Catholic Online (www.catholic.org)
 Stearns Wharf is reportedly the city's No. 1 tourist attraction with some 5 million visitors annually. SANTA BARBARA, CA (Catholic Online) - The pier, which extends nearly 2,000 feet into the ocean off of State Street, seemed to have nearly all its visitors on one sunny day as tourists strolled along during Spring Break. The popular pier features restaurants, gift stores, ice cream shops, boat rides, bait shops, a fortune teller, and amazing views of both the city and the Santa Ynez Mountains. It seems that this wharf has it all to offer. Built in 1872 by John P. Stearns, the Stearns Wharf is California's oldest working wharf. The pier once served gambling interests, was closed by the Navy during World War II, and suffered fires in the years 1973 and 1998 that closed the wharf for a few years. Today, Stearns Wharf is an excellent place to visit if you're in the Santa Barbara region. The pier is free to walkers, while parking is $2.50 an hour or first 90 minutes free with a parking validation. © 2012, Catholic Online. Distributed by NEWS CONSORTIUM. - - - Pope Benedict XVI's Prayer Intentions for January 2013 General Intention: The Faith of Christians. That in this Year of Faith Christians may deepen their knowledge of the mystery of Christ and witness joyfully to the gift of faith in him. Missionary Intention: Middle Eastern Christians. That the Christian communities of the Middle East, often discriminated against, may receive from the Holy Spirit the strength of fidelity and perseverance. |
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