Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Mission Santa Barbara

    4.1 (361 reviews)
    Closed 9:30 am - 5:00 pm
    Updated 2 months ago

    Mission Santa Barbara Photos

    Recommended Reviews - Mission Santa Barbara

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Lillian W.

    Well I missed coming here early enough in the day to make it worthwhile to pay for the self guided tour. But I was able to walk about the exterior of the mission. We walked the side garden next to the enclosed parking lot, the rose garden across the front lawn, and the front plaza all for free. The small garden can be gotten to through the picnic table area. The garden is a pollinator garden filled with native plants and flowers. Plus it's certified and registered by the Monarch Watch as an official Monarch Waystation. Possibly when you visit, you may spot Monarch butterflies. Next to this garden through another gate is a circular walking path with columns depicting the events of Holy Week. Each column has a tiled mosaic illustrating a Holy Week event. Since the mission sits higher above the town, the view includes the Pacific Ocean. Now with all the houses built, the view is still there just a smaller sliver of the ocean can be seen. The mission was founded by Frances a Padre Lasuen ( Father Serra's successor) in December 1786 on feast day of Saint Barbara. In the plaza sits the Moorish fountain and laundry basin. The fountain was built in 1808 to serve as a laundry for the mission. The fountain is intact and currently works. It now has water lilies growing in it. The larger lavenderia (laundry basin) was built in 1818 and served as a community laundry. The Chumash lead the building of the 70 foot lonbasin. The clothes were scrubbed against the sloping side rocks and rinsed in the center basin. Note the south spout (farthest from the fountain) is a carved mountain lion head. That was carved by a Chumash artisan. One of the oldest known sculptures surviving to date in California. The bear's head on the north end is a replica. The fountain and basin are fenced off and folks are not allowed to get right up to it. Wise decision.

    Exterior of the gorgeous old mission.
    Lynda T.

    This gorgeous mission was one of the highlights of our recent trip to Santa Barbara. The self-guided tour is affordable ($17), and easy to follow and understand, with audio clips to play on your phone as you go. Definitely a must visit!

    Map
    Michelle T.

    Being an educator in the state of California, we teach units introducing our students to the history of California's Missions. There are 21 missions that are built throughout the state. You have an opportunity to visit one if you live within any of the regions of California. While embarking upon a road trip to Santa Barbara, we stopped by Mission Santa Barbara. I absolutely enjoy visiting missions within the state and I wanted to see how this mission compares to missions that I've already visited. Upon entry to the property, you'll notice a large grassy area out front that provides a view of the ocean. They were getting ready to show a family friendly movie on the lawn, so people were securing a spot with their blankets. When you look toward the mission, you'll see the beautiful Spanish-inspired architecture that is prevalent at all of the California Missions. One thing that I found to be a bit unique was how they allow guests to explore the property. Most of the area is inaccessible to visitors as they don't want people to disturb the flora and fauna of the plants in the area. You also can't get close to the fountains out back. Also, when you buy a candle and write your message for a loved one, you aren't allowed to place it in the designated area yourself. They told us that since the area is prone to fires, that we are to place our candles out front and that they would carefully place them with the others at the end of the day. It felt a little impersonal to me as I'm used to placing my own candles at Mission San Juan Capistrano. Just like other missions, there is a grave yard where you can see where several people who've made contributions to the area are buried. Many are buried in tombs made of stone and some are in the mausoleum in the corner. There is more leniency to explore this area and you can get a little bit closer to read the tombs and pay your respects. There is a church for people to pray and spend time taking in the beautiful architecture of the building. You will also walk past several displays that have artifacts from when the mission was first built. Several painting also line the walls of the building. As you exit the small museum, you'll walk into the gift shop. They have snacks too, so you can grab a small treat before you leave. Mission Santa Barbara is absolutely beautiful. Its prime location makes it ideal for family to spend quality time in an area that's always hosting tourists who come from all over the world. I'm glad that we had the opportunity to visit another Mission in California. It just would have been ideal to be able to get up close and personal with some of the areas in which exploration was prohibited.

    Matt G.

    This mission was one of three that I saw on my trip and had the best experience here compared to the other missions. This one was also more expensive than the others. We took a self-guided tour and was able to explore the museum, church and cemetery. There is so much history here and was good overall experience. I dropped $68 for four people and we were here for about an hour which was much better than the Sea Center at Stearns Wharf.

