Stearns Wharf

Stearns Wharf

Stearns Wharf

Stearns Wharf

Stearns Wharf

Stearns Wharf

Stearns Wharf

Stearns Wharf

Stearns Wharf

Stearns Wharf

Stearns Wharf

Stearns Wharf

Stearns Wharf

Stearns Wharf

Stearns Wharf

Stearns Wharf

Stearns Wharf

Stearns Wharf

Stearns Wharf

Stearns Wharf

Stearns Wharf

Stearns Wharf

217 Stearns Wharf    Map
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
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Stearns Wharf is a pier at the cross section of the end of State Street and Cabrillo, in the harbor in Santa Barbara. When completed In 1872, it became the longest deep-water pier between Los Angeles and San Francisco. Named for its builder, local lumberman John P. Stearns, the wharf served the passenger and freight shipping needs of California's South Coast for over a quarter century. Before the wharf, passengers and cargo had to be rowed ashore through the breakers and kelp. Despite the great convenience offered by the wharf, Santa Barbara remained a fair-weather harbor with an acute need for a breakwater. During December 1878, storms destroyed and washed away more than 1,000 feet of the wharf. Despite these losses, it would be another 52 years before Santa Barbara got its needed breakwater.

When the railroad reached Santa Barbara in 1877, Stearns added another spur to the wharf, providing a necessary transport link to his lumberyard and the nearby Southern Pacific Depot. The spur was damaged by severe storms in the early 20th century and was finally abandoned in 1923.

The Harbor Restaurant was built on the wharf in 1941, marking an end to the shipping and transportation era of the 19th century. The restaurant proved to be the economic backbone of the wharf.

Since its beginning, Stearns Wharf has had several natural and economic disasters, from the big earthquake in 1925 to a fire in 1973 which caused its closing. The wharf stayed closed for six years until restorations were completed in 1981. Another fire in the winter of 1998 devastated the last hundred and fifty feet of the wharf, including Moby Dick Restaurant. Though the rest of the wharf remained open during this period, the rebuilding took over two years. Stearns Wharf stands today as Santa Barbara's most visited landmark.

Currently, Stearns Wharf is a great place for locals and tourists of all ages to eat, shop, fish, or simply walk and enjoy the view. There are more than a dozen businesses on the Wharf open to the public, ranging from restaurants, wine tastings, museums, souvenir shops, and smaller eateries, such as an ice cream parlor and candy store. Kiosks hours are 7am - 10pm, business hours vary depending on each location. Parking is usually not a problem, with many lots on the pier. A complimentary valet service is also available for all customers. The first 90 minutes are free, with a small fee for each hour, or part of an hour, thereafter. There are also various parking spaces off Cabrillo and the areas across Cabrillo. Take note of the parking signs to avoid any parking tickets. During the summer, parking is harder to find due to the higher tourist traffic on the pier, so plan your trip accordingly. Overall, Stearns Wharf is a must see all tourists.

Panoramas

The Harbor Restaurant

The quintessential snap shot of Santa Barbara is the long range view of the city's famous pier, with a picturesque boat harbor in the foreground and a background framed by the majestic Santa Ynez Mountains. The anchor of this famous pier is one of Santa Barbara's most popular eateries, the Harbor Restaurant on Stearns Wharf. The 150 year old pier was a working pier from its infancy. It housed the Santa Barbara Yacht Club in 1929 and the pier's first restaurant opened in 1941, owned by famous actor and nearby San Ysidro Ranch owner, Ronald Colman. Colman sold the restaurant to another famous actor, James Cagney, who later sold the restaurant to the Castagnola family in 1955. The Harbor Restaurant and Stearns Wharf were destroyed by fire in 1971 and rebuilt in 1981 when the Williams family operated the Harbor Restaurant until selling to its current owner, John Scott, in 1988. Enter the Harbor Restaurant and take in the panoramic ocean views from your window table.  Enjoy the freshest seafood that arrives daily in the Santa Barbara harbor or a USDA prime char-grilled filet mignon prepared expertly by the Harbor Restaurant chefs.

Moby Dick Restaurant

Enjoy seafood on the pier with ocean views from every seat. Moby Dick Restaurant is a classic all American seafood restaurant where you can find dishes unique only to Moby Dick Restaurant as well as some classic and authentic seafood favorites. Moby Dick Restaurant, located on the end of the wharf, provides the freshest seafood for breakfast, lunch and dinner. There is always something exciting going on at Moby Dick - big waves, surfers, sailboat races, visiting whales, and dolphins. If you are a local and you've never been to Moby Dick before, give it a try. Moby Dick's goal is to provide fresh food, great service and spectacular views. The restaurant has a wonderful banquet room that accommodates up to 80 people for meetings, parties, etc. They also have an outdoor cocktail patio and the Sunset Room which is a perfect setting for an evening meal.

Char West

Started in 1969, Char West is a quick service restaurant featuring Burgers, Fish Tacos, Fish n Chips, Clam Chowder, Burgers along with additional seafood with stunning views.


