Stearns Wharf

Stearns Wharf is 2nd on the list of best things to do in Santa Barbara. Stearns Wharf provides stunning views of the harbor and beaches, which are framed by the Santa Ynez Mountains. This iconic Santa Barbara pier is located at the bottom of State Street, in the heart of the waterfront tourist district, and a stroll along here to take photos is one of the best free things to do in Santa Barbara. Stearns Wharf was built in 1872 and was the longest deep-water pier between Los Angeles and San Francisco at the time. Today, this tourist draw houses specialty shops, restaurants, and the Sea Center, one of two locations of the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History.

If you're visiting with children, taking the Lil' Toot water taxi from the Santa Barbara Harbor is a fun way to get here. Once you've arrived, you can get some ice cream and stroll around with the kids, taking in the atmosphere. As you gaze out at the water, keep an eye out for harbor seals, and if you have any budding anglers in your family, stop by the bait and tackle shop and cast a line off the end of the pier. Do you want to stay close to this bustling tourist attraction? On either side of the wharf, some of Santa Barbara's best beach resorts and excellent Santa Barbara restaurants overlook the shoreline.

Address: 217 Stearns Wharf, Santa Barbara, CA 93101