Santa Barbara Stearns Wharf, California - 142 Reviews, Map | AllTrails
Santa Barbara Stearns Wharf, Santa Barbara, California, United States | AllTrails.com

Santa Barbara Stearns Wharf

Length0.8 miElevation gain9 ftRoute typeOut & back

Check out this 0.8-mile out-and-back trail near Santa Barbara, California. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 14 min to complete. This is a very popular area for birding, fishing, and running, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.

Bird watchingFishingRunningWalkingDogs on leashKid-friendlyStroller-friendlyWheelchair-friendlyPavedBeachViewsHistoric siteCity walk
This popular trail heads past the West Beach to the restaurants on Stearns Wharf. Parking at the Chase Palm Park is for a fee. Accessibility: There are at least 5 designated accessible spaces in the paved parking lot off of East Cabrillo Boulevard at the northeast end of the trail. All of them are van-accessible with striped access aisles. There are two additional designated accessible parking spots on the Wharf - marked with a waypoint. The trail surface is asphalt, cement, or wooden boardwalk (with railings), and typically at least 5 feet wide. The estimated grade is gentle (3% or less) except for a moderately steep (5-8%) uphill section at about 0.2 miles when going out southbound. Wheelchair/mobility equipment or stroller users may need assistance in the moderately steep section or to avoid it for safety. There are benches along the route for resting.
Santa Barbara Stearns Wharf map
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142 reviews
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March 31, 2024Hiking

Scenic walk before amtrak

December 30, 2023Hiking

Nice after the storms.

July 14, 2023Hiking

Perfect weather today! Sunny with a nice breeze. This beach walk (not a hike) doesn't provide any shade, so bring your sun gear! There are a few shops for souvenirs & treats, eating, and a winery (which I don't recommend for the wine, but the atmosphere is still nice). This is essentially a wooden pier with thick wooden planks, so it's bumpy for strollers. At times you may see dolphins, seals, and pelicans. There are always people fishing at the end of the wharf, as there is a fishing rental shop on site. Plenty of benches and seating too. On a clear day, you can see the islands. Perfect photo opportunities! Lastly, there's the Santa Barbara Sea Center Museum which is interactive and great for kids. They have a marine life "petting zoo" where kids can touch sea urchins, horn sharks, sting rays, anemones, and more. Complete with an interactive science/marine lab located on the first floor for curious little ones.

March 6, 2023Hiking

A lovely walk down the wharf! Be prepared for walking on wooden planks with slots in between. Fun stores and food!

February 21, 2023Hiking

santa barbara

December 19, 2022Hiking

Not a trail, but a beach walk

October 19, 2022Walking

Easy pleasant walk to enjoy Santa Barbara harbor and the wharf.

Conditions: No shade, Great!
June 13, 2022Walking

Easy walk along the pier. No shade.

April 24, 2022Hiking

Nice mellow walk, beautiful area, lots of people on the weekend!

January 24, 2022Walking

This is a great stroll with striking views of the terrain

January 15, 2022

Beautiful walk!

September 7, 2021Walking

Lovely walk along the strand and then on SB's expansive wharf. Great food on the wharf, too.

May 15, 2021Walking

Short walk through the wharf all the way to the end of the pier.

February 17, 2021Hiking

Nice walk!

October 2, 2020Hiking

Gorgeous bike path along the water

September 15, 2020Walking

0.90 walk up and back the pier.

April 10, 2024Walking

April 2, 2024Running

April 1, 2024Hiking

March 23, 2024Walking

March 23, 2024Hiking

February 23, 2024Hiking

January 28, 2024Hiking

January 9, 2024Hiking

January 2, 2024Walking

December 11, 2023Walking

November 27, 2023Hiking

November 19, 2023Walking

October 30, 2023Hiking