Stearns Wharf Tours

Photo by Jac
Photo by David Simmington
Photo by Beni Buenaventura
Photo by golden cindy
Photo by William Keller


Feel the breeze through your hair as you stroll along Stearns Wharf. It's a lovely spot to be as the sun goes down.

Located in Santa Barbara Beach, this waterside attraction is well worth a visit. But you'll find loads more to discover in the area. Santa Barbara County Courthouse, Mission Santa Barbara, and Presidio Santa Barbara aren't too far away from Stearns Wharf.

Plan a trip to see Stearns Wharf

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Secret Garden Inn and Cottages
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Browse tours and tickets to explore Stearns Wharf

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Reviews of Stearns Wharf

4.4
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
449
5 - Excellent 49%
4 - Good
400
4 - Good 43%
3 - Okay
69
3 - Okay 7%
2 - Disappointing
6
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
1
1 - Terrible 0%

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

Avoid Santa Barbara Shellfish Company. Go to Brophy Brothers. Better everything.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Watch out for the Mean Tai drink. Excellent place to veg and watch boaters in the harbor.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Went to the art and crafts show on.the beach was fun

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Moby Dicks was excellent!!

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveler

To many homeless. Dirty

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Santa Barabara is a fun drive for the day!

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Stearns Wharf

Hotel Santa Barbara

Hotel Santa Barbara

3 out of 5
533 State St, Santa Barbara, CA
Hotel Santa Barbara
Avania Inn of Santa Barbara

Avania Inn of Santa Barbara

2.5 out of 5
128 Castillo St, Santa Barbara, CA
Avania Inn of Santa Barbara
Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort

Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort

4 out of 5
633 E Cabrillo Blvd, Santa Barbara, CA
Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort
The Milo

The Milo

3.5 out of 5
202 W Cabrillo Blvd, Santa Barbara, CA
The Milo
Inn By The Harbor

Inn By The Harbor

3.5 out of 5
433 W Montecito St, Santa Barbara, CA
Inn By The Harbor
Hotel Californian

Hotel Californian

5 out of 5
36 State Street, Santa Barbara, CA
Hotel Californian
Brisas del Mar, Inn at the Beach

Brisas del Mar, Inn at the Beach

3.5 out of 5
223 Castillo St, Santa Barbara, CA
Brisas del Mar, Inn at the Beach
Mason Beach Inn

Mason Beach Inn

3 out of 5
324 W. Mason Street, Santa Barbara, CA
Mason Beach Inn
West Beach Inn, a Coast Hotel

West Beach Inn, a Coast Hotel

3 out of 5
306 W Cabrillo Blvd, Santa Barbara, CA
West Beach Inn, a Coast Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Stearns Wharf

At Stearns Wharf in Santa Barbara, you can enjoy breathtaking ocean views and stunning sunsets while engaging in activities like birdwatching and walking. Explore nearby attractions, shop for unique souvenirs, and visit local art galleries. For the adventurous, biking trails offer a chance to explore the beautiful coastline and surrounding areas, making your visit to this iconic wharf a memorable experience.

Shopping

For shopping near Stearns Wharf, check out Paseo Nuevo Mall, just 1 mile away, offering a vibrant atmosphere with entertainment options. Rafael Gonzalez House and Santa Barbara Public Market, also 1 mile away, feature unique gifts and local flavors perfect for souvenirs.

Recreation

At Santa Barbara Bowl, enjoy live music in an energetic atmosphere, just 2 miles from Stearns Wharf. Experience golf at Santa Barbara Golf Club, 3 miles away, surrounded by beautiful landscapes. For relaxation, visit Elings Park, a serene recreational area 3 miles from the wharf, perfect for unwinding.

Adventure

Explore the Cabrillo Bikeway, located 0.9 miles from Stearns Wharf, for a scenic bike ride along the coast. For hiking enthusiasts, Rattlesnake Canyon Trail, 3 miles away, offers thrilling trails with stunning views. Alternatively, enjoy the Cabrillo Bike Path, 2 miles from the wharf, for a leisurely outdoor experience.

Nightlife

At Stearns Wharf, enjoy a vibrant nightlife with Arlington Theater's cultural shows just a mile away. For a cozy drink, Cold Spring Tavern offers romance 12 miles out. For fun and adventure, Zodo's - Bowling and Beyond, 8 miles away, is perfect for a lively night out.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Stearns Wharf

Stearns Wharf in Santa Barbara, California, offers a delightful blend of attractions for travelers seeking culture, family fun, and outdoor experiences. Popular points of interest include the beautiful beach, urban parks, and local museums. Whether you're visiting Stearns Wharf itself or exploring the nearby Santa Barbara Harbor, you'll find plenty of activities to enjoy and unforgettable sights to see.

  • Santa Barbara Harbor: Experience the vibrant marina atmosphere just 0.3 miles from Stearns Wharf, where you can enjoy outdoor adventures, water activities, and beautiful beach vibes. It's perfect for sailing, kayaking, or simply soaking up the sun.
  • Santa Barbara County Courthouse: Located 1 mile away, this stunning historic building showcases exquisite Spanish-Moorish architecture and offers a glimpse into local culture. Don't miss the chance to climb the clock tower for panoramic views of the city.
  • Santa Barbara City College: Situated 0.7 miles from the wharf, this picturesque campus blends history and culture, providing a scenic environment for learning. Stroll through its beautiful grounds and enjoy the ocean views.

Best time to go to Stearns Wharf

The best time to visit Stearns Wharf can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Stearns Wharf falls in August, when visitor numbers are moderately high and weather is sunny with no rain. The coolest average temperature around Stearns Wharf falls in February, visitor numbers are average and weather is sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January55.6°F (13.1°C)Light RainSunnyModerately LowSlightly Low
February55.0°F (12.8°C)Light RainSunnyAverageSlightly Low
March56.7°F (13.7°C)Light RainSunnyAverageAverage
April60.3°F (15.7°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
May63.1°F (17.3°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
June68.2°F (20.1°C)No RainSunnyModerately HighSlightly High
July72.1°F (22.3°C)No RainSunnyModerately HighSlightly High
August72.9°F (22.7°C)No RainSunnyModerately HighSlightly High
September71.6°F (22.0°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
October66.7°F (19.3°C)No RainSunnyModerately LowAverage
November60.4°F (15.8°C)No RainSunnyModerately LowSlightly Low
December55.2°F (12.9°C)Light RainSunnyAverageAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Stearns Wharf

To save money on your trip to Stearns Wharf, plan your visit during the off-peak months of January, February, or November, when prices are lower. Consider staying on a Tuesday for the best rates, while avoiding Saturdays, which are the most expensive. Use Expedia to compare hotels and find eco-friendly options, and take advantage of their package deals for combined savings on flights and activities. Joining Expedia's One Key membership can also provide exclusive discounts and cash rewards for future bookings.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Stearns Wharf are January to February and November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Stearns Wharf is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Stearns Wharf is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to tailor your options according to your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at Stearns Wharf with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.

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