My trip to Santa Barbara's mission was unexpected but well worth it. They offer self guided tours that cost $17 per individual. The tour gives you access to the mission grounds which includes the beautiful church, historic cemetery, sacred garden and mausoleum. QR codes are accessible that provide in depth descriptions of whatever section you're in. I thought it was a great experience. The tour can take you anywhere from half an hour to an hour, depending on how interested you are. If you enjoy taking pictures, there's plenty of picture worthy shots. I definitely recommend you check it out! At the end of the tour you do get access to their gift shop. PS parking is free. read more

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Mission Santa Barbara is a historic California landmark that also doubles as a museum. They even have actual mass in the mission, as well as Sunday service. It is a beautiful space filled with so much historic value. It was founded in 1786!! We got there around 3pm and purchased the Self Guided tour for $17 per person, which was a little high in my opinion. You walk through the museum and Mission grounds at your own pace and enjoy it on your own time. There are QR Codes that provide information to go along with your tour. We checked out the museum, garden, mausoleum, and even sat in the church for about 30 minutes just enjoying the beauty and peace. There is a gift shop you exit through that sells some lovely items such as shirts, sweaters, magnets, artwork, sculptures, candles and so much more. We bought a nice sweater with Santa Barbara written on it, a beautiful candle in a glass, and a small bookmark with a prayer symbol on it. They even have snacks/refreshments. They close at 5pm but sell their last ticket at 4pm. Parking is also free, which is always a plus. This was our third time here over the last 2 decades, and I'm not sure it's necessary to come back again. Once you've seen it, you've seen it. read more

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As an adult, my perspective has changed when I learn about the Missions. I see how history has been filtered out as we are only seeing one side of the story. This review will focus on the self-guided tour. I think what's great about the self-guided tour is that you can take your time. You can read details without having to be rushed to go to the next exhibit. Everything was displayed nicely and touching some items were even encouraged. The price was reasonable. read more

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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. read more

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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! read more

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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. read more

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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. read more

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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. read more

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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 read more

Mission Santa Barbara - Museums Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

It's beautiful, sure, but it's the site of so much pain, manipulation, cultural genocide, and displacement. It should be returned to the Chumash people. It was clear throughout that they were "managing" the perception. While much of it does somewhat focus on the Chumash experience, it's very blunted and gives a lot of excuses instead of taking accountability for what they did to these people. It always felt like they were dodging around. Often it would ask a question at the end of an information panel "do you think that ..." like it's just people's opinion whether what was done here was wrong or not. People. It's 2026. It was wrong and we know it we just don't wanna admit it. It's a place of death and suffering. Culture died, language died, people died, species of native plants and animals died, the land as it was died. It's a remarkable credit to the Chumash people's resilience and resistance that they preserved what they have and continue on today in spite of it all. By far the most disturbing area is the cemetery, where you are under this towering tree that really doesn't belong there ( it's an Australian fig tree) and you're walking among thousands of unmarked indigenous graves. It says so on the sign but there's no asking for silence or reverence like they ask in the crypts and mausoleums. Theres no way to pay your respects to these people, the original caretakers of this land. There's no way to even tell if you might even be walking on graves since the sidewalks were added after. And you start wondering about all these lives, unnamed and unknown, lost to time. Who were they? How did they die? Are the above-ground crypts for friars and non-indigenous people on top of older graves of the indigenous ones? So many questions, so few answers. All in all I think we should not be celebrating this site of cultural genocide, forced assimilation and capitalistic exploitation in this way. It especially should not continue as a functioning church. That's disgusting. It should be returned to the native people to do with as they wish. They built it, unwillingly. They lived there, coerced and without freedom or hope of future self-determination. They died there, not honored or remembered as they deserved. Let them decide to keep it or tear it down. Let them decide how to honor their ancestors buried there. Let them tell their own story. Shame on us for continuing to profit from their pain. read more

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. read more

Mission Santa Barbara - Front - Museums Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

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! read more

Mission Santa Barbara - Another heavenly day in Santa Barbara. - Museums Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

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. read more

Mission Santa Barbara - Museums Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

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. read more

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

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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. read more

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One of the most beautiful places to visit in Southern California is the Santa Barbara Mission. Please note this is not free admission for a self guided tour. General entry is 17 dollars for adults, 15 dollars for senior citizens/ military with ID, and 3 dollars for those who qualify for EBT/Snap. If you find yourself not wanting to go on the self guided tour feel free to walk the outside area or have a picnic in the park. There's a beautiful rose garden and benches to sit at. Parking is free and operates from 7am to 7pm. for those of you wanting to take special pictures ie prom/weddings a permit is required. For those just taking photos as long as they aren't professional it's allowed. No drones allowed :) read more

