Named after the person who built the wharf, the Stearns Wharf has served as a transport hub of waterways in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It has stood the test of time and faced vagaries of the nature since its construction in 1872. Since the later 20th century, the wharf is more of a tourist destination and is one of the most popular landmarks in Santa Barbara today for dining, shopping and overall entertainment.