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Santa Barbara County Courthouse

4.7 (305 reviews)
Closed 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Santa Barbara County Courthouse Photos

Recommended Reviews - Santa Barbara County Courthouse

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Grass Area
Adriana G.

The SB Courthouse is absolutely beautiful! The architecture is amazing and it was so cool to go up to the tower. Stunning views of SB on every angle and my personal favorite part of visiting, was sitting peacefully in the grass area. Lots of people hanging out and about 6 couples getting married or taking their wedding photos. Such a beautiful and serene experience!

Clock tower viewing platform
Lillian W.

If you happen to find yourself in Santa Barbara, CA, (aka America's Riviera) carve out a couple of couple of hours to check out the County Courthouse. No, not to hang out and gawk at folks at court. But to soak in the beauty and history of the building. This place is gorgeous. Spanish colonial architecture, mural paintings, tower overlook, clock room, sunken garden, and you might catch a glimpse of a wedding or two. I saw four. I held back on wedding crashing though. Apparently you can rent the Mural room or Sunken garden terrace for weddings. Plus small wedding ceremonies are allowed in the public areas of the Sunken garden lawn, in first come first serve basis. The 4 story Spanish Moorish style building was built in 1929. It was built after the original courthouse, that was built in 1872, suffered damage in the 1925 earthquake. -Sunken garden The foundations of the original courthouse is where the sunken tropical gardens are currently. There is a big swath of lush green lawn. The multitude of palm trees that tower around the garden are from various countries. 35 specimens of palm trees. -Sandstone water fountain In the front of the courthouse building facing Anacapa Street is a sandstone water fountain "Spirit of the Ocean". It was built by a Venetian sculptor in 1929. -Free tours Step inside the building to see take a tour, a free self guided tour or join a free docent led tour. There was a huge crowd of folks waiting to get in, the crowd included an entire wedding party along with the tourists and everyday county residents. Security funneled everyone quickly through the security checkpoint. - Clock tower viewing platform I chose to do a self guided tour and took the elevator to the 4th floor to the clock tower viewing station. There was an option to climb stairs, which I choose to take going down. From that vantage point, I noticed that downtown Santa Barbara has no high rise buildings. This building was the tallest. The 360 degree views of the mountains, ocean and valley were beautiful. -Bison Schnell clock gallery display room Then I took the stairs down. On the 3rd floor was Bison Schall clock gallery. The room is a display showing the tower's functioning Seth Thomas clock timepiece and the history of classic cos and timekeeping. It's super cool to see the actual clock hammers move and strike. The room is not always open since it's staffed by volunteers. But not to worry, the glass wall allows you to view the clock and room contents from the stairwell. - Mural room and hallway I entered the 2nd floor and began walking down a hallway with huge oil painted framed murals depicting the early days of European contact with the Native Chumash. The hallways were vast with its high vaulted ceilings and arches The Mural Room is located in this floor. This is where folks rent out for wedding ceremonies. It has wooden pews. murals covering its walls and high vaulted ceilings. I didn't go in because a wedding was just finishing up. -Tiled staircase I then took the outdoor spiral, Spanish tiled, staircase to the first floor. But right next to the staircase is a beautiful mosaic tiled wall alcove. Don't miss that photo opp. On the first floor near the elevators is another set of stairs, this one is an interior set with beautiful tiles.

View at the top of the tower
Emily C.

This beautiful courthouse is a definite great spot to visit if you're visiting Santa Barbara! It's beautiful, free, and the tours are free too! Sometimes you might see a wedding party here if you come on weekends, but that's to be expected. You can find 75 min free parking in the nearby parking garage, or find some street parking nearby. Make sure you visit all the floors for the spiral staircase, murals, and staircase leading to the glass wall with a view of the clock workings, and then climb all the way up the watchtower to get a view of downtown SB! When I came, the elevators were down, so do make sure you're able to climb at least 9 ish half flight of stairs to get up to that tower part~~... Well worth the visit if you're here in Santa Barbara

Mariela O.

