There aren’t that many public piers in California, and to find those you can drive on, well it’s kind of rare. Two of the best known pleasure piers that allow cars and motorized vehicles are Santa Cruz Wharf and Stearns Wharf in Santa Barbara. Shown is Stearns Wharf (stearnswharf.org), a wooden planked pier that includes restaurants, shops and a museum. There is a parking fee, or free parking with validation and purchases at shops & restaurants.
Among the many highlights to Stearns Wharf public pier is Ty Warner Sea Center, a “See and Do” science facility owned and operated by Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History. The hands-on exhibits are ideal for kids, who can crawl through a display to see an aquarium filled with sea life. Location: 211 Stearns Wharf, Santa Barbara, CA. Tel: (805) 962-2526. Stearns Wharf is Santa Barbara’s most visited attraction and is ideal for those seeking view dining, minus the hassle of having to hike out to the end of a pier to enjoy your meal. Be sure to check it out when you’re passing by the Central Coast. Just head for the end of State Street at the beach and you are there.
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