Stearns Wharf
Cabrillo Blvd at State Street

Stearns Wharf is an important part of Santa Barbara's character and history.  It is located at the bottom of State Street and our historic three dolphin fountain marks its entrance.

• Stearns Wharf Virtual Tour

• West Beach Virtual Tour

• Waterfront Shuttle boat ride

Web Movies:

Movie (2MB): View of Santa Barbara Harbor and the shops on Stearns Wharf

At the ripe old age of 130 years old, Stearns Wharf is still built primarily of wood and has weathered wars, fires, earthquakes.  It has seen the harbor transform from a bustling port for cargo and passenger ships to a home for pleasure boats, a fishing fleet and whale watching tours.

Stearns Wharf was built in 1872 to serve cargo and passenger ships. In the 1930s, gamblers boarded floating casinos at the pier, and during World War II it was turned into a naval installation. Now, the wharf has shops and restaurants and is visited by  5 million people a year, making it one of Santa Barbara's largest tourist attractions.

Please, allow us to share with you the history, the charm and the activities that make this important landmark so much part of Santa Barbara.

Highlights:

History of the Wharf
Ty Warner Sea Center
Interesting Facts
Things to do on Stearns Wharf
The Photo Gallery
East Beach
West Beach
Highlights from Cyber Dive