Gorgeous building inside and out! Historic, beautifully decorated, well maintained with a Spanish theme that is to die for. For me it's a must visit to when in Santa Barbara! I always make sure to come when in SB and if I'm showing friends or family SB. Views are gorgeous on a good day or regardless it's just nice to see the city. There is an elevators to get there or stairs, you choose your battle haha I've personally done both and their stairs definitely get your glutes burning haha Don't hesitate to stop by, there are many other reasons people come here, weddings, photoshoot's and more so it's a place with many things to do/see.

Water fountain at entrance
Sara B.

Usually courthouses bring me anxiety but since this was for leisure and more so to climb to the clock tower for the views, it was worth it. It is free to tour and they offer a self-tour by scanning a QR code and they also offer daily tours. The clock tower is 4 floors up and you can take the stairs up to stop and look at the rooms and paintings that are on each floor or you can take the elevator. At the top it is windy but beautiful views of all of Santa Barbara. There isn't really much to the lawn and I assumed there would be more cool gardens to see in it but there really wasn't. There is a big green lawn in the courtyard and there happened to be a wedding starting soon when we went. Even for weddings, they are not allowed to rope it off and have to allow tourists on the lawn. Cool tip: you can park in the parking garage across the street for free for the first 75 min. It takes less than that to tour the courthouse.

View from the tower
Gustavo E.

I've been to a lot of different cities and the last thing anyone recommends me to go checkout is the courthouse. When I read online that the Santa Barbara courthouse was a must while I was in town, I figured why not go and check it out. I did not know what to expect, but I was pleasantly surprised by it all. I mean just from outside, it looked really different from the superior court of Los Angeles as it was a lot smaller, but what caught my eye was how antiquated the building looked. I liked seeing the big murals on the walls and chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. I found it interesting that despite its older structure, it's still in use. Walking around inside was a lot of fun but the highlight was the tower with views of the city and everything. You can take an elevator or go up the stairs to get there. One other thing that really stood out to me about this place was the gardens right outside. There was a lot of people taking photos there or just hanging out on the lawn. I mean, they are really beautiful and well kept and seem like a great place in town to hang out and kill time. Also, the older woman at the information booth was really helpful. She narrowed down some activities for me to do while I was in the city and even recommended me places to go and eat food. She was sweet and took her time showing me a map of the city with all the points of interest. Give her a raise!

Victoria S.

Beautiful courthouse, we did a quick stop, went up the elevator to the top to see the view then checked out the 2nd floor to see the historic courthouse. They also have free tours available if you're interested. It's worth a visit.

Mary A.

Let me be clear: I have never stood trial here (phew), nor have I filed anything remotely legal. So if you're looking for a breakdown of courtroom efficiency or how judge-y the judges are, this ain't it. BUT--if you're looking for an absolutely magical, jaw-droppingly beautiful place to wander, take photos, propose to someone (or to life in general), or pretend you're living in a Mediterranean fairytale--the Santa Barbara Courthouse is your spot. Where do I even begin? Architecture: Straight-up Spanish Colonial Revival perfection. This place looks like it was plucked from a European postcard and gently dropped into downtown Santa Barbara. Red tile roofs, wrought iron details, hand-painted ceilings, mosaic tiles, spiral staircases... it's like a museum, only free and not pretentious. Grounds: Immaculately manicured lawns, palm trees, tiled fountains, and lush gardens. There's even a sunken garden that hosts events and weddings--yes, people want to get married at a courthouse because this is the courthouse. Clock Tower: Take the elevator (or climb the stairs if you're feeling bold) up to the top of the clock tower. The panoramic views of Santa Barbara, the ocean, and the mountains are ridiculous. Bring a camera or risk living with regret. Interior Details: Even the inside feels like an art installation. The mural room alone is worth the visit--it's like stepping into a technicolor history book painted by someone who really wanted to impress you. Photo Ops: Oh yes, influencers and wedding photographers already know. You'll find couples doing engagement shoots, people in quinceañera gowns, and tourists happily snapping away. And you'll absolutely join them. Pro Tip: Go on a weekday morning for a quieter experience. Or go during golden hour if you want that perfect dreamy lighting. So no, I didn't come here for legal proceedings... but if I had to go to court for something, I'd want it to be here. (Just maybe for a parking ticket or something low-stress.) 10/10 would recommend--whether you're into history, architecture, photography, or just pretending you live in a Spanish palace for an hour or two.

