Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The southern end of State St gives way onto Stearns Wharf, a rough wooden pier lined
with souvenir shops, snack stands and seafood shacks. Built in 1872, it's the oldest con-
tinuously operating wharf on the West Coast, although the actual structure has been rebuilt
more than once. During the 1940s it was co-owned by tough-guy actor Jimmy Cagney and
his brothers. If you've got kids, tow them inside the
Ty Warner Sea Center
.
Parking on the wharf costs $2.50 per hour; the first 90 minutes are free with merchant
validation. But trust us, you'd rather walk than drive over the wharf's bumpy wooden
slats. The wharf entrance is a stop on MTD's downtown and waterfront shuttles.
Santa Barbara Museum of Art
MUSEUM
free 5-8pm Thu; 11am-5pm Tue-Wed & Fri-Sun, to 8pm Thu)
This thoughtfully curated, bite-sized art museum displays European and American masters
- think Matisse and Diego Rivera - along with contemporary photography, classical an-
tiquities and though-provoking temporary exhibits. Traipse up to the 2nd floor, where im-
pressive Asian art collections include an intricate, colorful Tibetan sand mandala and the
iron-and-leather armor of a Japanese warrior. Guided tours usually start at 1pm daily.
There's also an interactive children's space, a museum shop and a cafe.
Santa Barbara Maritime Museum
MUSEUM
all free 3rd Thu of each month; 10am-5pm, to 6pm late May-early Sep; )
On the harborfront, this jam-packed, two-story exhibition hall celebrates the town's briny
history with nautical artifacts, memorabilia and hands-on exhibits, including a big-game
fishing chair from which you can 'reel in' a trophy marlin. Take a virtual trip through the
Santa Barbara Channel, stand on a surfboard or watch deep-sea diving documentaries in
the theater. There's 90 minutes of free parking in the public lot or take the Lil' Toot water
taxi from Stearns Wharf.
Santa Barbara Historical Museum
MUSEUM
10am-5pm Tue-Sat, from noon Sun)
