The History of Stearns Wharf
Stearns Wharf, the oldest working wood wharf in California, was built in 1872 by John Peck Stearns to facilitate the transfer of cargo and people from ships to shore. In 1925, the State of California, conveyed the Tidelands and the Harbor area to the City to be held in trust for certain priority uses and…
Travel Directions to Stearns Wharf
Here’s a step-by-step guide to get to Stearns Wharf in Santa Barbara from the 101 Highway North: 1. Exit the 101 North at Garden Street 2. Drive Down Garden Street 3. Turn Right onto Cabrillo Boulevard 4. Arrive at Stearns Wharf Parking Options: Here’s how to get to Stearns Wharf in Santa Barbara from the…
Pet Policy
Stearns Wharf Pet Policy Dogs are allowed Stearns Wharf and there are rules/laws/regulations that govern animals and/or dogs. Most of the laws are common among municipalities. For example, dogs must be on a leash, less than 6′ in length, the dog must always be under the immediate control of the owner, you must clean up…

FAQ – old
Question: Just wondering if we can bbq on the pier with a propane burner while we fish. Thank you! Answer: No open flames on the wharf, also no smoking. Question: What are Stearns Wharf's Hours? Question: Are bikes allowed on Stearns Wharf? Answer: Yes, bikes are allowed, however the four wheel Surrey bikes you rent are not allowed. Tour…
Testimonials
Read about reviews from our visitors. We appreciate each and every one. Review of Stearns Wharf, from Tripadvisor Ranked #24 of 69 attractions in Santa Barbara. No visit to Santa Barbara would be complete wtihout a stroll down this beautiful wharf. Also a great place for that Kodak moment while visitng Santa Barbara. Amy K. Los…
Credits
Stearns Wharf Credit List Credits: Photography on some of the Images and Slideshow: Damian and Guylene GadalWaterfront logo: City of Santa BarbaraWebsite: AmeravantMerchant Logos: Brian Tharpe
About
Big Sky Consulting, LLC was founded in 2000 to provide IT expertise to businesses of all sizes around Santa Barbara. After a few years of regular IT contract work, we developed a hosting solution for small businesses that needed enterprise-grade IT without the high costs of hardware and IT personnel. Essentially, we were offering cloud…
Fiesta on Stearns Wharf
There’s no better view of Santa Barbara than from Stearns Wharf, and there’s no better time to experience it than after the Children’s Fiesta Parade on Cabrillo Boulevard August 3rd. Ballet Folklorico Mexico Azteca will provide a free Mexican folklórico dance showcase from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM on Stearns Wharf. Folklorico Mexico Azteca will…

World Oceans Day at the Sea Center
World Oceans Day | Free Admission at the Sea CenterAt the Sea CenterJUNE 8, 2024 / 10:00 AM–3:00 PMDive into World Oceans Day 2024! To celebrate, the Sea Center on Stearns Wharf will be free of charge all day, made possible with the generous support of the UCSB Associated Students Coastal Fund and the Stearns…

The Oyster Bar at Moby Dick Restaurant
Stearns Wharf welcomes the new Oyster Bar at Moby Dick Restaurant. The Oyster Bar at is an exciting new addition to the iconic Moby Dick Restaurant and its incomparable setting. The Oyster Bar offers an imaginative menu featuring a curated selection of fresh seafood, craft cocktails, craft beers and great wines from our region. Come…

38th Santa Barbara Kite Festival
The 2024 Santa Barbara Kite Festival returns this Sunday, April 21st to the “Great Meadow” on the West Campus lawn at Santa Barbara City College. The “Great Meadow” is located on the West Campus of Santa Barbara City College, 721 Cliff Drive, Santa Barbara, Ca 93109. Admission to the festival is free. Parking is available on both west campus and the main…
Annual Parade of Lights on December 10th
On December 10th, join us on Stearns Wharf to kick off the holiday season! At 5:00 p.m., before the start of the Parade of Lights boat parade, they will switch on the lights of a beautiful 25-foot Nobel Fir on Stearns Wharf to officially open the holiday season for the waterfront. The Dos Pueblos Jazz…

Privacy Policy
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Accessibility
Stearns Wharf Pier is committed to facilitating the accessibility and usability of its website for all people with or without disabilities.
2023 Wharf Wednesday’s concert series
There’s no better view of Santa Barbara than from Stearns Wharf and there’s no better time to experience it than on Wharf Wednesdays. As a follow on to last year’s 150th Anniversary, free concerts will be on the first Wednesday in 2023, through October. Wharf Wednesday on April 5th will feature live music by Out Of The…