Movie night
Lindsay W.

Went for the Summer Arts and Lectures movie night and it made my week. Set up your blankets starting at 12 and then come back about an hour before to relax and enjoy drinks and snacks with friends. Then you can watch the sun go down on a scenic outdoor area with the locals chilling next to you! This building also houses the original jail and an awesome overlook of the city!

Diana L.

The Santa Barbara Courthouse is such a beautiful wedding venue. I've captured multiple weddings and elopements here--varying from zero to 30 guests. The space is obviously incredible and totally blows away other courthouses. While it isn't the cheapest spot, it's still affordable compared to traditional venues. If you do get married here, don't forget to check the hours the building is open if you want to see the staircase and clock tower. Plus, it's a delight for wedding photographers like me.

Alan R.

Great, historic (yet still functioning) courthouse that offers spectacular views of the city and a really neat mural room. It is free and in an accessible part of town. It is free and I would highly recommend coming here if on a trip to Santa Barbara. There is also a really nice green lawn area surrounding the building.

Van D.

When my boyfriend put the Santa Barbara County Courthouse on the list of something to do when visiting Santa Barbara I thought it was weird... but apparently this place is one of the top rated attractions for those who are visiting Santa Barbara. During our visit there was a wedding, so the mural room and some of the hallways and exterior were crowded with wedding guests. And unfortunately the clock tower was closed off for renovations. This made the visit probably quicker than it would have been without the construction and wedding service. I can see how this place has historical value but it really needs some renovations to maintain. Especially the bathrooms. They were old and dated. I would have waited if I didn't super need to pee. I can't believe people actually have to come here to report for jury duty. It seems like it would be really crowded and inconvenient. A nice free stroll, but honestly not my cup of tea. If you are visiting Santa Barbara and you have time restrictions, you can probably skip this place. If you have extra time to spare, it's free to visit.

Santa Barbara County Courthouse
John D.

Court Authority Built in 1929 in a Spanish Colonial Revival style, the Santa Barbara Courthouse is easily one of the countries most beautiful public buildings, and is listed in several historical collections including the National Register of Historic Places (1981), City of Santa Barbara Historic Landmark (1982), CA Historic Landmark (2004) and National Historic Landmark (2005). We actually weren't planning on visiting due to being unaware of its existence, but after driving-by we knew it was a must-see. The Good: *Free to visit *You'll definitely get some steps in, especially if you climb the stairs to the top to visit the clock tower for its panoramic views of the area. *Free self-guided tours, as well as one-hour guided tours *The exterior and interior are both spectacular and worth visiting both and dealing with the hassel of entering (see "The Ugly" below). *Available for rent (popular for weddings) *Great location near DT Santa Barbara with lots of shopping and dining nearby. The Meh: *You'll most likely have to pay for parking (90-minutes free street parking is available if one can find it) The Ugly: *As with all functional courthouses, you'll have to go thru a security check to visit. Conclusion: A great place to visit, especially if one is into architecture and history.

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Santa Barbara County Courthouse Reviews in Other Languages

Ask the Community - Santa Barbara County Courthouse

Can you explore the exterior of the Courthouse on weekends?

Yes. Visitors are free to walk around the exterior of the Courthouse. The Courthouse is also open 7 days a week with limited exceptions. Alway check the hours before visiting the inside.

Is the clock tower open to public now?

As of 2/04/2022 when we got eloped at the courthouse, our photographer said it was still closed due to Covid.

Is this place dog friendly?

Not inside. But for private events I think the courtyard is dog friendly

How strict are they for the 10 person limit policy? Is there any leeway?

I photograph wedding and elopements often there. I see more than ten family members all the time. As long as they're drawing a lot of attention, you'll be fine. It's a public space and the officiants are so nice there. If you have any other… Read more

Can I bring my dog to my wedding ceremony hosted at the court house?

Yes, the outside grounds are dog friendly. My pups were a part of my ceremony that was held outside. As of 2/04/2022, Mural Room was still closed. And even when it does re-open, I'm not sure if inside is dog friendly.

Can you walk to top of SB courthouse clocktower on Sundays?

Yes you can.

Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

Review Highlights - Santa Barbara County Courthouse

Clock Tower: Take the elevator (or climb the stairs if you're feeling bold) up to the top of the clock tower.

Mentioned in 66 reviews

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Mission Historical Park

Mission Historical Park

4.8(20 reviews)
1.1 mi

One of my fav places in town. If we have guests, we always suggest grabbing a blanket and packing…read moresome wine and snacks or food to go and enjoy at sunset at the Rose Garden. The kids love rolling down the hill, climbing on the trees, or wandering the little paths on the side. Plus, you learn all the fantastic rose names when you simply take a walk around the pattern of colors.

I have overlooked this park for many years, but today when visiting the mission today I took the…read morechance to walk across the street to see this park and rose garden. Most of the park is a large lawn, and very popular with picnickers and sun bathers on the weekend. But I was lucky to be here on a weekday, and found the rose garden part to be much more than I expected! The roses are sequestered toward the neighborhood side, and doesn't look like much from a distance. However, walk into them and the world changes. There are many beds of roses, most of them 5 to 6 feet tall it seems! The blooms were plentiful on this visit, and the aroma of roses was amazing! Every where I went I smelled the roses, one of my favorite scents. The roses are grouped by variety, and there are labels with the common names, should you wish to track down a variety that caught your attention. And there are benches around here and there so you can just sit and admire the blooms - when in season of course! If you ARE in the area when they are blooming, take the chance for a leisurely stroll through the beds - you'll be amazed at the potential of a rose garden brought to reality.

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Mission Historical Park - It's me :-) there

It's me :-) there

Mission Historical Park
Mission Historical Park

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Mission Santa Barbara - Another heavenly day in Santa Barbara.

Mission Santa Barbara

4.1(361 reviews)
1.2 mi

My trip to Santa Barbara's mission was unexpected but well worth it. They offer self guided tours…read morethat 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.

Mission Santa Barbara is a historic California landmark that also doubles as a museum. They even…read morehave 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.

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Mission Santa Barbara - Rose garden in the front

Rose garden in the front

Mission Santa Barbara - Fountain in front of the mission

Fountain in front of the mission

Mission Santa Barbara - Moorish fountain 1808. Built to launder clothes as well as centerpiece.

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Moorish fountain 1808. Built to launder clothes as well as centerpiece.

Kissing Point Scenic Viewpoint - View over Goleta with the lesser seen Santa Rosa Island (right) and Santa Cruz Island (left)

Kissing Point Scenic Viewpoint

5.0(2 reviews)
6.6 mi

Was a fun roadtrip got there a bit late and it was cloudy unfortunately but it was still a…read morebeautiful sight and relaxing to sit and view with your significant other

Given it being Valentine's Day Eve, it seems quite appropriate to review a Santa Barbara gem. The…read morelocals--particularly UCSB students--know it as "Kissing Point." You don't need to use your imagination why: Simply venture here at sunrise/sunset and you'll be macking with whomever is closest to you due to the natural romance in the Californian air. It also helps that the temperature is sometimes +10* warmer since it is in the mountains. ;) History: Kissing Point is about a third of the way up (or three-quarters of the way down depending on your route) Old San Marcos Road. This was the original stagecoach route to cross over the mountains prior to the current San Marcos Pass/Route 154 between 1861 and 1901. There are a few weathered historical markers along the way but anyone will easily be impressed by the hard work put into carving out the road. How to get here?: The easiest route to reach Kissing Point is by exiting off the 101 Freeway at Patterson Rd and going toward the mountains, turn right on Cathedral Oaks, then turn left when you've reached San Marcos Rd. Kissing Point consists of only two unmarked dirt pull-offs (one now with bollards due to erosion). There is also a third and fourth pull-off much further up hill but with very limited space. What do I see?: The views are from the Santa Ynez Foothills down into Santa Barbara and Goleta Valley with easy landmarks being the Santa Barbara Airport, University of California Santa Barbara (UCSB), Old Town Goleta, the Pacific Ocean's Santa Barbara Channel, and almost all of the Channel Islands in the distance on a clear day (from north to south: San Miguel, Santa Rosa, Santa Cruz--the most obviously, and Anacapa Islands). I am spoiled to have this scenic drive only minutes from my house since it offers not only some of the best aerial views (ie particularly from Kissing Point) but also a backroad option to access Route 154 that goes over the Santa Ynez Mountains toward popular destinations including Lake Cachuma, Santa Ynez Valley Wine Country, and Solvang. A few tips: - I have included the precise location on the Yelp map, in addition to GPS coordinates, in the Quick Tips. - Check out my video of the drive down this twisty road with views for days: https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select_video=OgU4LsTKlJ7Eqyh60KKdcA&userid=4DyMRBKrokax6d8LCI3GAw. - People love to drive extremely fast up and down (including myself). Be cautious of mountain bikers and motorcycles, particularly around the two hairpin U-turns toward the top. - As the signs heed, put on your headlights during the night AND day. - Please clean up after yourself. Unfortunately there is plenty of trash and glass bottles left behind. Don't be this person.

