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
Riviera Beach House
Hotel Californian

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Best Lodging Options Near Stearns Wharf

The Milo

The Milo

3.5 out of 5
202 W Cabrillo Blvd, Santa Barbara, CA
The Milo
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
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
La Playa Inn

La Playa Inn

2.5 out of 5
116 Castillo St, Santa Barbara, CA
La Playa Inn
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
Hotel Santa Barbara

Hotel Santa Barbara

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

Hotel Californian

5 out of 5
36 State Street, Santa Barbara, CA
Hotel Californian
Mason Beach Inn

Mason Beach Inn

3 out of 5
324 W. Mason Street, Santa Barbara, CA
Mason Beach Inn
Riviera Beach House

Riviera Beach House

3.5 out of 5
121 State St, Santa Barbara, CA
Riviera Beach House
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, enjoy stunning sunsets, delightful birdwatching, and leisurely walks along the pier. This iconic location offers a blend of natural beauty and local charm, making it a perfect spot for relaxation and exploration. Don't forget to check out travel guides for more insights on activities and attractions in the area, ensuring a memorable visit to this picturesque destination.

Shopping

For shopping near Stearns Wharf, visit Paseo Nuevo Mall and Santa Barbara Public Market, both just 1 mile away, offering a variety of shops and local goods. If you're up for a drive, explore unique boutiques in downtown Santa Barbara for more distinctive gifts and souvenirs.

Recreation

Experience live performances at Santa Barbara Bowl, just 2 miles from Stearns Wharf, where the vibrant atmosphere enhances your enjoyment. For outdoor sports, head to Santa Barbara Golf Club, 3 miles away, or unwind at Elings Park, 3 miles distant, ideal for relaxation and wellness amidst nature.

Adventure

Explore the Cabrillo Bikeway, located 0.9 miles from Stearns Wharf, for a scenic outdoor experience. For hiking enthusiasts, Rattlesnake Canyon Trail, 3 miles away, offers beautiful scenery and adventure vibes. Alternatively, enjoy the Cabrillo Bike Path, situated 2 miles from the wharf, perfect for outdoor activities.

Nightlife

The nightlife at Stearns Wharf offers a blend of culture and fun. Catch a show at the Arlington Theater, enjoy drinks with a romantic vibe at Cold Spring Tavern, or unleash your competitive spirit at Zodo's - Bowling and Beyond for an adventurous night out!

Find the best attractions near Stearns Wharf

Stearns Wharf in Santa Barbara offers a delightful mix of attractions, including urban parks, beautiful beaches, and engaging museums. Visitors can enjoy the scenic Santa Barbara Beach, explore the historic Stearns Wharf, and take part in outdoor activities that cater to families and culture enthusiasts alike. With its stunning waterfront views and vibrant atmosphere, Stearns Wharf is a perfect destination for a memorable vacation experience.

  • Santa Barbara Harbor: A vibrant marina offering stunning ocean views and a beach atmosphere, perfect for outdoor adventures like kayaking, paddleboarding, or simply enjoying a scenic stroll along the waterfront.
  • Santa Barbara County Courthouse: A historic landmark showcasing stunning Spanish-Moorish architecture and rich cultural heritage. Climb the clock tower for panoramic views of the city and explore its beautiful gardens.
  • Santa Barbara City College: An institution with a beautiful campus overlooking the ocean, known for its historic buildings and vibrant student life. Enjoy art exhibits, performances, and the picturesque scenery that surrounds the college.

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.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
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 Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
May63.1°F (17.3°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
June68.2°F (20.1°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
July72.1°F (22.3°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
August72.9°F (22.7°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
September71.6°F (22.0°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
October66.7°F (19.3°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyModerately LowAverage
November60.4°F (15.8°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyModerately LowSlightly Low
December55.2°F (12.9°C)Light RainSunnyAverageAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Stearns Wharf

To save money on your visit to Stearns Wharf, remember that entry is free. The best times to visit are from January to February or November for lower accommodation rates. Tuesdays are the cheapest days to stay, while Saturdays tend to be pricier. Use Expedia to find budget-friendly hotels by filtering for eco-certified options and arranging prices from lowest to highest. Consider booking a package deal to combine flights and activities, and join the One Key membership for exclusive discounts and OneKeyCash for future stays.

  • 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 refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and the type of hotel you’re looking for. For instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" option will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply arrange 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.