Stearns Wharf
Stearns Wharf
4
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Visitors can watch fishing boats unload the day's catch, enjoy spectacular sunsets, and sample fare from fast food to fine dining at California's oldest working wharf.
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- hbhakhRoanoke, Virginia2,283 contributionsNice spot in Santa BarbaraWe pulled onto Stearn's Wharf to have lunch while driving up the CA coast. There's parking on the pier (restaurants validate) so it's very convenient. We didn't have any trouble finding a space on a Wednesday at lunchtime. The pier offers nice views and ocean breezes. In addition to several restaurants, there some touristy shopping. We enjoyed our lunch and visit and would return.Visited August 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten September 4, 2023
- MaryQSan Antonio, Texas361 contributionsTake a Walk on a Historic WharfThis is a great place to get lovely views and pictures, of the harbor, the distant mountains, folks fishing, and occasional sea animals. We enjoyed the ocean breezes and the sights. There was something special about walking on a wooden wharf. There were some places to get something to eat, and clean public restrooms. Parking was free on the wharf for the first 90 minutes. This was a great place to get out and stretch our legs while driving the PCH.Visited October 2023Traveled with familyWritten October 29, 2023
- Jessica GLos Angeles, California4 contributionsFun Walk!I spent my college days working on the wharf, so I know it well. It is a great walk and good place to get a bite. I usually get soup and then turn around and walk it off on State Street. Not much to do on the wharf, but eat and go in a couple of the tiny touristy shops. Go there for the view or some fresh fish at the last restaurant on the wharf. Fun visit.Visited September 2023Traveled with familyWritten January 30, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
2,233 reviews
Excellent
799
Very good
943
Average
411
Poor
69
Terrible
11
Steve K
Birmingham, UK197 contributions
Aug 2019 • Family
It’s one of those places you need to visit as you are there in Santa Barbara
Lots of shops, it’s a great walk to the end, it’s hot pubs and quality people watching
You can chill and relax as well.
The part they don’t tell you is the abundance of fishing at the end of the pier. Not against fishing just so you know, but it’s need a little maturity in place
We witnessed a baby stingray caught and should have been thrown back in. There was lots of little kids on holidays and the lads were all joking and carrying on. One of the lads decided to be a hero and put a knife through its head as they decided to keep it and cool it later. Young kids were crying and I’m a 50 yr old and I thought that was disgusting
So be parental cautious would be my advice as the maturity level at the end of the Pier is a shame
Lots of shops, it’s a great walk to the end, it’s hot pubs and quality people watching
You can chill and relax as well.
The part they don’t tell you is the abundance of fishing at the end of the pier. Not against fishing just so you know, but it’s need a little maturity in place
We witnessed a baby stingray caught and should have been thrown back in. There was lots of little kids on holidays and the lads were all joking and carrying on. One of the lads decided to be a hero and put a knife through its head as they decided to keep it and cool it later. Young kids were crying and I’m a 50 yr old and I thought that was disgusting
So be parental cautious would be my advice as the maturity level at the end of the Pier is a shame
Written February 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jadranka P
London, UK723 contributions
Nov 2021
It is different from other wharfs we visited .. you can even drive your car till it’s end..
The views were great but it was quite deserted … maybe as it was working day in November. We did try to find a place to eat but couple of restaurants that were open did not look appealing.
The views were great but it was quite deserted … maybe as it was working day in November. We did try to find a place to eat but couple of restaurants that were open did not look appealing.
Written May 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brad B.
Sacramento, CA49 contributions
Jan 2020 • Business
Stearn’s Wharf is a neat stop when you’re visiting Santa Barbara. It’s filled with shops and restaurants and ice cream and candy. I think I gained 10 lbs while I was there. It’s offers beautiful views of the coast and is just a great place overall. When you reach the end of the pier, hang out and see what the fishermen are pulling in. The parking is reasonable, at $2.50/hr with the first 90 minutes free.
