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Stearns WharfvsEast Beach
Both are rated highly by professionals. Overall, Stearns Wharf is preferred by most professionals compared to East Beach. Stearns Wharf ranks #7 in Santa Barbara with accolades from 4 reviews including Fodor's, Lonely Planet and Afar Magazine.
Stearns Wharf
Lonely Planet
Fodor's
Michelin Guide
Afar Magazine
Time Out
U.S. News & World Report
Cabrillo Boulevard, Santa Barbara, CA
From $0/night
Lonely Planet "The southern end of State St gives way onto Stearns Wharf, a rough wooden pier lined with souvenir shops, snack stands and seafood shacks." Full review
Fodor's "Built in 1872, Stearns Wharf is Santa Barbara's most visited landmark." Full review
Michelin Guide 1 Star
"Built in 1872 by local lumberman John P. Stearns, this 2,640ft pier, lined with small shops and restaurants, is the oldest working wooden wharf in the state. " Full review
Afar Magazine "One of the finest Pacific Coast piers, as they're usually called in California, is Stearns Wharf." Full review
Time Out "If you're looking for fresh seafood, head to Stearns Wharf in the early morning hours to wait for the fishing boats to unload their catch" Full review
i
Avoid the pier during the afternoon hours, when it becomes a tourist trap Although the pier (home to California's oldest working wharf) offers wine tasting, a touch quarium for kids and lots of shopping and dining options, avoid it after mid-morning—it tends to become a bit of a tourist trap as the day goes on.
U.S. News & World Report10.0
"Constructed in 1872, it became the longest deep-water wharf between San Pedro and San Francisco and is the oldest working wooden wharf in California." Full review
East Beach Fodor's Lonely Planet U.S. News & World Report
1400 Cabrillo Boulevard, Santa Barbara, CA 93108
From $0/night
Fodor's "The wide swath of sand at the east end of Cabrillo Boulevard is a great spot for people-watching." Full review
Lonely Planet "Santa Barbara’s largest and most popular beach is a long, sandy stretch sprawling east of Stearns Wharf, with volleyball nets for pick-up games, a children’s play area and a snack bar." Full review
U.S. News & World Report1.0
"There are three major beaches in Santa Barbara: Leadbetter, West and East...East Beach is the best stretch to catch some rays without being mobbed by crowds." Full review