Santa Barbara Shellfish Company

Santa Barbara Shellfish Company was established in 1980 as a buying station for local Santa Barbara shellfish and fish and a place to sell crab. From sea to skillet to plate sums up this end-of-the-wharf seafood shack that's more of a buzzing counter joint than a sit-down restaurant. Chase away the seagulls as you chow down on garlic-baked clams, crab cakes and coconut-fried shrimp at wooden picnic tables outside. Awesome lobster bisque, clam chowder, and ocean views. The family that brings you award-winning Santa Barbara Shellfish Company also owns and operates other local restaurants including FisHouse (near Stearns Wharf), Boathouse at Hendry's Beach, and Casa Blanca Restaurant & Cantina.

Longboards Grill

Burgers, fish and chips, clam chowder, and more -- all served alongside beach-inspired cocktails and beautiful oceanfront views. Located upstairs on Santa Barbara's iconic Stearns Wharf, Longboard's offers gourmet burgers, famous fish and chips, a lively full-service bar, and incredible waterfront views in a casual, family-friendly environment. A fun-filled beach-and-surf-themed eatery, they're the perfect spot to kick back, relax, and enjoy bites and sips in the open ocean air.

Great Pacific Ice Cream Company

32 flavors of Thrifty ice cream and sherbets. Open 7 days a week.




Mother Stearns Candy Company

Mother Stearns Candy Company carries hundreds of varieties of sweets, including two dozen flavors of salt water taffy. Their bestselling flavor of fudge is Dark Chocolate Carmel with Sea Salt. Of all candies the bestseller is the chocolate-covered gummy bears. Available vintage candies include Bottle caps, Pop Rocks, Charleston Chews, Willy Wonka's Everlasting Gobstoppers, Razzles, Bertie Bott's Every Flavored Beans (Harry Potter), and more.

Deep Sea Tasting Room

The Deep Sea Wine Tasting Room is the home of Conway Family Wines. The space features 360 degree views of the Pacific coastline, Channel Islands, Santa Barbara Harbor and the Riviera. They offer Two Wine Tasting Flights, all of their wines by-the-glass and also by-the-bottle. The Deep Sea Tasting Room is open 7 days per week, and is available for Private events and Receptions. Reservations are not required, but are recommended for groups of 8 or more.

Old Wharf Trading Company

More than just nautical gifts, the Old Wharf Trading Company is the largest general merchandise store on the wharf. It features a wide variety of gifts and decorator items, along with clothing, toys, books and much more. Purchase Santa Barbara souvenirs of every type and browe the huge collection of shirts, sweatshirts, hats, swimwear and more.

Devil and Deep Blue Sea Gifts

Established in 1988, this popular gift shop offers a well-merchandised, neatly-organized variety of toys, home decor, souvenirs, signs, mugs, casual jewelry, skincare products, model cars, and more.


Nature's Own Gallery

Nature's Own Gallery offers a wonderful selection of shells, fossils, mineral specimens, gifts, unique jewelry, and interior design items from around the world. A family-owned business since 1976 Nature's Own Gallery focuses on natural products in all their goods.

Santa Barbara Water Taxi

Running from noon until sunset every half hour, the Waterfront Shuttle cycles continuously between two hugely popular local destinations - the Santa Barbara Harbor and Stearns Wharf. Santa Barbara Waterfront Shuttle puts you in touch with everything the Harbor and Wharf has to offer. Junior Captains: Under the watchful eye of Capt. Fred, children are encouraged to steer the boat and sound the "Lil Toot" steam whistle. Your child at the wheel of "Lil Toot" is a great photo opportunity.

Madame Rosinka Palm Reader

The Rosinka Family has operated the spiritual consultancy, Madame Rosinka, on Stearns Wharf since 1951.If you are not a skeptical about Palm Readers, you can visit Madame Rosinka to answer some of your questions. It is located in the small red tower near the restrooms on Stearns Wharf. Madame Rosinka is a well-known licensed spiritual counselor who discusses your past, present and future, and even gives some spiritual advice. Your privacy is guaranteed. Madame Rosinka's was run by Barbara Sonia Adams (d.b.a. Madame Rosinka) for decades until her passing in 2014. The business was started by her parents, both of Yugoslavian descent. The business continues to be run by family members.

Stearns Wharf Bait and Tackle

Stearns Wharf Bait & Tackle is the store closest to the ocean-end of the wharf, hidden next to Santa Barbara Shellfish Company. The business sells lures, rods, reels, bait and tackle,sodas & water, snacks & candy, bicycle rentals, and S.B. Trolley Tour tickets. Be sure to take advantage of their free fishing advice. No fishing license is needed to fish on Stearns Wharf and they are open 7 days a week.

Santa Barbara Water Taxi

Running from noon until sunset every half hour, the Waterfront Shuttle cycles continuously between two hugely popular local destinations - the Santa Barbara Harbor and Stearns Wharf. Santa Barbara Waterfront Shuttle puts you in touch with everything the Harbor and Wharf has to offer. Junior Captains: Under the watchful eye of Capt. Fred, children are encouraged to steer the boat and sound the "Lil Toot" steam whistle. Your child at the wheel of "Lil Toot" is a great photo opportunity.