Written February 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bart C
Foster City, CA492 contributions
Jul 2021
What the world doesn't need now is yet another honky tonk tourist trap. Frankly, I don't see the attraction. Sure, it's free to walk out onto this long and large pier, and 90 minutes of parking is free for starters. But once there, you have the view and some expensive and nothing special restaurants and junk shops and not even a lot of those! Some folks like the feeling of driving their cars over the railroad tie type roadway; would make me nervous as hell!
Written July 24, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Perkadventures
Banning, CA15,301 contributions
Jun 2021
Came here in June late night to have dinner or snack. You drive onto the wharf to the eatery and park. Dark at night and seemed to be a major wooden wharf.
Found parking easily late at night, but during day this may be a problem. Very dark here at night. Walk carefully
Found parking easily late at night, but during day this may be a problem. Very dark here at night. Walk carefully
Written September 8, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Munir D
Toronto, Canada645 contributions
Jul 2022 • Couples
This place was one of our stops in the scenic highway from Los Angeles to San Fransisco.
This is a lively place and we were fortunate to get parking for only $4 at the parking lot across the Visitors Centre. This was for 2hours. Parking is also available at the end of the pier.
We had lunch at the Longboard’s Grill located on the pier. We had a table overlooking the beautiful ocean with also a view of the marina. We ate fish and chips which included two red snapper fillets. The food was good and service very nice.
This is another nice place to take photographs because of various scenic spots.
Munir Daya
This is a lively place and we were fortunate to get parking for only $4 at the parking lot across the Visitors Centre. This was for 2hours. Parking is also available at the end of the pier.
We had lunch at the Longboard’s Grill located on the pier. We had a table overlooking the beautiful ocean with also a view of the marina. We ate fish and chips which included two red snapper fillets. The food was good and service very nice.
This is another nice place to take photographs because of various scenic spots.
Munir Daya
Written July 7, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sára H
Lohn-Ammannsegg, Switzerland17 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
Lovely Restaurant with really good Coctails,We had Salmon that was tasty,and my husband ate a Pasta that was really good too on the luch time,and a waiter was really kind and funny guy,we had fun. After that we came also for evening Dinner,but it was not the same,I had a pineapple Burger and my husband ate Red Snapper was a bit too less salt on it and the Burger was oke.
Coctails were still nice.
Coctails were still nice.
Written February 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Elaine P
Los Angeles, CA115 contributions
Oct 2020 • Friends
What's not to like? Beautiful weather, breathtaking scenery, happy people enjoying the sun and cool weather. 😀 Tried to make reservations at all the restaurants, but they said it was first come, first served. Happily, we found a cute place with plenty of outdoor seating. Very enjoyable day overall
Written October 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marissa SC
Boone, NC64 contributions
Jan 2020
The wharf always has people coming and going. Do NOT try to drive and park on the wharf! Unless you are handicapped and cannot walk far. It is a nightmare to drive on--and this is my take just from watching people drive up. It is pretty long and you can get a bite to eat, some mementos, fish, and take some pics. Definitely make it a stop on your trip!
Written January 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
cohoman
Sammamish, WA2,093 contributions
Dec 2023 • Family
One of the few piers where you can drive on and park. 90 mins free parking, followed by $3.50/hr. Note, that everyone visiting from out of town tries to park here, so finding a spot may be impossible (we didn't). So, we ended up exiting and parking in a public lot just a few blocks south of the pier for $3/hr.
The pier has mainly a few mediocre restaurants and a few souvenir shops. Not much to see or do. Even still, there's lots of tourists walking the pier. I wouldn't recommend driving or walking this pier. Much better restaurants across the street from the wharf.
The pier has mainly a few mediocre restaurants and a few souvenir shops. Not much to see or do. Even still, there's lots of tourists walking the pier. I wouldn't recommend driving or walking this pier. Much better restaurants across the street from the wharf.
Written December 28, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
baha0426
Los Angeles, CA5 contributions
Is it noticeably cooler and windy at the pier compared to the rest of the town? Thanks :)
irishlass75
british columbia3 contributions
does the boardwalk at the beginning of Stearns Wharf, have lots of vendors on it?