Photos
Kissing Point Scenic Viewpoint
Kissing Point Scenic Viewpoint - Gorgeous views of all of Santa Barbara and Goleta with the Channel Islands in the distance

Gorgeous views of all of Santa Barbara and Goleta with the Channel Islands in the distance

Kissing Point Scenic Viewpoint - One of several historic markers along the route

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One of several historic markers along the route

Chromatic Gate - Cool gate sculpture

Chromatic Gate

4.3(21 reviews)
1.6 mi

Beautiful sculpture called Chromatic Gate by Herbert Bauer in Santa Barbara. The Austrian-born…read moreartist studied at the Bauhaus under Wassily Kandinsky. Walk around the sculpture from all angles, frame yourself in a photo. This was in a park by the water. I do remember a man made fun of my polka dot dress.

I'm all for Public Art especially because it is free for everyone! I usually stop and check out…read morethe meaning of why and by whom it was created. I was checking out "Local Flavor" on Yelp and this was the first place listed. I had to go see it. It is located at the corner of Calle Puerto Vallarta & E. Cabrillo Blvd. in Cabrillo Park. At 21 feet tall, you can spot it from down the street. Plus it does stand out with it's blue, purple, red, mauve, orange and yellow colors! This gate was installed in 1991 and it had become faded and easy to miss, so it was restored! The restoration was completed in 2013. The new paint is highly durable aircraft specialty paint. Hopefully, it will last longer than the initial paint! Herbert Bayer is the man behind this art. He designed it but passed away in 1985 before it was built. This Gate is a Memorial to Herbert and his wife, Joella. You may recognize Herbert Bayer's other works. For example, Arco's red diamond shape called the ARCO "Spark" logo. And for Angelenos, we have a sculpture in Downtown Los Angeles called the Double Ascension. It is located in front of the City National Plaza (previously known as Arco Plaza) surrounded by a pool of water. He also designed the Articulated Wall which looks like a stack of French Fries, located in Denver, CO. I've seen these three in real life and with research, realized each one was created by Bayer! As stated in other reviews, this makes for a nice Photo Op and is Instagram worthy! If neither of these is your thing, then just come see it as an Art Installation. The next time I come back to Santa Barbara, I would love to see this lit at night!

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Chromatic Gate
Chromatic Gate
Chromatic Gate

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Moreton Bay Fig Tree Park - Sign with information about this tree  01-18-2026

Moreton Bay Fig Tree Park

4.5(86 reviews)
0.9 mi

We visited Santa Barbara recently and stopped by the Moreton Bay Fig tree, we are glad we did, the…read moretree is enormous and very interesting. It is easy to find free parking along the street nearby.

