"Stearns Wharf, Santa Barbara by Amanda Proudfit. The oldest wharf in California, Stearns Wharf is a great place to walk out onto from downtown to get a little tourist-ing in and makes for a beautiful spot to watch the sun go down. Token touristy gift shops to get yourself a magnet or t-shirt (because we all need more of those!), restaurants, ice cream shop, and the Marine Center. Free parking for the first 90 minutes, there’s no excuse to not make a quick visit out to the wharf! Easy access to the Art walk on Sundays right off the wharf, and Skater’s Point."