Stearns Wharf Holiday Tree Lighting
On December 11th, join us on Stearns Wharf to kick off the holiday season! At 5:00 PM, before the start of the Parade of Lights boat parade, they will switch on the lights of a beautiful 25-foot Green White Fir on Stearns Wharf to officially open the holiday season for the waterfront. The 36th Annual Parade…

Wharf Wednesday Concert to feature Out Of The Blue
It may be moving into winter but things are heating up on Stearns Wharf! In honor of this iconic structure’s 150th anniversary, Stearns Wharf merchants are holding Wharf Wednesdays on the first Wednesday of each month. There are anniversary specials, free concerts, a bit of history and lots of fun, family-friendly activities. Wharf Wednesday on…

Wharf Wednesday Concert to feature The Paradise Kings is CANCELLED
Wharf Wednesday November 2nd is CANCELLED due to inclement weather Wharf Wednesday on November 2nd will also feature live music by The Paradise Kings. The free concert will rock the Wharf from 5pm to 7pm. The Paradise Kings play a variety of cover and original material that includes rock, blues, and a few swing tunes that will make you…

Wharf Wednesday Concert to feature Spencer the Gardener
There’s no better view of Santa Barbara than from Stearns Wharf and there’s no better time to experience it than on Wharf Wednesdays. To celebrate Stearns Wharf’s 150th birthday, Wharf Merchants are offering specials on the first Wednesday of every month in 2022. Wharf Wednesday on July 6th will also feature live music by Spencer…

Santa Barbara’s Iconic Stearns Wharf to Celebrate 150th Birthday
To celebrate the 150th birthday of Stearns Wharf, a grand birthday bash is planned for Saturday, October 8 from 11:00 am to 7:15pm. This iconic structure, which has served as Santa Barbara’s front door, the birthplace of an industry, and the community’s plank park, will be honored by cannon battles with a tall ship, an Opera…

Stearns Wharf to Celebrate 150th Anniversary
Saturday, October 8th, 2022 11:00 am to 7:15pm Schedule of Events All Day Pianos on Stearns Wharf (Starting October 4th thru October 23rd ) 10:15 AM – 4:15 PM Free rides for children 12 and under, Little Toot 11:00 AM – 11:30, & 12:00 PM Tall Ship Mystic Whaler and Cannon fire 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM Scavenger hunt…

STEARNS WHARF 150TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION October 8th
To celebrate the 150th birthday of Stearns Wharf, a grand birthday bash is planned for Saturday, October 8 from 11:00 am to 7:15pm. This iconic structure, which has served as Santa Barbara’s front door, the birthplace of an industry, and the community’s plank park, will be honored by cannon battles with a tall ship, an Opera…

Wharf Wednesday Concert to feature the Hoodlum Friends
It may be moving into winter but things are heating up on Stearns Wharf! In honor of this iconic structure’s 150th anniversary, Stearns Wharf merchants are holding Wharf Wednesdays on the first Wednesday of each month. There are anniversary specials, free concerts, a bit of history and lots of fun, family-friendly activities. Wharf Wednesday on…

Wharf Wednesday Concert to feature Down Mountain Lights
There’s no better view of Santa Barbara than from Stearns Wharf and there’s no better time to experience it than on Wharf Wednesdays. To celebrate Stearns Wharf’s 150th birthday, Wharf Merchants are offering specials on the first Wednesday of every month in 2022. Wharf Wednesday on October 5th will also feature live music by Down Mountain Lights. The…

Wharf Wednesday Concert to feature The Academy
There’s no better view of Santa Barbara than from Stearns Wharf and there’s no better time to experience it than on Wharf Wednesdays. To celebrate Stearns Wharf’s 150th birthday, Wharf Merchants are offering specials on the first Wednesday of every month in 2022. Wharf Wednesday on September 7th will also feature live music by The…

