We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.
We support the following browsers:
Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox. Mac: Safari.
All 129 Santa Barbara Attractions »

Stearns Wharf

Cabrillo Boulevard, Santa Barbara, CA
805-564-5518; 805-897-2683
Ranked #24 of 76 attractions in Santa Barbara
4.0 of 5 stars 54 Reviews
Type: Wharfs/ Piers/ Boardwalks
Activities: Fishing
Traveller Description:  Stearns Wharf has got to be the most beautiful wharf on the California coast.  Here you will find many touristy shops for souvenirs and several... more »
Update attraction details
Write a Review

54 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    16
    17
    14
    7
    0
Date Rating
Palo Alto, California
Top Contributor
58 reviews 58 reviews
Reviews in 28 cities Reviews in 28 cities
25 helpful votes 25 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 14 May 2012
1
person found this review helpful

not a showstopper, but a nice place to take a walk the length of the wharf. some good eateries. great winery to sample at and enjoy the gorgeous scenery from their second floor. lots of touristy shops with overpriced stuff. one cool thing is the local harbor boat ride-- kids love it. same company can offer the adult version! More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 15 more reviews by dapinca for Santa Barbara
Santa barbara, CA
Senior Contributor
21 reviews 21 reviews
Reviews in 11 cities Reviews in 11 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 15 April 2012

Some good eateries and great views from this pier, which includes a maritime museum, fishing spots, harbor boat tours, souvenir shops and places to sit. More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 7 more reviews by GrannyA for Santa Barbara
Tehachapi, Ca.
Senior Contributor
25 reviews 25 reviews
Reviews in 13 cities Reviews in 13 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 12 April 2012

Nice place to visit. Santa Barbarba is a very beautiful place. Nice place to take a walk and enjoy the view. Clean and feels safe. More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Santa Barbara, California
Top Contributor
53 reviews 53 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 5 April 2012

So much fun. I never tire of strolling out to the end and looking for dolphins. Great little shops and it's just a low-key way to get to know Santa Barbara a bit better. More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 45 more reviews by L. K for Santa Barbara
Goleta
Contributor
12 reviews 12 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 30 March 2012

Lots of little shops, including ice cream and taffy (beware of the taffy chicken - very dangerous). Great restaurants as well. More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 9 more reviews by Kevin H for Santa Barbara
Nantucket, Massachusetts
Contributor
15 reviews 15 reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
7 helpful votes 7 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 27 March 2012

One of the largest of this type, the wharf gives spectacular views of Santa Barbara and the Channel Islands, weather permitting. You can even drive out and park on the pier, which is a good idea considering what a lengthy walk it would be from shore. The minimal parking fee is waied if you visit any of the vendors on... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 4 more reviews by ACK22 for Santa Barbara
Oregon
Reviewer
5 reviews 5 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 25 March 2012

easy walk to many restaurants- appetizers and drinks are special with that view! More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Lancaster, California
Senior Contributor
34 reviews 34 reviews
Reviews in 16 cities Reviews in 16 cities
23 helpful votes 23 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 3 March 2012
1
person found this review helpful

Its worth a stroll down if your in Santa Barbara, for the views of the beach and sea. Usual souvenir shops, restaurants and fishing rentals. Did not eat in any of the restaurants as I thought they were expensive but then again you are paying for the views. Much prefer this pier to the Santa Monica one! Parking was 90... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 2 more reviews by pap1973 for Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, California
Senior Reviewer
9 reviews 9 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 3 March 2012

What better way to end your walk down state street then going out on the Wharf. The view is beautiful, beware the restraunts though, you are paying for the view, certinally not the food. More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 6 more reviews by eileenks for Santa Barbara
toronto
Senior Contributor
36 reviews 36 reviews
Reviews in 11 cities Reviews in 11 cities
17 helpful votes 17 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 1 March 2012

This is a fun walk with great view of the city. Free parking as well. Great, small fish restaurant end of the wharf and like the clam chowder. Nice sunset view. More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 17 more reviews by torontobiggs1 for Santa Barbara

Travellers who viewed Stearns Wharf also viewed

Lotusland
5 of 5 stars 62 Reviews
Santa Barbara, CA
Shoreline Park
5 of 5 stars 23 Reviews
Santa Barbara, CA
 
State Street
4.5 of 5 stars 200 Reviews
Santa Barbara, CA
Mission Santa Barbara
4.5 of 5 stars 152 Reviews
Santa Barbara, CA
 

Been to Stearns Wharf? Share your experiences!

Write a Review Add Photos Add Videos

Owners: What's your side of the story?

If you own or manage Stearns Wharf, register now for free tools to enhance your listing, attract new reviews, and respond to reviewers.

Manage your listing