Experts' Choice Award Stearns Wharf
10 expert reviews
“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. ”
– Michelin Guide
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
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
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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
"Originally built in 1872 as part of a deep-water port, Stearns Wharf has seen a great deal of history. The wharf has caught fire several times and been rebuilt with expanded room for..."
National Geographic "The harbor—or pelican-haunted Stearns Wharf—is much more colorful than the beach"
National Geographic "Stearns Wharf ranks as the oldest wharf operating on the West Coast (1872). Like any self-respecting pier, it has a bait shop and a gypsy palm reader; also, restaurants and shops."