Wharf Wednesday Concert to feature Mariachi Real
There’s no better view of Santa Barbara than from Stearns Wharf and there’s no better time to experience it than on Wharf Wednesdays. To celebrate Stearns Wharf’s 150th birthday, Wharf Merchants are offering specials on the first Wednesday of every month in 2022. Wharf Wednesday on August 3rd will also feature a live Mariachi Band. Come…
Fourth of July on Stearns Wharf
Fourth of July celebration and fireworks show from Stearns Wharf Monday, July 4, 2022 Face painting begins at 2:00 PM Live music begins at 4:00 PM Firework show begins at 9 PM Stearns Wharf and West Beach, Santa BarbaraStearns Wharf celebrates Independence Day with the best view of the annual fireworks show. The wharf offers…

Fourth of July on Stearns Wharf
Fourth of July celebration and fireworks show from Stearns Wharf Monday, July 4, 2022 Face painting begins at 2:00 PM Live music begins at 4:00 PM Firework show begins at 9 PM Stearns Wharf and West Beach, Santa BarbaraStearns Wharf celebrates Independence Day with the best view of the annual fireworks show. The wharf offers…

Saturday, October 8th Stearns Wharf to Celebrate 150th Anniversary
Stearns Wharf is more than a nice place to watch boats or fish, it’s a structure that changed the face of Santa Barbara-literally. 150 years ago, Santa Barbara, being surrounded by mountains, was an isolated pueblo. There were no roads into town, there was no railroad. When John Peck Stearns built the wharf in 1872…

Yoga on the Wharf
Yoga on the Wharf with Power of your Om on Sunday, June 12th from 9:00-10:00 AM. Yoga with a view…the best one and the biggest feeling of gratitude ever! This is an all-levels, joy-filled yoga class. All money raised will go to support those members of our community in financial need so that they can be supported with…

Wharf Wednesday Concert to feature Tequila Mockingbird
There’s no better view of Santa Barbara than from Stearns Wharf and there’s no better time to experience it than on Wharf Wednesdays. To celebrate Stearns Wharf’s 150th birthday, Wharf Merchants are offering specials on the first Wednesday of every month in 2022. Wharf Wednesday on June 1st will also feature live music by Tequila…

Wharf Wednesday Concert line up
Who: Stearns Wharf Merchants AssociationWhat: Wharf Wednesdays on Stearns WharfWhen: Live music begins at 6:00 PM April 6th – Do No Harm Band May 4th – Out Of The Blue June 1st – Tequila Mockingbird July 6th – Spencer the Gardner Wednesday, August 3, 2022 *TBA Wednesday, September 7, 2022 *TBA *TBA – To Be Announced Where: Stearns Wharf…

Wharf Wednesday Concert to feature The Do No Harm Band
There’s no better view of Santa Barbara than from Stearns Wharf and there’s no better time to experience it than on Wharf Wednesdays. To celebrate Stearns Wharf’s 150th birthday, Wharf Merchants are offering specials on the first Wednesday of every month in 2022. The next Wharf Wednesday on April 6th will also feature live music by…

Santa Barbara Yacht Club Turns 150 Years Old
Santa Barbara Yacht Club Turns 150 Years Old And Blessing of the Fleet Ceremony Blessing of the Fleet What: This year marks the 150th Anniversary of the Santa Barbara Yacht Club (and Stearns Wharf). The Santa Barbara Yacht Club would like to celebrate this milestone with an all-fleet blessing. The Blessing of the Fleet is a…

Seeping Into History: Oil Touches Everything
Seeping Into History: Oil Touches Everything is a UCSB student exhibition that explores our contemporary and historical relationships to fossil fuels, with a focus on the local Santa Barbara area. As the site of the historic 1969 oil spill, which catalyzed a nationwide environmental movement, Santa Barbara’s history is uniquely connected with oil; however, our society’s…

Stearns Wharf Kicks Off the Holidays
Every year Stearns Wharf kicks off the holiday season on the Waterfront with a 25-foot Green White Fir. If you are looking to get out and get some fresh air, plan to come out anytime and see this beautiful Christmas tree. At 5:00 PM on December 12th a holiday tree lighting ceremony, featuring holiday tunes…
Summer Solstice on Stearns Wharf
Solstice Artist Kenny Galindo will be displaying the Solar System – with each planet scaled down in size and spinning at an accurate speed. Each planet will be distanced from each other according to a scaled down version of our solar system. You might even find the artist Kenny, or members of the SBCC Astronomy Club hanging…

Stearns Wharf 148th Anniversary
This year is the 148th Anniversary of Stearns Wharf.Watch the video to see a bit of history, recent updates, and all the Wharf has to offer.

