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, Virginia2,318 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 2023Travelled 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 2023Travelled 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 2023Travelled 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 waiting 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
ATraversLeMonde_2011
Sparks, NV30 contributions
Mar 2024 • Couples
This is a "must visit" in Santa Barbara. Small but interesting and worth the trip. Great food, decent shopping (they need more shopping).
Written March 16, 2024
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.
rbwriter
New York City, NY407 contributions
Mar 2024 • Couples
When staying in the Santa Barbara area, it’s well worth a walk out to the end of the wharf
We had drinks at one of the restaurants during sunset, which was nice, but I recommend a walk out to the pier whether you stop at a restaurant or not
We had drinks at one of the restaurants during sunset, which was nice, but I recommend a walk out to the pier whether you stop at a restaurant or not
Written March 15, 2024
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.
Jessica G
Los Angeles, CA4 contributions
Sept 2023 • Family
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.
Written January 30, 2024
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.
MaryQ
San Antonio, TX361 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
This 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.
Written October 29, 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.
hbhakh
Roanoke, VA2,318 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
We 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.
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.
Written September 4, 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.
FamilyTraveller
Peterborough502 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
This place is ok if you fancy a walk and good views of the coast, but it’s not a “must see” in my opinion. It’s very busy, and you have to avoid the many cars driving on it.
There’s a few touristy shops and restaurants but nothing special.
There’s a few touristy shops and restaurants but nothing special.
Written August 13, 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.
WillieMacfan
Healdsburg, CA792 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
Stearn's Wharf is actually a long wooden pier that allows cars to drive out and either turn around or park on it while the riders and walkers wander around or have a meal.
A number of restaurants at or near the end of the pier as well as a museum and a few shops.
A good opportunity to get your steps in if you walk the pier from the entrance to the end. The walkway is separated mostly form the pier road. Take you time and enjoy the views.
A number of restaurants at or near the end of the pier as well as a museum and a few shops.
A good opportunity to get your steps in if you walk the pier from the entrance to the end. The walkway is separated mostly form the pier road. Take you time and enjoy the views.
Written May 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.
connie
Grand Forks, ND29 contributions
Feb 2023
It was fun to walk this wharf and watch people fishing. We als watched a surfer. There are shops and restaurants as well as public restrooms. It is a lovely place to spend some time
Written February 19, 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.
Zoom_Gotti
Henderson, NV1,559 contributions
Dec 2022
Classic California wharf in Santa Barbara. Still lots of wood. You can even drive on it. Offers a few restaurants on site as well as some gift/souvenir type places. There's even an ocean education center. At times you can even catch a water taxi. Nice for a stroll even if you're not eating, but sometimes the passing cars get in your way and mar the experience.
Written January 20, 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 travellers, these are the best ways to experience Stearns Wharf:
- Guided Kayak Wildlife Tour in the Santa Barbara Harbor (From C$75.18)
- Sunset Kayak Tour of Santa Barbara with Knowledgeable Guide (From C$121.65)
- Santa Barbara Scavenger Hunt Adventure (From C$28.05)
- Kayak Tour of Santa Barbara with Experienced Guide (From C$75.18)
- 3-Day California Coast Tour: Santa Barbara, San Francisco and Yosemite (From C$847.48)
- Hotels near Stearns Wharf:
- (0.47 km) Harbor View Inn
- (0.74 km) Harbor House Inn
- (0.81 km) The Eagle Inn
- (0.56 km) Hotel Californian
- (0.94 km) Avania Inn of Santa Barbara
- Restaurants near Stearns Wharf:
- (0.00 km) Mother Stearns Candy Co
- (0.01 km) Char West
- (0.03 km) Great Pacific Ice Cream Company
- (0.12 km) Santa Barbara Shellfish Company
- (0.08 km) Moby Dick Restaurant
- Attractions near Stearns Wharf:
- (0.00 km) Celebration Cruises - Santa Barbara
- (0.02 km) Santa Barbara Deep Sea
- (0.02 km) Deep Sea Wine Tasting Room Santa Barbara
- (0.03 km) Old Wharf Trading Company
- (0.13 km) Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center