    Justin M.

    Visited Mission Santa Barbara on a Wednesday in July. The mission itself wasn't too busy, and there was plenty of parking, which was free. Entry to get into the mission itself to do yourself guided tour ran myself and my wife $17 apiece. The mission is well preserved, and the church is absolutely stunning. The grounds around the mission are also all kept up very well. I didn't want to know that this mission is wheelchair accessible, which made it nice for my son being in his stroller. But there are parts of the mission that are not wheelchair accessible, but we may do.

    Joey L.

    Came here for some local legend history and super happy I did. This is one of the oldest missions in California and the tour talks all about it. Thought it had a very good flow throughout the tour she lots of interesting information on the people that lived there. My fav part was seeing a wall that was one of the original walls when the church was built in 1790, had bits of straw in it which was cool. Would recommend

    Front
    Regis K.

    My wife and I visited Old Mission Santa Barbara to start our anniversary celebration, and it was like stepping back in time. We came here over 30 years ago when we were dating, and the place still feels just as special. The rose garden out front is beautiful, full of vibrant colors, and the Spanish mission architecture is as impressive as ever--still standing tall and proud. There's so much history here about Santa Barbara's origins, which really brought back memories. The $17 entry fee felt a bit high, but if you're into learning about the city's past, it's worth it. Free parking is a nice touch. Definitely a great spot to visit while in Santa Barbara.

    Another heavenly day in Santa Barbara.
    Mickey A.

    Truly one of the most beautiful and historical wonders of Santa Barbara. Growing up here in SB we had yearly tours through the Mission grounds in Elementary, Junior High, and High School. We were always amazed at the majesty and history of this special place. And now as an adult the Mission holds lots of fun memories of family and friends, with many picnics there beside the Rose Garden, and with that incredible view of the city. Still a favorite place to take out-of-towners, or for an escape from all the worries of the world. Also remember to take your camera. Picture perfect!

    Linda K.

    If you're ever in Santa Barbara you have to drop by the Mission. So much history so much to learn. They do offer military discount. Free parking. Museum tour.

    Rick S.

    Beautiful and historic location, one of the great 21 California missions. We stopped here during a visit to Santa Barbara and enjoyed walking through grounds and gardens. The gift shop has many interesting items for sale as well. Recommended.

    Debbie C.

    I so enjoyed spending time at this mission today. Beautiful inside & out. It felt good to be inside & pray .

    Cemetery
    Mishi V.

    Nice grounds. There's a gift shop beside the ticket desk. There's also some nice artifacts with descriptions and kitchen that you can walk into. The cemetery and mausoleum is also open to the public. The church holds services and happened to be booked for a wedding so we hurried through while we had the opportunity. There's also public restrooms below the main doors close to the parking lot.

    Madeline A.

    The giftshop , historical artifacts, the preservation of church . A must visit for Catholic devotees

    See all

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 4
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 29
    Thanks 12
    Love this 32
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 3
    Love this 3
    Oh no 1

    2 years ago

    Helpful 14
    Thanks 4
    Love this 10
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Matt G.
    283
    690
    3227

    10 months ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 2
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 2
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Regis K.
    487
    887
    17844

    10 months ago

    Helpful 35
    Thanks 9
    Love this 31
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 15
    Thanks 3
    Love this 13
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 2
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Madeline A.
    1090
    15
    24

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 16
    Thanks 3
    Love this 18
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 112
    Thanks 1
    Love this 119
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Cool place to visit but for the price it was pretty small. I miss the old times when I went here.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Jerry G.
    12
    581
    303

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    5 years ago

    Helpful 7
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 1

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Sam W.
    465
    177
    7110

    5 years ago

    Helpful 11
    Thanks 0
    Love this 9
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Linda Y.
    0
    407
    10579

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Walker S.
    13367
    673
    2388

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Staff M.

    Staff M.

    Helpful 8
    Thanks 0
    Love this 5
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Atul S.
    1107
    1110
    13492

    6 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Staff M.

    Staff M.

    Helpful 9
    Thanks 0
    Love this 9
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Jessica S.

    Jessica S.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Staff M.

    Staff M.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 10

    Mission Santa Barbara Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Mission Santa Barbara

    Is this open right now during Covid?

    Mission is not open put you are able to walk outdoors and enjoy the garden and the views!

