Stearns Wharf is the premier attraction along the Santa Barbara Waterfront. A place to relax, enjoy great food, stroll, and enjoy beautiful coastal vistas.
Since its beginning, Stearns Wharf has had its share of natural and economic disasters, from the big earthquake in 1925 to a fire in 1973 which caused its closing. The wharf stayed closed for six years until restorations began, and in the fall of 1981 it finally reopened. Yet another fire in the winter of 1998 devastated the last hundred and fifty feet of the wharf, including Moby Dick Restaurant.
12/11/2025
⛵️SANTA BARBARA PARADE OF LIGHTS⛵️
Sunday • December 14
Kayak & SUP Parade: 2:00–3:30 PM
DJ Darla Bea: 4:30–6:30 PM
Boat Parade: 5:30 PM
Fireworks: 7:00 PM
Come early and enjoy the festivities!
Holiday dining, festive drinks, sweet treats, shopping, and family-friendly activities are available all day at Stearn Wharf!
08/02/2025
FREE FIESTA EVENT Saturday, August 2nd | 2:00 PM – 2:45 PM
Ballet Folklórico Mexico Azteca Performance
Enjoy a colorful Fiesta dance performance in front of the flags near the Sea Center. https://stearnswharf.org/events/
04/04/2025
TOMORROW: Set sail on Santa Barbara‘s first-ever State Street scavenger hunt! Your mission: defend State Street’s treasured landmarks from the notorious Pirate Bouchard, who seeks to plunder our shores once again! Your journey will take you to 12 of State Street’s most historic locations, each hiding secrets in the form of trivia challenges. Are you ready to seize the bounty? Treasures & gifts cards from local businesses await. Sign up at: www.friendsofstatestreet.org/scavenger-hunt ($12 per person)
03/20/2025
A first for Santa Barbara. A first for Outstanding in the Field.
This fall, Friends of State Street is honored to host a truly historic dining experience—a breathtaking long-table feast set on Stearns Wharf, the heart of our coastline.
On October 30, 2025, at 2:00 PM, join us for an unparalleled culinary experience featuring a local guest chef Cristian Granada of Loquita, locally curated cocktails from Brandon Ristaino of Good Lion and a stunning communal table suspended over the Pacific.
This is more than a meal—it’s a moment in time. For the first time ever, Outstanding in the Field will grace Santa Barbara’s iconic pier with its signature communal gathering. Seats are extremely limited—secure yours today.
https://shop.outstandinginthefield.com/products/october-30-2025-stearns-wharf
03/10/2025
Captain's Table Dinner Experience at Moby Dick
· Tales from the Oyster Bed by Bernard Friedman, Santa Barbara Mariculture
· Why the oyster is a superhero, by Dr. Kim Selkoe, Get Hooked Seafood
· Curated Wine Pairings by Storm Wines, with Brooke and Ernst Storm, Owners
· A Three-Course Prix Fixe Feast Celebrating Our Local Oysters and Mussels from Hope Ranch and Moro Bay.
Tuesday, March 11th 6:00pm
Limited availability. Book now: https://mobydicksb.com/captains-table
01/18/2025
Saturday, January 18, enjoy free admission to the Sea Center on Stearns Wharf from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, thanks to support from the Moeller Lab at UC Santa Barbara. We’re celebrating Underwater Parks Day! It’s all about marine protected areas (MPAs), the underwater parks that promote sustainable fishing practices and responsible recreation to preserve the variety, abundance, and longevity of ocean life for future generations. Until 3:00 PM, meet a variety of festival partners to learn about their work. Enjoy crafts, storytime, and the Sea Center’s interactive marine exhibits representing the habits our local MPAs protect. Check out all the details at sbnature.org/calendar
12/08/2024
38th Annual Santa Barbara Boat Parade is TODAY!
Lots of FREE family-friendly activities in the waterfront:
3:00-5:00 snow in the harbor
3:00-5:00 Santa in the harbor
4:30- 6:30 DJ Darla Bea on the wharf
5:00 Santa on the wharf
5:30 boat parade
7:00 fireworks
Stearns Wharf has many restaurants, wine tasting, boating excursions and free fishing available. Truly one of the best days to be on the wharf each year.
Phot credit: Mike Eliason
12/04/2024
We couldn’t be more excited! Santa Barbara’s favorite dj, DJ Darla Bea, will be spinning at Stearns Wharf for the Parade of Lights this Sunday. 4:30-6:30pm. Festive dress and holiday dance party is a guarantee with DJ Darla Bea!
Baby you’re a Firework 🎆 I’ll Bea spinning the holiday tunes from 4:30-6:30pm ⛵️ at Stearns Wharf during the 38th Annual Parade of Lights 🎄
11/27/2024
The Harbor Restaurant and Moby Dick Restaurant will be open on Thanksgiving Day.
The Harbor Restaurant
12pm-8pm
Reservations: (805) 963-3311
https://www.harborsb.com
Moby Dick Restaurant
11am-4pm
Reservations: (805) 965-0549
https://mobydicksb.com
11/16/2024
Exciting update from Stearns Wharf.
The iconic Harbor Restaurant has reopened its doors, offering an elevated dining experience at one of the most historic and scenic spots on the waterfront. With breathtaking views of the harbor and a reimagined menu featuring fresh, locally-inspired dishes, it’s the perfect destination for locals and visitors.
Revamped and Rejuvenated Harbor Restaurant in Santa Barbara Aims to Elevate Even More Breaking the international coastal cuisine wave on Stearns Wharf, a longtime restaurant is ready to be back in the spotlight.