Stearns Wharf turns 150 years old

SANTA BARBARA, Calif.- Stearns Wharf celebrated its 150th birthday Saturday.

The sounds of cannons firing filled the brisk morning air as tourists and locals strolled on this beloved landmark.

“I saw the cannon go off and it was like a big boom and then a bunch of smoke and yeah, it was super fun,” said Santa Barbara resident Jethro Acosta.

For many locals like Jethro Acosta, Stearns Wharf is more than just a tourist attraction— it’s a little slice of home.

“When I was about 12 years old, one of the things that my father would do is take us out to Moby Dick's restaurant, which is right that direction, and we'd come in and we'd have French toast. And it was a thing that we did every Sunday or every special occasion,” said Acosta.

Today, Acosta brought his son to this place that holds such a special place in his heart.

“ I have really deep memories of sitting here and enjoying the boats and the sea and the the ocean,” said Acosta.

Acosta isn’t the only local who appreciates taking in the natural beauty surrounding the wharf.

Santa Barbara resident Susan Ripearetti loves being able to re-experience the wharf through a fresh set of eyes.

“It's the kids and their enthusiasm to find and discover things. That's what makes it really fun for me because they'll be like, Grandma, come here, check this out, you know?” said Ripearetti.

Ripearetti and her grandkids have learned so much about the history of this 150 year old landmark thanks to the scavenger hunt they participated in today.

“I didn’t know that this is the oldest wooden wharf in California,” said Ripearetti.

Visitors were able to enjoy a wide range of activities from live music and clam chowder tastings to the Yacht Club Fleet Parade.

“Yacht club have boat parade. Then tonight, they're going to have the fireworks come back again,” said long time Santa Barbara local Sam Wei.

The activities were free and open to the public.