Ralph G
Rothereham, South Yorkshire74 contributions
No the shops and vendors are further on
irishlass75
british columbia3 contributions
I was here 20 years ago and would like to find the boardwalk with lots of vendors. It was near a pier, is this the one?
Ralph G
Rothereham, South Yorkshire74 contributions
This is my very first visit so I couldn't say if this is the one but there was none or very few vendors at the beginning of the board walk leading up the pier
Is the pier dog friendly?
Fallbrookian
San Diego, CA310 contributions
I have seen pets on the pier, but there's no place for them to do their business so you'll want to see to that first! I'm not positive the souvenir shops would allow them, but there are outdoor cafes where they could join you.
How much is it to fish? Do they have pole rental? Do you need a permit? We are traveling to town for a wedding and looking for something for the boys to do
WanderJenn
Santa Barbara, CA138 contributions
There used to be "no fishing" signs which were not enforced. Now there are signs for designated fishing areas. I believe that there is no overhead casting. . .for the sake of fellow visitors, I imagine. There is a bait and tackle store towards the end of the wharf. I think it is called Stearns Wharf Bait and Tackle. Google them for their phone number, give them a call and I'll bet they can answer all your questions with the latest information.
rodril16
1 contribution
Will there be fireworks for the 4th of july?, and has the oil spill impacted the water?, and is the ocean water safe to put your feet in? We go every year there for the 4th of july and just want to know before we head out there. Thank you
Dominique S
Santa Barbara, CA2 contributions
Thank you very much for reaching out. Santa Barbara beaches have not been affected by the oil spill beyond the passing tar ball and the beaches are full of visitors each day.
We are very excited to be putting on our Fourth of July celebration this year including local bands and food vendors along with a choreographed firework show. It should be one of our best yet! If you have any further questions about the event or logistics, feel free to contact the Waterfront Department at 805.897.1962.
Shaunte T
Chino, CA
How is the parking there? Is it limo bus friendly
Dominique S
Santa Barbara, CA2 contributions
The are many parking lots along the waterfront and in the harbor. There are some spaces designated for oversized vehicles. Feel free to contact the Parking Supervisor at 805-564-5523 for more detailed information. Thank you!
securty
Marina del Rey, CA
are there any other drive on fishing piers for handicapped in socal?
OLDFirefighter
Goleta152 contributions
Stearn's Wharf in Santa Barbara is a drive on "working" pier with fishing along the walk way and at the end of the pier. Beware the end of the pier has no guard rails and we always have a person or 2 wind up in the drink during the year.
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Claim your listingStearns Wharf - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)
Frequently Asked Questions about Stearns Wharf
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Stearns Wharf:
- Guided Kayak Wildlife Tour in the Santa Barbara Harbor (From $55.00)
- Sunset Kayak Tour of Santa Barbara with Knowledgeable Guide (From $89.00)
- Santa Barbara Scavenger Hunt Adventure (From $20.52)
- Kayak Tour of Santa Barbara with Experienced Guide (From $55.00)
- 3-Day California Coast Tour: Santa Barbara, San Francisco and Yosemite (From $620.00)
- Hotels near Stearns Wharf:
- (0.29 mi) Harbor View Inn
- (0.46 mi) Harbor House Inn
- (0.51 mi) The Eagle Inn
- (0.35 mi) Hotel Californian
- (0.47 mi) Marina Beach Motel
- Restaurants near Stearns Wharf:
- (0.00 mi) Mother Stearns Candy Co
- (0.00 mi) Char West
- (0.02 mi) Great Pacific Ice Cream Company
- (0.08 mi) Santa Barbara Shellfish Company
- (0.05 mi) Moby Dick Restaurant
- Attractions near Stearns Wharf:
- (0.00 mi) Celebration Cruises - Santa Barbara
- (0.01 mi) Santa Barbara Deep Sea
- (0.01 mi) Deep Sea Wine Tasting Room Santa Barbara
- (0.02 mi) Old Wharf Trading Company
- (0.08 mi) Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center