    Is it free and if not how much?

    Parking at the Mission is free and walking on the grounds outside (which is quite extensive and includes multiple fountains, an herb garden, and a sprawling lawn perfect for picnics) is also free. However, going inside the mission (which includes… Read more

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

    Review Highlights - Mission Santa Barbara

    On the Feast of Saint Barbara DECEMBER 4 1786 the cross was raised at the site of the future Santa Barbara Mission.

    Mentioned in 22 reviews

    Read more highlights

    Moxi - MOXI's sandcastle-inspired building is LEED certified, and located walking distance from the Amtrak station and Stearn's Wharf.

    Moxi

    4.6(225 reviews)
    2.1 mi

    Took the kids here today and it was 100% worth the 1.5 hour drive from LA. MOXI is super hands-on…read moreand perfect for kids to just explore and play without getting bored. Every exhibit actually keeps them engaged not just looking, but doing. The interactive tables (like the spinning drum and dice games) were a hit. My kids didn't want to leave and kept going back to the same stations. It's also really clean, organized, and easy to navigate even with little ones. Pricing was reasonable for what you get abbout $25 for adults, $20 for kids, and under 2 is free, which is nice. Staff was friendly and everything felt well-maintained. You can tell they designed this place with kids in mind but adults still have fun too. Definitely a solid family day trip spot from LA. Would come back again

    I literally planned a trip to Santa Barbara just because my toddler wanted to go back to the Moxi…read more We have a kids museum in our city but she kept saying no the one with the parachutes. I figured out it was the Moxi. I guess it make quite the impression on her last year. The museum had some new exhibits this time around. They added a fun ball launcher that I also enjoyed as well. The water exhibit could use some love. Some of the hydraulic levers was either not working or you had to really work at it. My toddler was not strong enough to use them. One thing I like is that we were able to leave and come back after lunch. We got to make the most if our trip. I'm sure we'll ge back next year.

    Photos
    Moxi
    Moxi
    Moxi

    See all

    Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History

    Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History

    4.3(174 reviews)
    0.2 mi

    History Machine A…read moremuseum that traces its origins back to 1916 when a group of people got together to try and preserve some of the history of the area. They've been in their current location since 1923, and the location itself, to me anyway, is part of the draw. Not only is it a museum, but it's also a nature preserve, rescue aviary, and dinosaur theme park. :) The Good: * Fairly inexpensive to visit at $20/adult and $15/child * If you buy a membership ($115-450) to the museum, it also includes a membership to their sister aquarium (also in Santa Barbara), the Sea Center. * Wonderful little area in the back with some short trails, a creek, and dinosaurs for kids to explore. * If you love geology, then you'll love their geology exhibit; they have so many amazing rocks and gems on display. * Aviary with injured and rehabbing raptors * Nature art gallery was beautiful * Friendly staff * Tours available * Lots of info on animals and insects of the area The Meh: * Some of the exhibit rooms are a bit cramped, so they can get full fast even without many visitors. The Ugly: * They have a butterfly garden, but it's closed during the winter months, which just happened to coincide with our visit. :( Conclusion: Terrific museum for both young and old.

    We love visiting here since it's so close to the Mission also. The entire museum is beautiful with…read moreSpanish tile, arches, with a Prehistoric Forest for big and little kids to enjoy. The Prehistoric Forest is a must-see- the life-sized, animatronic dinosaurs are hidden in the woods and were a massive hit with the kids. It feels like a mini Jurassic Park but perfectly toddler-friendly. The Best Parts: - Chad the Whale: The massive skeleton at the entrance is breathtaking. - Nature Backyard: Great hands-on outdoor play area for kids to explore. - Atmosphere: Beautiful, shaded grounds that are easy to navigate with or without a stroller. Don't really need a stroller here :) - Membership here gets you reciprocal membership to La Habra Children's Museum if you live in LA. There's a reciprocity list with the ASTC Travel Passport Program. Free parking and a great mix of science and outdoor fun. If you're in SB with a family, don't skip the dino trail.

    Photos
    Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History
    Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History
    Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History - Butterflies Alive! is open Memorial Day to Labor Day weekend.

    See all

    Butterflies Alive! is open Memorial Day to Labor Day weekend.

    Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center - Geoduck Clam

    Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center

    4.2(144 reviews)
    2.6 mi

    Had such a fun time at the aquarium! The staff were super nice and welcoming from the moment we…read morewalked in. Everyone was helpful, answering questions and explaining things without making it feel rushed. You can tell they actually enjoy what they do. It's also really affordable, which makes it such a good activity whether you're with friends, family, or on a date. For the price, you honestly get a lot out of it. The best part was definitely the touch tanks. We got to touch sharks, starfish, and sea anemones, which was such a cool experience. Feeling the smooth skin of the sharks and the slightly sticky texture of the anemones was actually so interesting. The staff guide you on how to gently interact with them, so it feels safe for both you and the animals. The whole place has a chill, coastal vibe that makes it really enjoyable to walk through. It's not overwhelmingly big, so you can take your time at each exhibit and actually read about the sea life. There's such a variety of colorful fish and marine animals, and it's fun seeing everything up close. Overall, such a wholesome and interactive experience. Cheap, hands-on, and run by genuinely kind people. Definitely worth visiting if you're in the area.

    Very underwhelming and much smaller than expected. My 5-year-old got bored quickly and we were in…read moreand out in about 20 minutes. On the positive side, the staff was friendly and the blue whale replica hanging from the ceiling is pretty cool. We happened to go on a free day, which was great, because in my opinion it wouldn't have been worth paying $17 per adult. Tips for parking: 90 minutes free and $4 per hour thereafter. You can also find parking on the street, but it's a bit tough (typically 90 minutes). Overall, 3 stars. Not terrible, but not something I'd recommend unless it's a free day and you're already in the area.

    Photos
    Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center - Life size Whale in the lobby

    Life size Whale in the lobby

    Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center
    Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center - Santa Barbara Sea Center

    See all

    Santa Barbara Sea Center

    Santa Barbara Museum of Art - Entrance 2/6/26

    Santa Barbara Museum of Art

    4.1(145 reviews)
    1.2 mi

    GETTING HERE:…read more Navigate here to the address listed on Yelp. If you're knowledgeable about DTSB, I am sure you'll have a better suggestion on where/how to park. But, I found street parking at first 90-minutes free, so I took advantage of that opportunity. Yay! #Winning. REVIEW: When I was a kid, I wanted to be an art history major. There has always been something that caught my eyes and ears when I hear the words, "Art". Now, I don't know anything about art, nor do I know which was is up. I just know that I live near an incredible venue and hadn't yet attended or reviewed! So many things I am updating in 2026. Here is the 1st one: I walked across the main drag and up the front stairs to the museum. There were a few docents (I assume) sitting at the front desk area that took my payment for entering. Thankfully, I didn't have (unrealistic) expectations on what to expect as this was my first art museum experience. It appeared there was a bit of development/construction going on as some of the areas were closed or marked off. After I paid the entrance fee, they handed me a map and I was on my way. It would have been nice to have had some interchange with any of them, as I told them I was a first-timer. Oh well. Such is life in 2026. I took a lot of pictures, and truth be told, as I said before, I don't know which was is up or what I was looking at most of the time. I just know that visually speaking, the entire visit was beautiful! Being able to look around at my own pace was very nice. Although, TBH, it would have bene nice to have bene able to ask someone a question or two, but alas, that didn't break my trip or overall experience. I was hoping they had a gift shop where I could have bought some bookmarks or some art pictures. There wasn't one, unfortunately. I cannot wait to go back! Highly, highly recommend a visit!

    We enjoyed the special exhibition "impressionist revolution". We returned with visitors from out…read moreof town. On our return visit (a Monday) we were surprised and embarrassed by the rudeness we encountered. The young supervisor (?) granted us late entry, saying he "supposed he could let us"? enjoy additional galleries before we entered the special exhibition. (He was white, 30-40, with long brown hair.) The cranky volunteers working admission, on both our visits, were exasperation that we didn't have QR codes on our e-tix (because they weren't included), and grudgingly asked to examine our e-tickets and looked up the order name for admission. It wasn't hard; it wasn't our fault, and the content of our e-tix wasn't our responsibility. Why the rudeness, treating visitors like petty thieves? It's a hard job, dealing with the public, and technology-challenged volunteers might feel defensive and blame-y when hiccups occur, even if caused by the museum. So maybe they should staff lower-pressure positions, instead of being the first to greet visitors? Perhaps enlist paid staff for special exhibitions? Nice that there was one younger woman with long dark hair who was exceptionally helpful to us and her tech-challenged coworkers. I have no beef with inexpert help at a museum. It's likely accompanied with warmth & courtesy. We were polite and patient, so the leap to "No" was confounding. No, you can't enter, No your tickets aren't valid, No, you can't visit other galleries. Who needs this? I had hoped to share my local museum with pride. I recommend heading south when in the area, and visiting LA museums and the charming little Santa Paula Art Museum.