Nature’s Own Celebrates 40 years
Family-owned and – operated on Stearns Wharf since 1981, Nature’s Own Gallery is featuring a Labradorite Ganesha this month. After almost 40 years on Stearns Wharf, Nature’s Own features shells, fossils, minerals, jewelry and gifts from around the world. Nature’s Own is in a unique location on the Wharf. The store is tucked into the…

Stearns Wharf 147th Anniversary
Come join as we celebrate Stearns Wharf 147th Anniversary Join us on Stearns Wharf to celebrate the 147th Anniversary during the Month of October. Visit the merchants and see what specials they have in celebration of the Wharf’s Anniversary. Stearns Wharf is the oldest working wood wharf in California, it was built in 1872 by John Peck Stearns…

Fourth of July on Stearns Wharf
PRESS RELEASE & CALENDAR LISTING Fourth of July on Stearns Wharf Who: Stearns Wharf Merchants Association What: Fourth of July celebration and fireworks show from Stearns Wharf When: Thursday, July 4, 2019 Live music begins at 12:00 PM |Firework show begins at 9 PM Where: Stearns Wharf and West Beach, Santa Barbara Why: Stearns Wharf celebrates Independence Day with the best view of the annual fireworks show., The wharf offers many attractions while you are waiting for the fireworks show to begin including: Watch the fireworks after dark from one of the best locations in the city with the display shooting off right next to Stearns Wharf. Cost: Free! Stearns Wharf is located…

Nature’s Own Gallery features new rare Fossil Specimens and Jewelry lines on Stearns Wharf
Family-owned and – operated on Stearns Wharf since 1981, Nature’s Own Gallery is featuring a Crinoid fossil plate this month. After almost 38 years on Stearns Wharf, Nature’s Own features shells, fossils, minerals, jewelry and gifts from around the world. Nature’s Own is in a unique location on the Wharf. The store is tucked into…

Fourth of July 2018
Press release & CALENDAR LISTING Fourth of July on Stearns Wharf Who: Stearns Wharf Merchants Association What: Fourth of July celebration and fireworks show from Stearns Wharf When: Wednesday, July 4, 2018Live music begins at 11:00 AM |Firework show begins at 9 PM Where: Stearns Wharf and West Beach, Santa Barbara Why: Stearns Wharf…
Stearns Wharf Kicks Off the Holidays with Tree Lighting Ceremony
Join us on Stearns Wharf, December 9th to kick off the holiday season! Before the start of the Parade of Lights boat parade, Santa Barbara Mayor Cathy Murillo will switch on the lights of a beautiful 25-foot Green White Fir on Stearns Wharf to officially open the holiday season for the waterfront. The 32nd Annual Parade of…

Tales & Scales
When: Saturday, October 27, 2018, 10:00 AM—3:00 PM Where: Sea Center, Stearns Wharf Creep and slither around the Sea Center in your Halloween costume while enjoying thrilling and chilling activities! Gasp for breath as you watch Sea Center divers uncover the shadowy underwater world beneath Stearns Wharf. Special Showings More Details on Tales&Scales2018_Flyer Halloween costumes…

Rock The Wharf
Join us on Stearns Wharf between the Sea Center and Old Wharf Trading Company, Saturday, January 7th, at 3:00 p.m. for the fourth FREE Rock the Wharf event, a new monthly lineup of live performances overlooking the ocean Bring out family and friends and enjoy live music provided by Notes for Notes – Jazz Villains 3:00…

Fourth of July 2017
Who: Stearns Wharf Merchants Association What: Fourth of July celebration and fireworks show from Stearns Wharf When: Tuesday, July 4, 2017 Live music begins at 11:00 AM Fireworks show begins at 9 p.m. Where: Stearns Wharf and West Beach, Santa Barbara, along Cabrillo Boulevard Why: Stearns Wharf celebrates Independence Day with the best view of…

Old Wharf Trading Company
Old Wharf Trading Company Noozhawk ArticleOld Wharf Trading Company, a clothing and souvenir shop on Stearns Wharf, recently hired a new manager. Rina Mitchell brings a wealth of managerial experience to Old Wharf Trading Company. Her previous experience includes managing clothing stores, movie theaters and other retail stores. “Rina has been a wonderful addition to…

