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
- Take the Garden Street Exit (Exit 96B).
- Once you exit, turn left onto Garden Street.
2. Drive Down Garden Street
- Follow Garden Street south toward the ocean.
- Continue for about 0.8 miles, passing through a few stoplights.
3. Turn Right onto Cabrillo Boulevard
- When you reach Cabrillo Boulevard (near the beach), turn right.
- You’ll see the ocean and palm trees ahead.
4. Arrive at Stearns Wharf
- Drive along Cabrillo Boulevard for about 0.3 miles.
- Look for the entrance to Stearns Wharf on your left—it’s a wooden pier extending into the ocean.
Parking Options:
- On the Wharf
- Drive onto the pier, where you’ll find parking available (for a fee). The first 90 minutes are often free if you make a purchase at one of the shops or restaurants.
- Public Parking Lots
- If you prefer to park off the wharf, there are public lots along Cabrillo Boulevard nearby. The Garden Street Lot is a good option just before Cabrillo.
Here’s how to get to Stearns Wharf in Santa Barbara from the 101 Highway South:
1. Exit the 101 South at Garden Street
- Take the Garden Street Exit (Exit 96B).
- After exiting, turn right onto Garden Street.
2. Drive Down Garden Street
- Head south on Garden Street toward the ocean.
- Continue for about 0.8 miles, passing through several stoplights.
3. Turn Right onto Cabrillo Boulevard
- At the end of Garden Street, you’ll reach Cabrillo Boulevard, which runs parallel to the beach.
- Turn right onto Cabrillo Boulevard.
4. Arrive at Stearns Wharf
- Drive along Cabrillo Boulevard for about 0.3 miles.
- Look for the entrance to Stearns Wharf on your left—it’s a wooden pier extending into the ocean.
Parking Options:
- On the Wharf
- Drive onto Stearns Wharf, where parking is available (for a fee). Often, the first 90 minutes are free if you make a purchase at a shop or restaurant.
- Public Parking Lots
- If you prefer to park off the wharf, there are public lots nearby along Cabrillo Boulevard. The Garden Street Lot is a convenient option just before Cabrillo.
View the following maps
Free parking in the 90 minute areas are available in several lots along the waterfront on Cabrillo Blvd.
Parking Fees on Stearns Wharf:
- First 90-minutes Free for Single vehicle 20-feet and under: $3.00 per additional hour or part of an hour, $20 maximum per day. Vehicles over 20 feet are prohibited on the Wharf. There is limited oversized vehicle parking available in the Palm Park parking lot and the Garden St. parking lot. Please contact our Parking division at 805-564-5534 with any additional parking questions.
- ADA (Disabled) Parking first 2 1/2 Hours $3.00 per additional hour or part of an hour, $20 maximum per day
- Valet parking is available courtesy of the Harbor Restaurant.
- Exceptions are during special events such as the 4th of July when access to the wharf is limited to pedestrians only.