Stearns Wharf, Historical wooden pier in Santa Barbara, United States.
Stearns Wharf is a long wooden pier that extends from State Street into the Pacific Ocean, offering views of the Santa Barbara coastline and the Channel Islands. The structure houses restaurants, shops, and a marine research center with water views.
The pier was built in 1872 by John P. Stearns and was at that time the longest deep-water pier between Los Angeles and San Francisco. The structure enabled Santa Barbara to become an important trading port.
The marine research center on the pier features interactive displays about local sea creatures and the underwater world that lies just offshore.
The pier is easily accessible from State Street and offers free parking nearby for visitors. It is best to come in the morning or early evening to enjoy the best views and fewer crowds.
A fortune teller has worked for decades in a traditional wooden booth on the pier and is a popular stop for visitors seeking something unusual. This distinctive establishment makes the place a cultural relic with a long history.
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