Miguel Flores – general manager at Moby Dick
Miguel Flores – general manager at Moby Dick, a family–friendly restaurant on Stearns Wharf –celebrates 10 years at the oceanfront restaurant this year. NoozHawk Article Casa Magazine Flores grew up in Mexico City and came to San Jose as a teenager. He attended De Anza Community College and started working in restaurants as a bus boy.…
Nature’s Own Gallery features new rare specimens
Nature’s Own Gallery features new rare specimens and jewelry lines on Stearns Wharf Family–owned and –operated on Stearns Wharf since 1981, Nature’s Own Gallery is featuring a 500 million-year-old Trilobite fossil plate this month. “We are thrilled to operate our tasting room on Stearns Wharf,” said Tom Conway, 31, the vice president of business development.…

Harbor Restaurant on Stearns Wharf Receives National Wine List Award of Excellence
Harbor Restaurant on Stearns Wharf Receives National Wine List Award of Excellence The Harbor Restaurant received the magazine’s 2013 Wine List Award of Excellence for its wine list. This marks the 12th year in a row the restaurant has received this honor. To qualify for the award, restaurants must offer interesting wine selections, have a…

Conway Family Wines premieres three new spring wines
Stearns Wharf Press Releases Conway Family Wines premieres three new spring wines Conway Family Wines, a local family-owned and operated winery, will premiere three new white wines this spring. In July 2011, the Conway Family opened the Deep Sea Wine tasting room on Stearns Wharf. The Conways produce estate- and locally-sourced wines under the Deep…

MCASB Opens Groundbreaking Exhibition on Stearns Wharf
MCASB Opens Groundbreaking Exhibition on Stearns Wharf with Community Celebration and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Sunday, March 26, 2017 Sea Center at Stearns Wharf

Madame Rosinka celebrates 50 years
Madame Rosinka celebrates 50 years as longest Stearns Wharf merchant The iconic Madame Rosinka has been offering spiritual advice on Stearns Wharf for 50 years. Sonia Rosinka’s parents, both of Yugoslavian descent, opened the authentic, Gypsy Palm Reading business on Stearns Wharf in 1951. She was 4 years old at the time. When she turned…

Stearns Wharf Merchants Association announces officers
Stearns Wharf Merchants Association announces officers The Stearns Wharf Merchants Association, a group dedicated to ensuring Santa Barbara’s iconic Stearns Wharf remains economically viable, has announced its officers. At the helm is Chief Executive Officer Neil Bruskin of Mother Stearns Candy Company. Amanda Lynn Allen of Ty Warner Sea Center is Secretary and Patrick Hartmann of Old Wharf Trading Company is…

Stearns Wharf Lil’ Toot water taxi announces private charter service
Stearns Wharf Press Releases Stearns Wharf Lil’ Toot water taxi announces private charter service Santa Barbara’s iconic Lil’ Toot water taxi, operated by Santa Barbara Water Taxi located on Stearns Wharf, can now be rented out for private charter events, including sunset cruises, kids’ birthday parties, private dinner parties, anniversaries and more. Santa Barbara Water Taxi—the…

Stearns Wharf offers hand-made Fudge
Stearns Wharf Press Releases Stearns Wharf offers hand-made Fudge At least twice a week, Judi Bruskin makes home-made fudge in Mother Stearns Candy Company’s small kitchen on Stearns Wharf. The labor of love is worth every minute. “People come in and say it’s the best fudge they’ve ever had,” said Mrs. Bruskin, who co-owns the…

Stearns Wharf Bait & Tackle offers new lure
Stearns Wharf Press Releases Stearns Wharf Bait & Tackle offers new lure: same results, half the price The owner of Stearns Wharf Bait & Tackle—the furthest store off shore at the end of the wharf, first visited the store when he was 12 years old. “I remember walking into this store at 12 years old,”…

Shellfish Co. offers limited-time Ridgeback Shrimp
Stearns Wharf Press Releases SB Shellfish Co. offers limited-time Ridgeback Shrimp The local Ridgeback Shrimp season is open now through the end of May and that means these large shrimp are served at the Santa Barbara Shellfish Company, the bustling, local, family-owned restaurant at the end of Santa Barbara’s iconic Stearns Wharf, for a limited…

Tree Lighting Ceremony
Stearns Wharf Kicks Off the Holidays with Tree Lighting Ceremony Sunday, December 11, 2016 The Honorable Mayor Helene Schneider will turn on the lights of a beautiful 25-foot Green White Fir to officially open the holiday season for the Waterfront! The 31st Annual Parade of Lights will start at 5:30 p. m. with some 30 boats motoring,…