There is a humongous tree in Santa Barbara that you need to see ... IRL (in real life)! It's the…read moreMoreton Bay Fig Tree originally from Australia. It was from a cutting given to a girl who and planted it on 201 State St. in 1876. She moved a year later and her friend dug up and transplanted it here. It's been here at Chapala St. & Montecito St. ever since. In 1970, this tree was designated a California Historical Landmark (No. 837) & later was listed on the California Register of Big Trees. I heard it is the largest Moreton Bay Fig Tree in the Continental U.S.! "Ficus macrophylla, commonly known as the Moreton Bay Fig or Australian Banyan, is a large evergreen banyan tree of the mulberry and fig family Moraceae. It is native to eastern Australia." - Wikipedia Fun Fact: In 1984-85, the homeless people who were registered to vote had attempted to establish this tree as their mailing address. They even put up a mailbox near the tree, but the Post Office refused to deliver mail to a tree. (This was from a Huell Howser interview with Dan Condon, City Arborist for Santa Barbara in 2001) The circumference of the tree was 42 feet around its base, 80 feet tall and had a branch spread of 176 feet in 2001. I wonder what the statistics are today! I saw it in 2020 when it was not as overgrown as it is today. There was no chain link fence, just the smaller black one that is still there. However, there is now a tall chain link fence around the perimeter. It is very overgrown and in serious need of a trimming. A lot of the branches have grown to the ground. This tree is now around 150 years old. I hope it continues to endure and remain healthy for years to come!

Photos
Moreton Bay Fig Tree Park - 5/27/24 One angle from the parking lot

5/27/24 One angle from the parking lot

Moreton Bay Fig Tree Park - Chain Link Fence  01-18-2026

Chain Link Fence 01-18-2026

Moreton Bay Fig Tree Park

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Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History

Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History

4.3(174 reviews)
1.3 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.

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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.

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

El Presidio de Santa Bárbara State Historic Park - Photo Credit | LXN Photography, Lianna Xiaokui Nakashima -- Inquire to Book Your Wedding, Events, Portraits on https://LXNPhotography.com

El Presidio de Santa Bárbara State Historic Park

4.1(32 reviews)
0.2 mi

What a great place to come and visit. You get a glimpse of how it used to be back in the day during…read morein Spanish times in this country. Bring the kids, it is fascinating.

Charming, Detailed, and Perfect for Families…read more I absolutely adored my visit to El Presidio! While the big picture history of the last Spanish fortress is fascinating, it's the meticulous, small-scale details of daily life that truly make this place shine. It's an incredibly peaceful and beautifully maintained urban park. The walk through the reconstructed barracks and the Padre's Quarters offers a tangible sense of what colonial life was like, it's sparse, but authentic. My favorite stops were the Cocina (Kitchen), which is filled with period cutlery and traditional tools, and the lovely heritage gardens. Taking a quiet moment in the courtyard, surrounded by the adobe walls and a few citrus trees, felt like a genuine step back in time. The staff at the Visitor Center were so knowledgeable, and the exhibits on the Chumash people and the later Mexican and American periods gave a well-rounded view of Santa Barbara's complex history. It's a short, affordable, and incredibly rewarding stop. Kid-Friendly Note: The scale of the Presidio is perfect for little legs, and the sight of the historic cannons and the big courtyard kept my children engaged without feeling overwhelmed by a massive museum. Highly recommend this historical gem!

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El Presidio de Santa Bárbara State Historic Park - Photo Credit | LXN Photography, Lianna Xiaokui Nakashima -- Inquire to Book Your Wedding, Events, Portraits on https://LXNPhotography.com

Photo Credit | LXN Photography, Lianna Xiaokui Nakashima -- Inquire to Book Your Wedding, Events, Portraits on https://LXNPhotography.com

El Presidio de Santa Bárbara State Historic Park - Photo Credit | LXN Photography, Lianna Xiaokui Nakashima -- Inquire to Book Your Wedding, Events, Portraits on https://LXNPhotography.com

Photo Credit | LXN Photography, Lianna Xiaokui Nakashima -- Inquire to Book Your Wedding, Events, Portraits on https://LXNPhotography.com

El Presidio de Santa Bárbara State Historic Park - Photo Credit | LXN Photography, Lianna Xiaokui Nakashima -- Inquire to Book Your Wedding, Events, Portraits on https://LXNPhotography.com

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Photo Credit | LXN Photography, Lianna Xiaokui Nakashima -- Inquire to Book Your Wedding, Events, Portraits on https://LXNPhotography.com

Casa del Herrero - Herb Garden Entry

Casa del Herrero

4.6(29 reviews)
3.8 mi

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.

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.

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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.

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Crush It Wine educators, Allie and Julie.

Santa Barbara County Courthouse - landmarks - Updated May 2026

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