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

Mission Santa Barbara - Museums Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

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The Santa Barbara mission  is a National Historic Landmark. It is also known as "Queen of the Missions". It is also famous for the unique twin tower. Santa Barbara Mission was the 10th of the 21 Spanish colonial missions founded in California. The mission was consecrated December 16, 1786, by Father Fermin Francisco de Lasuen, as a church for the chumash. The  Santa Barbara Mission is known for its Spanish Colonial architecture and the beautiful arches. There is a parking lot to the left of the mission which is spacious and has numerous parking spots. For the mission  general admission, the tickets was $15 each. Their gift shop is irresistible. They have wide variety of nice Merchandises,  and souvenirs. They also sell wines. The staff was very friendly and attentive. I enjoyed walking through history. The Historic Mausoleum is situated in the center of the cemetery at Old Mission Santa Barbara.  Since 1893, this simple structure has served as a final resting place for numerous Franciscan friars and a number of prominent citizens who were part of the history of Santa Barbara. The main church is such a magnificent piece of art, from the altar to the paintings and to the Sculptures. You can see the impact of the Chumash tribe on the decorative art throughout the church from wall to ceiling. The main church is located between the garden and the Mausoleum. There are many small museums inside the mission to walk you through that era. The mission is open every day from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM for tour, except during masses, weddings and funerals. We went twice to the Mission during our trip to Santa Barbara. The third time was with the Trolley tour. How lucky we were!! We really enjoyed spending time at the Chapel and walking around the mission. We saw a few food trucks during our visit, which was nice to get a drink or a quick snack read more

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This was beautiful and we're so fortunate to have the opportunity to tour it! Take the time to see this when you're in the area and allow yourself at least an hour to tour the whole property. The displays and photos are well worth your time. read more

I feel so lucky to live within walking distance of our beautiful Mission! This is definitely a tourist attraction, but a great place to bring your loved ones when they're visiting. Mission Santa Barbara has undergone many changes throughout history due to natural disasters, but still maintains its beautiful structure. The Mission has a museum, gift shop, masoleum, and several gardens. I love the rose garden which is located across the street. It's an area where people can have group gatherings and special events, but also an area to absorb nature and the beautiful roses screaming for your attention. Well they don't scream, but roses love attention, afterall they do have a conscience. They also offer guided tours inside the mission, the sacred garden, cemetery, and museum. Prices for adults are $15, youth (5-17) $10, and children under 4 years are free. More prices and discounts available on their website at santabarbaramission.org/tours Now that we are returning back to events, their newest one is coming up on May 12, 2022, and it's called "Bee Green!" This includes wine, beer, and appetizers in the Sacred Garden and a viewing of their new museum exhibit. Apparently this will be a summer series of events. Sounds like a great time to be had. Overall, a beautiful place to bookmark and explore if you're in the area! read more

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

We were nearby and decided to stop at the mission. We opted out of visiting the interior grounds due to the entrance fee. I felt it was alot. It was still nice to see the exterior grounds and take a couple of pictures of the area. It is beautiful on the outside. If your in town you should at least see it from the outside. The nativity is still currently setup for the holidays. read more

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We went to see the Sistine Chapel exhibit a few months ago located at the Mission. Just spectacular. These were prints made on a cloth type of material of various sections of the Sistine Chapel located in the Vatican in the full dimensions as the original. Ticket-$25 Locations of exhibit (no longer in SB). But see: https://chapelsistine.com/ After, we looked around the various Mission exhibits which were included in the entry price. We have been to this Mission several times over the years. We have been to all 21 Missions in CA, 4 in AZ, and 3 in TX. read more

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The views of Santa Barbara are worthy from here even if you don't pay to do the tour. There is a rose garden directly in front of the mission and the homes in the neighborhood are gorgeous to look at. This is one of the few Missions that charges a fee to go inside. It is $15/adult and right now they require you are fully masked throughout the tour. We like to visit Missions if they happen to be in the city we are visiting but you cannot take their history as truth. This particular Mission used choice words that made it seem like the Friars did the Chumash people a favor when we all know the Missions, Friars and Spaniards completely oppressed the native Californios. This is the reason why I give it 3 stars. Wish SB had a Chumash museum. Come here to take some photos but skip the tour. read more

