Stearns Wharf Tours

Embodying beauty, rustic charm, tourism, and a feel of the ocean, Stearns Wharf is Santa Barbara’s number one tourist attraction. Built by lumberman John P. Stearns in 1872, Stearns Wharf has a long and decorated history including naval appropriation and one great conflagration which all but destroyed it. Nowadays the pier is a bustling center for shops, restaurants, and fishermen.
Santa Barbara’s historic three-dolphin statue marks the pier’s entrance at the bottom of State Street, where cars and pedestrians alike head out over the deep blue water to do a bit of wine tasting, souvenir shopping, pay a visit to the Ty Warner Sea Center, or just to get a great view of Santa Barbara from a different angle. Bring a camera and the kids – enjoying the beauty of Stearns Wharf is one of Santa Barbara’s highlights.
Santa Barbara’s historic three-dolphin statue marks the pier’s entrance at the bottom of State Street, where cars and pedestrians alike head out over the deep blue water to do a bit of wine tasting, souvenir shopping, pay a visit to the Ty Warner Sea Center, or just to get a great view of Santa Barbara from a different angle. Bring a camera and the kids – enjoying the beauty of Stearns Wharf is one of Santa Barbara’s highlights.
Practical Info
Stearns Wharf is located at 219 Stearns Wharf, Santa Barbara, California. It is most easily recognizable by it protrusion into the ocean from the bottom of Santa Barbara’s main tourist thoroughfare, State Street. Parking is available on the wharf and is free for 90 minutes with merchant validation, but is otherwise $2.50 every hour or part thereof.
Address: 219 Stearns Wharf, Santa Barbara, CA 93109, USA
6 Tours and Activities to Experience Stearns Wharf
Sort by:Featured

Kayak Tour of Santa Barbara with Experienced Guide
This private Santa Barbara kayaking tour lets you explore the marine life and landmarks of Santa Barbara Harbor and the spectacular coastline on the ‘American Riviera’ along one of four different routes. Take in views of rugged shoreline cliffs and the Santa Ynez Mountains, and be on the lookout for dolphins and seals. This 1.5- to 2.5-hour tour is led by an experienced kayak guide who points out natural features and customizes the speed of the ride according to your skill level.
…More
From
$50.00
Price varies by group size
From
$50.00
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience

Santa Barbara Kayak Tour
Get another perspective on the southern California coast during this leisurely kayak tour in Santa Barbara. Learn the basics of kayaking from your guide, and hear about Santa Barbara’s natural history and marine life during your tour. Includes use of all kayaking gear.
…More
From
$63.47
From
$63.47
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers

Santa Barbara Scavenger Hunt Adventure
Make Santa Barbara your game board with a 3-hour scavenger hunt adventure for a team of 2–5 people. Use a smart phone to follow a series of locally-themed clues that lead to fun challenges with your friends and family. Trace a 2-mile route past historic monuments, seaside neighborhoods and hidden gems to get an insider's look at the city. Rack up points to compete against prior scavenger hunt teams, or simply enjoy the self-guided tour at your own pace, with plenty of stops to eat, drink and sightsee.
…More
From
$20.52
Price varies by group size
From
$20.52
Price varies by group size

Santa Barbara History and Architecture Bike Tour
Biking the seaside in Santa Barbara is always beautiful and having a guide brings it to life by adding context and stories about the development of this lovely waterfront.
State Street just recently closed to automobiles, so now biking through downtown is more enjoyable and safe than ever. Your guide will not only provide entertaining stories about how the town and its buildings came to be, but also give you tips on the best restaurants, bars, and attractions to enjoy during the rest of your stay in Santa Barbara.
…More
From
$58.00
From
$58.00
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Gear/equipment sanitized between use
Guides required to regularly wash hands

Santa Barbara Sunset Kayak Tour
Paddle into the sunset along the Southern California coast during this beginner-friendly kayaking trip from Santa Barbara. Watch the last rays of the day melt into the Pacific as you travel through the glassy waters of Santa Barbara Harbor. As you move, you’ll pass by the historic wharf and past other boats, keeping your eyes out for marine life. An included lesson in astronomy and ecology from your guide is an added bonus. A guide and all necessary kayaking gear is included.
…More
From
$102.70
From
$102.70
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers

Private 10-hour tour to Santa Barbara & Solvang from Los Angeles - Hotel pick up
Even though there is a lot to see in Los Angeles, a excursion out of the city is also highly recommended. Enjoy a visit of Solvang; a city founded by Danish travellers who wanted to establish a Danish community! It gives you a brief view of Denmark and it is a truly incredible location. We will also enjoy a stop and visit to the city of Santa Barbara. This is also a unique coastal city with incredible views and beautiful panoramic views and it has a Mediterranean vibe.
…More
From
$785.51
Price varies by group size
From
$785.51
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Things to do near Santa Barbara
- Things to do in California
- Things to do in Pismo Beach
- Things to do in Santa Monica
- Things to do in Los Angeles
- Things to do in San Luis Obispo
- Things to do in Long Beach
- Things to do in Paso Robles
- Things to do in La Jolla
- Things to do in Palm Springs
- Things to do in San Diego
- Things to do in Yosemite National Park
- Things to do in San Francisco
- Things to do in Sausalito
- Things to do in Nevada
- Things to do in Arizona