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Enjoy the seaside sights and sounds of Stearns Wharf, one of Santa Barbara’s most iconic landmarks. Named for builder John P. Stearns and located at the end of State Street, it is California’s oldest working wharf and the perfect spot to soak up the sun, salty breezes and stunning views of the impossibly blue Pacific. The Wharf was completed in 1872 and served the passengers and freight shipping needs of California’s south coast for more than 25 years. Today it’s one of Santa Barbara’s most visited attractions and a mainstay of the Waterfront district. You’ll find lots of places to explore as you stroll along the Wharf’s famous boardwalk. Search for treasures at the unique clothing and souvenir shops, cool off with scoop of handmade ice cream, take a fun guided boat ride from the Wharf to Santa Barbara Harbor aboard ‘Lil Toot or stop by the tackle shop to gear up on everything you need to try your luck at fishing. The Wharf is also home to three full-service restaurants, serving freshly caught seafood, as well as a tasting room where you can try homegrown wines accompanied by a 360-degree vista of the coastline. Kids will love the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center, where they’ll learn about the fascinating creatures beneath the Wharf through cool interactive exhibits. Whether you want to spend the whole day or just catch a classic California sunset from the pier, a visit to Stearns Wharf is an essential Santa Barbara experience. Stearns Wharf Directions, Parking and Hours Stearns Wharf is flanked by East Beach and West Beach, and extends from State Street at the intersection of Cabrillo Boulevard. It’s quick and easy to reach Stearns Wharf by catching the Downtown and Waterfront Shuttles that run up and down State Street and along Cabrillo Boulevard. The fare is only 50 cents and the shuttles run frequently throughout the day; find the schedule here. If you’re visiting by car, there are 141 parking spaces on Stearns Wharf that are free for the first 90 minutes. After 90 minutes, the cost is $2.50 per additional hour or part of an hour with a $20 maximum per day. The Harbor Restaurant offers valet parking, and free parking is also available in the 90-minute areas in several lots along the waterfront on Cabrillo Boulevard. Mid-way down the wharf, an information kiosk lists businesses and activities available on Stearns Wharf. Tips for Your Visit Dogs are allowed on Stearns Wharf, and all of the local rules/laws/regulations that govern animals and/or dogs apply. All dogs must be on a leash that’s less than 6′ in length, the dog must always be under the your immediate control and you must clean up after your dog. Also note that dogs are not permitted on the beach in Santa Barbara city limits. Two restaurants on Stearns Wharf, Char-West and Santa Barbara Shellfish Company, have outdoor seating that may allow you to have your dog sit nearby while you dine. Fishing on Stearns Wharf is free, and you can find supplies and bait at Stearns Wharf Bait and Tackle for all of your fishing needs. Flat, comfortable shoes are your best bet for walking on Stearns Wharf. It’s not recommended that you wear high heels when you visit, as the heels can get stuck between the planks or break.
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The Santa Barbara Symphony delivers artistic excellence, outstanding music education stewardship and programming, and community collaboration – all through symphonic music. Under the artistic leadership of Maestro Nir Kabaretti as Music & Artistic Director since 2006, The Symphony is one of the region’s premier cultural institutions. Through his charismatic leadership, this globally admired conductor and Santa Barbara resident invigorates audiences and musicians alike through his passion, creativity, and vast experience. As the only music education program tied to a symphony orchestra in the region, The Symphony serves more than 2,000 students annually throughout Santa Barbara County. While The Symphony continues to evolve, its mission to bring joy, engagement, and connection remains steadfast pillars and were evident in the organization’s ability to thrive during the pandemic including the historic announcement that board chair Janet Garufis and President & CEO Kathryn R Martin join Nir Kabaretti in making a five-year commitment to serve in their roles.
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The Santa Barbara Channel is a pillar of the city’s history and the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum (SBMM) is the perfect place to learn about it. Located in the picturesque Santa Barbara Harbor, the Maritime Museum provides exhibits and educational experiences that celebrate the vital connection between the local community and the sea. Delve into California’s fascinating maritime heritage through interactive exhibits, preserved artifacts, art and film. The museum also offers a variety of fun educational programs for children of all ages. What to See and Do Through the museum’s many hands-on activities, you can learn about sustainable fishing in a kelp forest, raising a sail, diving, sport fishing and more. Stop by the onsite gallery to see rotating exhibits of ocean-themed artwork. Sailing in from the back wall of the museum is a replica of a Wilson Brothers lumber schooner. For a breathtaking panoramic view of the harbor, climb to the fourth floor, where you’ll find the Outdoor Santa Barbara Visitor Center (open daily; 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.). Be sure to check out the spectacular mosaic tiled floor and kelp forest mural as you make your way to the outside deck to take in the view. Maritime Museum Hours and Parking The Maritime Museum is open daily, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The museum is closed New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and the first Friday of August for Fiesta. Check the museum’s calendar before visiting for closures due to special events. The museum is accessible by the Lil’ Toot water taxi which runs between the Harbor and Stearn’s Wharf, and the Downtown Waterfront Electric Shuttle which runs along Cabrillo Blvd. and up State St. Parking is also available on the east side of the museum or along Shoreline Drive.