    Photos
    Santa Barbara Museum of Art - Edie Fake

    Edie Fake

    Santa Barbara Museum of Art - Cosmic Man 2/6/26

    Cosmic Man 2/6/26

    Santa Barbara Museum of Art - Tsuguharu Foujita, Japanese-French artist

    See all

    Tsuguharu Foujita, Japanese-French artist

    Santa Barbara Botanic Garden - Santa Barbara Botanic Garden

    Santa Barbara Botanic Garden

    4.2(370 reviews)
    1.3 mi

    Love love love! Easy to spend the day here and I recommend…read moreit. But also fairly easy to get to, so it's perfect for a meditative reset time in the middle of a busy day. This space is so special. Lots to explore. Lots to learn. Lots of care and love here. Don't want to say too much. Just go and see and be surrounded by the trees, flowers, rocks, peace, and magic. Fantastic gift shop too!

    My son and I have been here to this Botanic Garden twice before about 10 years ago and decided to…read morerevisit it this morning on our trip to Santa Barbara. We headed over around 11:30AM, right after checking out from our hotel. They are celebrating their 100th Anniversary. WOW!! Admission is $25 for adults and a bit pricey for what you get, in my opinion. It's definitely a beautiful place full of nature, greenery, fresh air, peace and zen. I was a little disappointed at the lack of flowers in the whole property. There were only some poppies on the meadow where you walk in and that was it. I also didn't like how there are literally no rangers or anyone to help you around the trails. I understand you are just on your own, but it's dangerous that there's no one to help you if something goes wrong. No First Aid Kit, either. I also remember them having a big, beautiful waterfall on the trail and it wasn't there this time. Why? They have free parking and there are some restrooms at the entrance and we saw one on the trail. They have a very nice gift shop with some snacks/refreshments, books, magnets, shirts, candles, artificially looking flowers, etc... We bought few gifts that my son and I liked. Got a nice fresh, clean scented Mango/Pineapple candle, ($25), an organic rose water spray to splash all over your body ($17), an interesting cooler can with crystal water that keeps your water cold in the fridge ($8). A 16 oz. can & a tiny white heart shaped magnet ($5.20), insanely expansive! I may or may not revisit in the future.

