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Stearns Wharf
Pier/Boardwalk

Stearns Wharf

Santa Barbara
4.6
(1,200 reviews)
21
Tours Available
Free
Adult Entry
2 hours
Recommended Duration
April-May, September-October
Best Time

Overview

Stearns Wharf is the longest deep-water pier between Los Angeles and San Francisco. It's a historic landmark that offers shopping, dining, and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.

Historic landmark and popular tourist destination in Santa Barbara

Shopping Dining Sightseeing

Location

Address

217 Stearns Wharf, Santa Barbara, California

Neighborhood: Downtown Santa Barbara

Coordinates

34.412800, -119.693100

Visiting Information

Opening Hours

monday 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
tuesday 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
wednesday 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
thursday 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
friday 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
saturday 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
sunday 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Admission

Adults
Free
Children
Free

Best Time to Visit

Overall Best Period

April-May, September-October

Best Time of Day

Early morning

Fewer crowds and cooler temperatures

Duration Recommendations

Minimum
30 minutes
Recommended
2 hours
Full Experience
Half day

Seasonal Highlights

spring

Mild and pleasant

  • • Spring blooms
  • • Outdoor dining

summer

Warm and sunny

  • • Extended hours
  • • Live music

autumn

Cool and comfortable

  • • Fall colors
  • • Harvest events

winter

Cool and occasionally rainy

  • • Holiday decorations
  • • Indoor shopping

Know Before You Go

Essential Information

  • No admission fee
  • Open daily
  • Check for events

What to Bring

essential

Comfortable shoes Sunscreen Camera

recommended

Sweater for cooler evenings Hat and sunglasses

seasonal

Umbrella Rain jacket

not allowed

Drones Large pets

Health & Safety

Physical Requirements: Low

  • • Uneven surfaces
  • • Slippery when wet

Medical facilities: First aid available

Payment Information

Accepted

Cash, Credit cards

Currency

USD

Typical Costs

parking $10
food $15-$30
souvenirs $10-$50

Dress Code

Casual, Comfortable walking shoes, Walking shoes, Beachwear

Booking Tips

  • • Not required
  • • Official website for events
  • • Not applicable
  • • Not applicable

Amenities

Restrooms
Gift shop
Atm
Wifi
Lockers
Wheelchair rental
Stroller rental
On site restaurant
Cafe
Picnic areas
Outside food allowed

Digital Services

Mobile App

Santa Barbara Visitor App

Size: 30 MB

Features: Map, Events, Dining

Platforms: iOS, Android

WiFi Zones: Visitor center, Cafes

Charging Stations: Near seating areas

How to Reach

From Airport

Nearest: Santa Barbara Airport (SBA)

Distance: 15 km

Travel Time: 20 minutes

taxi
$30 20 min
public_transport
$2 40 min

From City Center

Distance: 2 km

walking
30 min
bus
$1.50 15 min
taxi
$10 10 min

Local Insights

Cultural Context

Why Locals Love It: Historic significance and beautiful views

Historical Significance: Oldest wood-framed pier in California

Insider Tips

  • Visit early for the best parking spots
  • Check out the antique carousel
  • Enjoy the free live music events

Local Recommendations

  • • Try the seafood at The Dockside Restaurant
  • • Visit the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History nearby
  • • Take a whale-watching tour

Language Help

Useful Phrases

hello Hello
thank_you Thank you
where_is Where is
how_much How much
beautiful Beautiful
ticket Ticket

Guide Languages: English, Spanish

Photography Guide

Best Photo Spots

End of the wharf

Best Time: Sunset

Tips: Wide-angle shot

Result: Stunning ocean views

#StearnsWharf #SantaBarbara #SunsetViews

Photography Rules

allowed areas All public areas
prohibited areas Private properties
flash photography Allowed
commercial photography Permit needed
drone policy Prohibited without permit
tripod policy Allowed in designated areas
selfie sticks Allowed

Nearby Attractions

Santa Barbara Harbor

Distance: 0.5km

Walking: 7 min

Type: Harbor

Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History

Distance: 1km

Walking: 15 min

Type: Museum

East Beach

Distance: 0.8km

Walking: 12 min

Type: Beach

Reviews

4.6

Based on 1,200 reviews

Recent Visitor Tips

  • "Visit at sunset"
  • "Try the fish tacos"
  • "Check out the shops"

Contact Information

Related Tours & Activities (3)

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Quick Info

Available Tours

21

Rating

4.6 / 5.0

Reviews

1,200

Adult Entry

Free

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