Our First Stop On Our Winter Break Vacation
Arriving in Santa Barbara fresh off the airplane on New Year’s Day, our first stop was Stearns Wharf. We chose to do this iconic pier first to get a feel for the city and burn off some energy after a long flight from Denver. Stearns Wharf with kids was an easy start to the vacation and manageable for a family.
Stearns Wharf is renowned for its family-friendly environment, making it an ideal destination for visitors of all ages. It’s not as peaceful as some other piers in California such as Manhattan pier but it also isn’t as crazy as ones like Santa Monica’s amusement park either. As far as piers go, this is a great middle ground for kids to have enough to see and do but not have families get too overwhelmed. Let’s get started.
Get to know us first with our Introduction Blog Post!
History of Stearns Wharf in Santa Barbara
Stearns Wharf, a prominent feature in Santa Barbara, California, holds a significant maritime history dating back to its construction in 1872 by John P. Stearns. Initially designed as a commercial and transportation hub, the wharf has evolved into a must-visit tourist destination, offering a mix of history, shops, dining, and sweeping views of the city and coastline.
As the oldest working wooden wharf in California, Stearns Wharf played a crucial role in Santa Barbara’s economic development during the late 19th century. Named after its builder, John P. Stearns, the wharf has weathered storms, fires, and economic shifts, becoming a symbol of the region’s maritime heritage.
Looking for an adventurous place to stay with the family near Stearns Wharf? Check out our glamping experience at El Capitan Canyon!
Scenic Walk – Stearns Wharf with kids
First-time visitors, like us, enjoy a captivating stroll along the wharf, with wooden planks underfoot, taking in panoramic views of Santa Barbara, the Pacific Ocean, and the Santa Ynez Mountains. This leisurely walk provides a unique perspective on the city’s natural beauty and coastal charm. Note that they do allow vehicle access and the footpath and the driveway are close together. If you are with young kids, be sure to keep them close by. The cars do not not go fast on the pier, but there can be a lot of traffic. This was one of the only downside I thought of the pier.
Things To Do on Stearns Wharf With Kids In Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center
Located on the wharf, The Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center offers interactive marine exhibits for an educational and entertaining experience for kids and adults alike. We, unfortunately, did not have time to do the Sea Center so I cannot review it but it is worth noting as a major attraction on Stearns Wharf with kids and is part of the museum that is is on the mainland.
Hours
The Sea Center is open daily, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM
Ticket Prices
Adult (18-64 years): $15.00
Senior (65+ years): $13.00
Teen (13-17 years): $13.00
Child (2-12 years): $11.00
Child (under 2 years): Free
*Prices and hours as of January 2024
For More information on the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center check their website here.
Shopping & Dining on Stearns Wharf With Kids in Santa Barbara
The wharf features charming boutiques, souvenir shops, and art galleries showcasing local crafts and maritime-themed treasures. There are several options for dining as well on the wharf from casual to fine dining. We opted for Longboard’s Grill. The kids needed to eat and it had a lesser wait time than some of the other restaurants. Inside is under some renovations but the outside 2nd story patio was perfect for us as long as you don’t mind some pesky birds looking for scraps. It was casual and easy with kids and provided a fantastic spot to enjoy a meal with breathtaking ocean views.
Is Stearns Wharf Free?
Stearns Wharf is open to the public, and there is no admission fee for pedestrians.
Parking
You can park on the wharf itself, however, we did park here. We thought it might get a little congested for parking. We wanted to walk a bit and stretch our legs out so we parked just off the Wharf in a public parking lot next to the wharf called Palm Park. This is nice because it allows you to walk along the beach as well leading up the Stearns Wharf.
Palm Park Parking Address: 236E E Cabrillo Blvd, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Map and Website to Palm Park Parking Lot
Parking is $3.00 per hour
Parking on the pier is $2.50 per hour but the first 90 minutes are free. If you want to save some money on parking you may want to try to park on the wharf.
Note: We visited Santa Barbara in January on weekdays so parking was relatively easy during our visit even on New Year’s Day. I’m sure parking near Stearns Wharf on the weekend or in high season can get pretty crazy so plan accordingly.
Great for an Introduction to Santa Barbara
Stearns Wharf with kids is it if you want a great intro to the city. It’s not going to blow you away and if you happen to miss out on it, there is much more to Santa Barbara than the pier. But if you have time and want a great introduction to Santa Barbara, I’d recommend you check out Stearns Wharf.