    Photos
    Santa Barbara Botanic Garden - Humboldt lily

    Humboldt lily

    Santa Barbara Botanic Garden - Santa Barbara Botanic Garden

    Santa Barbara Botanic Garden

    Santa Barbara Botanic Garden - Santa Barbara Botanic Garden

    See all

    Santa Barbara Botanic Garden

    Santa Barbara Historical Museum - The permanent Story of Santa Barbara exhibit

    Santa Barbara Historical Museum

    4.4(38 reviews)
    1.5 mi

    My partner and I were looking for something to do on a lazy Saturday in town. We have already…read moreexplored much of what the Central Coast has to offer so we decided to revisit an attraction. The Santa Barbara Historical Museum came to mind after noticing their Project Fiesta exhibit was going on. It also just so happens that Yelp's "Travel Like A Local" campaign is going on simultaneously, so the timing was impeccable. This museum is a hidden gem somewhat off the beaten path. It is a few blocks from downtown State Street and two from the historic Presidio. Most tourists unfortunately miss it. Yet, this beautiful adobe building with a humongous boat anchor in front is worth visiting. Heck, there's no reason to not enter since it's completely free to the public (donations appreciated)! Upon entering, to the left is a gift shop with many local books and souvenirs. Yet it's easy to be distracted by the gorgeous central courtyard with a water fountain as its focal point. This is a popular venue for weddings, dances and other celebrations. Be sure to get a photo of an original Camino Real Bell, the marker used to connect the California Missions. There is also the Glenhill Library here. Many don't know that if you sneak out the back gate, you can step back into time with dirt ground, lush fruit trees, and La Casa Covarrubias. The museum also features a permanent exhibit called The Story of Santa Barbara. It's the perfect introduction to the Central Coast's long history of the native Chumash people, the influence of Mexico and the Spanish, the 1925 Earthquake and more. Upon my most recent visit was an unexpected discovery, an exhibit on Clarence Mattei: Portrait of a Community. I knew of the historic Mattei's Tavern, Inn and Stagecoach Stop after it was recently renovated and became part of a new luxury Auberge Resort in Los Olivos. Little did I know that he became a well-known artist. His first free-sketch was of Leutze's 1851 painting of Washington Crossing the Delaware at only 15 years of age! Prominent guests of the Tavern recognized his skill and sponsored his studies in San Francisco and New York. To this day you can see his art on the walls of the Tavern, but also here. Another current temporary exhibit is of Old Spanish Days/Fiesta, Santa Barbara's pride and joy. 2023 is its 99th anniversary! I had no idea that Fiesta was originally started to celebrate the opening of the Lobero Theatre. To this day, it remains the oldest running theater in California. The photos of almost a century caught by camera and shared at this exhibit are spectacular. All in all, whether it's your first visit to Santa Barbara or you're a life-long native, a visit to this museum is a must!

    I've likely been to Santa Barbara 100 times over the last 30 years. Never knew that this charming…read moregem of a museum existed until yesterday when thumbing through the Passport 2 History book. We already knew we'd be visiting The Presidio of Santa Barbara and Casa De La Guerra, but didn't realize that the Historical Museum was close by, and well worth seeing. So glad I dug deeper into the list of venues! We arrived around 3:45 PM. The sunlight hitting the exterior of the building was getting to that golden-glow stage of the day. The whole building seemed to be quietly basking in the light. Native plantings, wildflowers and aloes are featured in their gardens. While not profusive, they still highlight and soften the grounds. Once inside, we paid in the gift shop, then headed in to see the exhibits. The first feature was a colorful multi-media presentation celebrating Santa Barbara's long-running Fiesta. The video on the main screen in the center of the room was bizarre in it's Hollywood Anglo take on the Spanish / Mexican heritage of the event. (Before the days of political correctness and cultural sensitivity.) Stars of the Golden Age of Tinseltown (like Ida Lupino and Robert Taylor) were present for Fiesta festivities back in the day. Behind that gallery lay a watercolor collection of all 21 California Missions by artist Edwin Deakin. The display was subtle, and beautifully lit. To the left is a large wing dedicated to what I assume is the museum's permanent collection. I was really impressed with their presentation of so many varied objects. They've embraced the concept of layering their displays, creating dimensional spaces where there's texture and depth from ceiling to floor. They even have their own hall of mirrors effect, with the reflections showing off more of the historic pieces. Victorian-era gowns mix with furnishings and accessories, accented with artworks of many kinds. The eye doesn't know where to look first. So many beautiful things to see! The lighting is dramatic, which draws you in to the next space and the next. Placards describe the displayed items, while others give historical tales of local residents who provided extraordinary roles to the development of the Santa Barbara we see today. All I can say is, "Well done!" Back though the gift shop, another wing lies. I wouldn't have realized it, except Dear Hubby pointed me that way. The museum counts itself lucky to have many works by Western artist, Edward Borein. During his career he was a working cowboy in various parts of the American West, and even internationally. He then became a renowned artist, drawing and painting scenes from the life he lived on the frontier. He hobnobbed with luminaries like Will Rogers and Walt Disney. Spending the last third of his life living an working in Santa Barbara during his productive artist period, they consider him a native son. While the facility isn't very large in comparison to bigger city venues, it's a perfect place to sample several hundred years of Santa Barbara history, plus some very special artwork. We spent a little over an hour there, and could have lingered longer. I learned a bit about Miss Pearl Chase. Turns out that after returning to Santa Barbara from a trip out of the area, she alit from the train and was dismayed to see her town "dusty, drab, with untended buildings, and scarcely any landscaping". She took it upon herself to nudge the city officials to adopt the Spanish Mission-style architecture as a unifying theme. She also advocated for public gardens and general beautification of the town with a botanical flair. She's credited with urging the lush look of the city we enjoy today, taking advantage of it's Mediterranean-like climate to full, colorful advantage. Highly recommend this charming museum!