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At Sky High Helicopters, we’re not just in the business of flying; we’re in the business of curating unforgettable experiences that elevate your perspective and embrace the essence of adventure. With a deep passion for exploration and a commitment to excellence, we’ve carved a niche as purveyors of breathtaking journeys that transcend the ordinary.
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Celebrate 5,000 years of human history and creativity on a visit to the Santa Barbara Museum of Art (SBMA). First opened in 1941, the Museum is located in the heart of downtown in a stately building that was once the Santa Barbara Post Office. SBMA’s renowned 25,000-piece permanent collection spans both the centuries and the globe, with works ranging from classical antiquities to modern installations. Explore a fascinating array of 19th-century French, British and American art; 20th-century and contemporary European, North American and Latin American art; Asian art; sculptures; photography; and works on paper. Whether you want to enjoy a stroll through the galleries or participate in a selection of virtual offerings and educational alternatives, SBMA provides visitors with many ways to connect more deeply with the artwork. The Museum continually offers a robust calendar of events, tours and classes, educational programs, lectures, and free resources for adults, families, and kids. Learn more about events here. Hours, Admissions and Tours The Santa Barbara Museum of Art is open Tuesday through Sunday, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. The Museum is closed on Mondays, the 4th of July, Veteran’s Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. On Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, the galleries and store close at 3 p.m. Admission for non-members is $15 for adults, $6 for kids under 6+, and $10 for seniors 65+. Enjoy the Museum for free on 1st Thursday evenings from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Advance ticketing reservations can be purchased to guarantee your entry time. Tips for Your Visit If you’ll be attending the Museum with children, drop by the Visitors Services Desks or Family Resource Center to pick up a free Family Guide, which includes games, activities and information to help parents and children explore the galleries together. To take home a memento of your visit, stop by the Museum Store located on the Ground Level. The Store features a variety of items unique to SBMA’s permanent and special exhibitions, as well as art books, jewelry, décor, toys and more. Or purchase items at home via the Museum’s online store here.
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Ignite your mind at MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation, Santa Barbara’s one-of-a-kind destination for hands-on scientific and creative experiences. Located in the flourishing Funk Zone neighborhood, MOXI invites kids, families and curious minds of all ages to explore more than 17,000 square feet of immersive activities. From the Giant Guitar where you can study your favorite riffs to the Wind Column Workshop where you can conduct test flights, MOXI’s interactive approach to science, technology and the arts inspires experimentation and discovery. Unlike museums with a look-but-don’t-touch philosophy, every exhibit at MOXI encourages you to play, engage and participate. Step into the Foley Studios to record sound effects to a movie clip, launch an air rocket in the courtyard or build a racecar and send it down the test track. Flex your creative muscles in the Innovation Workshop, a makerspace where you’ll find supplies ranging from low-tech popsicle sticks and glue to a high-tech 3D printer to design an invention of your own. Your trip to MOXI isn’t complete without a visit to the rooftop Sky Garden, where you can compose a wind- and sun-powered symphony, walk across the glass Sky Deck and enjoy a panoramic view of Santa Barbara from the mountains to the ocean. MOXI Hours and Admission MOXI is now open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with the exception of Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day. MOXI may also close for select special events. Check the website for current hours. Admission is $15 for children ages 3–12 and $20 for adults (13+). Admission is free for children age two and under. Tips for Your Visit Santa Barbara’s train station is conveniently located right across the railroad tracks from MOXI. If you’re arriving from north or south of Santa Barbara, Amtrak is a fun and easy car-free way to travel, particularly for a multi-day trip. If you arrive by car, there are several City of Santa Barbara parking lots within walking distance of MOXI, including City Lot #13, which is adjacent to the train station. Pedestrian pathways along both sides of the building provide access to the museum’s main entrance. MOXI has two accessible parking spots located at the rear of the building. MOXI features special activities and rotating exhibits every day throughout the museum, including various making projects in the Innovation Workshop. Check the activity calendar to find out what’s happening when you plan to visit. Consider making a day of your visit to MOXI, as you’ll be in close proximity to many fun local shopping and dining options in the Funk Zone and along the Santa Barbara Waterfront.
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