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I stopped by for a lunch break and it suit my purpose well. There were tables by the walkway. However, I was surprised at the pricey entrance fee. I decided to skip the tour and use the exterior free grounds. The "gardens" people mention is more like a large lawn with rose borders. It is beautiful against the mountains. I have seen similar architecture with glorious grounds minus an entrance fee, hence the rating. BTW, on Sun. there is limited parking as they close off the main lot. read more

Mission Santa Barbara - Picnic area - Museums Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Had a wonderful time at the Santa Barbara Mission. Amazing history and the property is beautiful! I highly recommend the tour and experience. read more

Mission Santa Barbara - Mission Santa Barbara - Museums Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

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First time visiting Santa Barbara Mission. In December the mission displayed the nativity scene. Free parking at the church. Didn't get a chance to visit the inside of the church, took pictures of the fountain and the outside of the church. read more

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Beautiful mission! As a 4th grade teacher, I love visiting all the missions. This one is probably one of my favorites! The lady who got us set up with the tour was very friendly and helped us figure out the WiFi. Admission fees are very reasonable and everything goes back to helping maintain the mission. The mission self paced tour was laid out well. I loved going into the church itself. The cemetery was also cool to explore. I'm part of the De La Guerra family, so it was cool to see the resting spot of some relatives. After the tour, we spent time walking around the grounds. Everything is kept up very nicely. There is plenty of parking which makes the visit go that much more smoothly! read more

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Super easy and convenient to purchase tickets on site. Parking was a breeze as we arrived for the first self-guided tour, mid week at 9:30 a.m. It was nice since it wasn't crowded (compared to the time we left). It's a one-way route. The garden is viewable but not accessible as it's closed off to the public. I thought the garden would be bloomed but perhaps June isn't the month to view the blooms. There were many rooms with displays about the history of the mission. I'm not into cemeteries or mausoleums but there is one off to the side. My favorite was the colorful chapel. read more

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Beautiful historic mission. You should do the self guided tour- at your own place. Lovely gift shop... unique gifts and they sell snacks.. walk the gardens too- then head to the wharf for a delicious lunch! read more

Even better than our first visit. We were able to take the self guided tour and with the help of a volunteer docent enjoy seeing the spectacular chapel. Set aside a little time to visit this historic old California mission. Your whole family will enjoy it. read more

Mission Santa Barbara - Museums Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

I'm in love with this beautiful place, the museum and church are beautiful, I can take so many pictures, have a sit and enjoy the garden. read more

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Absolutely gorgeous grounds! We didn't have time to go in but the park outside was stunning. You get an ocean view and a great park to have a picnic on. The rose gardens are gorg too. The building is well kept and there was ample parking even on a Sunday. read more

Mission Santa Barbara - Outside - Museums Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Yelp 100 Challenge 2019 - # 79/100 Docking a star because they charge $12 to get into the church. Granting that you get to visit the mission with the fee, but still visiting churches should be free IMHO. Some people just want to visit the church and not go through the mission. Anyhow, parking was free. read more

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Worth a visit if you have an hour in Santa Barbara. There is ample parking to the left of the mission and the audio tour is very good. They tour goes into great detail about the Cumash people and what role they played in mission life. The mission is one of the few remaining actively inhabited missions in California. Since cell service can be spotty up here, you will need to connect to the mission wifi to get access to the audio recordings of the tour. They have picnic tables to the left of the parking lot and you can also visit the stations of the cross in the garden. read more

Must visit in Santa Barbara. Nice to know history and connect the religious dots. Self guided tour cost $12 per adult and worth taking as it is not too costly. You get to see sacred garden, museum , graveyard and coffins inside. Obviously church too but that is accessible without ticket too. read more

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Loved visiting this beautiful mission that never closed down unlike the rest in California. I made a point of attending Sunday's 12:30 guided tour and we had a great guide who illuminated the complexities of history. Nothing is black or white but there are so many factors to consider. Highly recommend checking out if you can! read more

Mission Santa Barbara - Courtyard - Museums Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Rating it a 3 as the tour was much too pricy. Beautiful views though and a cool stop. read more

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I suggest visiting this place if you come to Santa Barbara and are into history. The outside view is gorgeous! It's pretty limited in terms of what you can see unless you pay for a tour. We did a self guided tour for $12, you can pay more to have a tour guide. With the self tours, you walk through inside, see a garden, cemetery, and a small museum. Took 45 minutes to complete the whole thing, museum pretty small but great explanation of history of Santa Barbara and how it was founded. It's pretty close to the history museum and botanical gardens too! So great way to spend the day around the area! Free parking available too! read more

Mission Santa Barbara - Museums Near Me - Santa Barbara, California