    Photos
    Santa Barbara Historical Museum - The museum store

    The museum store

    Santa Barbara Historical Museum - Hand-Drawn Portraits by Mattei

    Hand-Drawn Portraits by Mattei

    Santa Barbara Historical Museum - Santa Barbara Historical Museum exterior with large anchor

    See all

    Santa Barbara Historical Museum exterior with large anchor

    Santa Barbara Maritime Museum - Children's interactive corner

    Santa Barbara Maritime Museum

    4.6(49 reviews)
    2.6 mi

    What a fantastic museum!…read more First of all very informative, clean, and taken care of with pride. This is perfect to learn about Santa Barbara history, the maritime history, and cultural history too (ie: surfing!). It's really curated with immense care and has numerous interactive elements that are perfect for kids. All in all can't say more great things about this place and highly recommend going here and getting a bite to eat nearby after. As a complete side note you can buy art there as well with proceeds going to the museum. If I had a bit more cheddar I'd buy it all! Really fantastic art work in there. We walked here so I can't comment on parking but there are lots all around the marina! It's probably only a half mile from downtown so definitely walkable with a nice pathway to the harbor! (Just go to the water by heading west on State Street. Once you hit the pier take the walkway on the beach to your right)

    Very underrated museum, in my opinion. We used a Groupon and paid $10 for two adult tickets, but…read moreeven at full price ($12 for adults, $6 for kids ages 6-17, and free for 5 and under), it would still be worth it. The museum is really beautiful and interactive, with a few activities that are great for little kids, and it takes about 1 to 1.5 hours to go through. I learned a lot about Santa Barbara's history, and my 5-year-old really enjoyed it. The virtual fishing experience was especially fun and actually feels like you're trying to catch a real fish. The harbor views from the 4th floor are amazing too, and that area is free to the public. Parking is free for 90 minutes, but depending on the time of day, you may need a little patience to find a spot since it can get crowded. Staff and volunteers were also very friendly and welcoming.

    Photos
    Santa Barbara Maritime Museum - Chumash plank canoe called a Tomol

    Chumash plank canoe called a Tomol

    Santa Barbara Maritime Museum - Chumash plank canoe called a Tomol

    Chumash plank canoe called a Tomol

    Santa Barbara Maritime Museum - Chumash plank canoe, called a Tomol

    See all

    Chumash plank canoe, called a Tomol

    Casa del Herrero - Herb Garden Entry

    Casa del Herrero

    4.6(29 reviews)
    4.4 mi

    I came here for an event today so really my review is tailored more towards the events that Casa is…read moreholding but also to acknowledge the fabulous grounds and building though I admit I don't have full context for the history or background. I would definitely come back here to learn about the house and to take the guided tour. This wasn't the purpose for me coming today but the gentleman who works here noted that it's a great tour and I know friends who have enjoyed learning about the family and the history of the house, getting a deeper dive of information. I came here with some friends for their first hosted event Sound Bath. A wellness day if you will. From start to finish everything was very organized and thoughtful. The staff hosting the event and the spiritual wellness guide and sound healer was wonderful. Everyone was nice and you felt welcomed. Not pretentious and just very positive and good vibes. We had a nice group and everyone was respectful and on time for the sound bath so it went off without issue. It was a relaxing experience and the grounds were very nice to hold this outdoor event. The birds were chirping, the sun was shining, we found an area with shade, very nice. Very faint sounds of cars in the distance here and there which wasn't ideal but out of their control and once things settled in you really couldn't hear much external noise. After the relaxing sound bath we were offered tea and light pastry snacks. I opted for a water and began exploring the grounds instead of partaking in the refreshments. The grounds are lush and lovely, very zen. Loved the beautiful trees and walkways with small fountains and running water. It was green and pretty all around from the recent rains. Definitely a great location for events and to learn a little SB history. I will definitely do my research and come back again soon.

    Yikes, this is an expensive tour but it is a rarity to see a period house with most of the original…read moreoccupants furnishings etc. The tours are docent led and very informative. If you like these types of tours, this one is quite worth it.

    Photos
    Casa del Herrero - I'm very proud of this color match

    I'm very proud of this color match

    Casa del Herrero
    Casa del Herrero - Crush It Wine educators, Allie and Julie.

    See all

    Crush It Wine educators, Allie and Julie.

    Mission Santa Barbara - museums - Updated May 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...