars can enter the wharf and park so it saves you a lot of walking.
5. Picture with Moby Dick Mural
You won’t missed the big whale – Moby Dick mural at the Stearns Wharf.
6. Palm Readings with Madame Rosinka
Want to learn about your fate? Do it in Madame Rosinka Palm Reading cottage.
7. Comfort Food – The Fish & Chips
Comfort food no. 1 is the fist & chips, life could not be completed without fist and chips at the waterfront.
8. Hidden Gem in Coastal Treasure
Go find any jewelry in Coaster Treasure, over 3000 piece of items, including hats, bags, belts and plenty of arts piece.
9. Wine Tasting at Deep Sea Wine Tasting Room
Wine tasting here is special because of the stunning view! It should be a great romantic night out checking out the sunset plus the wine.
10. Skaters Point
Bring your skate board along and skate your heart out at Skater point near Stearns Wharf. The facilities is great with huge space of concrete park open to skaters of all ages free of charge. I enjoyed watching the young skaters doing their lesson.
Located few mins away from Stearns Wharf.
Cabrillo Blvd & Garden Street
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Final thoughts:
Stearns Wharf is an icon for the beach city Santa Barbara, southern California and Central Coast California. I guess the best time to visit is during sunset as the view from the pier offers stunning view of the whole city of Santa Barbara including the ocean view. One thing I love is the stately palm trees which line the oceanfront and make the city so pretty!
Other nearby attractions in Santa Barbara :
22 comments
How could anyone go here and not eat on the waterfront. The physic readings are so worth the time and are very interesting.
Amazing tips and ideas! I love the bird watching! This with and ice cream on a summers eve sounds perfect to me!
We’re actually planning to try to go to California later this year so this will be really helpful if we get out that way.
Anything with fresh seafood and I AM THERE!
I love that fish and chips is the seafood recommendation. I have become a huge fan of good fish and chips
That’s the comfort food for me too!
So many fun things to do here! I would love to try fishing and getting a palm reading. 🙂
I’ve been to California twice and it is still not enough. It is my favourite state. I will have to check out some of your recommendations.
Beautiful shots and adorable socks by the way! Would love to visit more of CA. Thanks for sharing this post!
Dear Monique, I am glad you love the Harry Potter socks.
Santa Barbara is the quintessential California beach city, and you have captured it perfectly. From the pier to skaters point you have encapsulated the mood that is this coastal city: relaxed, engaging, and utterly beautiful.
I was just in Santa Barbara, I wish that I had seen this before my visit this past weekend (guess I just need to go back down now) LOL!
Amazing! I should definitely visit this place once I visit California again. The wharfs, the wood steps, the sea, the food, and even the palm trees, they’re all so perfect. It’s like one of the places I’ve always dreamed about.
This looks like such a lovely place to visit in Cali. It would be a great location for a date or a family day out. I hope you had a lovely time.
Such a great tips and ideas that can do in that place but what I like the most are renting a bike and fishing rod, eating comfort food and also the skaters point.
I love piers! They are so scenic and lovely. The seagulls are my favorite. I always know I’m close to the ocean when I hear them
I’m hoping to go next year and this would be perfect place to start!This is truly a bucket lists material.
Oh how fun…it looks like you had a blast. This is definitely a place worth visiting.
I feel super connected to you because of the harry potter socks, so cute! these photos are awesome
This looks like so much fun and has a variety of things to do which I love! Never been to California yet but it’s on the list to hopefully see this year or next! Thanks for sharing, I’ll definitely be checking Santa Barbara out!
Who wouldn’t want to go to a place this awesome! It’s definitely nice that you’re sharing these 10 things to do there. I’d probably have fun walking around and enjoying the view!
Wow I have been wanting to go to California, this place looks beautiful and full of great sites to create memories in. Thanks for sharing your time there looks like you have a really great time 🙂