The Santa Barbara Courthouse is hands down one of the most stunning elopement and wedding locations I’ve ever photographed. The Spanish-style architecture, lush gardens, and warm California tones make it feel straight out of a fairytale. It’s elegant yet intimate, and there’s magic in every frame taken here. Highly recommend it for couples dreaming of a classic Santa Barbara celebration!

Such a beautiful and historic gem! The Spanish Colonial architecture, tile details, and views from the clock tower are breathtaking. The courtyard and gardens are perfect for photos — especially weddings or quinceañeras. Definitely a must-see in Santa Barbara! It’s also walking distance to major shops at Old Town Santa Barbara. Be there on Saturdays when they close the streets so you can freely walk without the traffic.

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!

Amazing views from the Clocktower and the Mural Room is a must see! There were a handful of weddings taking place so we also witnessed multiple brides and grooms coming and going, further adding to the scenery.

I visited the Superior Court of California in Santa Barbara and honestly didn’t expect it to be this interesting. The building itself is beautiful, clean, and full of history and character. It feels almost like a museum with how nicely everything is designed. You can walk around, explore different areas, and there’s always something to see — from the classic architecture to the peaceful courtyard outside. The atmosphere is calm and respectful but still open enough that you can really take in the space. It’s definitely worth visiting, even if you’re not there for official business. Super cool experience, I totally recommend checking it out.

This is the best tour spot in Santa Barbara downtown. The garden is very beautiful and we happened to see a wedding on that day. We also went to the top of tower to have a view from all 4 directions of the city, it seems that the tower is the highest point of the city. You'll need to pass a security check when going to the tower, so leave you guns behind you.

Probably one of the most beautiful buildings you can find in this part of California. The architecture is so iconic of Spanish colonial times, but it looks even more impressive inside with the murals. Artistically, it is so impressive. You can visit it for free and spend as much time as you want. You can also go up the tower to get a 360 view of Santa Bárbara and the mountains.

We visited the Old Mission Santa Barbara and really enjoyed it! The grounds were clean and well kept. Although we didn’t take the paid tour inside, walking around outside was still very pleasant and peaceful. The gift shop had lots of cute souvenirs to browse, and we especially liked strolling through the olive tree garden. It was a perfect sunny day for a visit!

Always a lovely time at the Mission. I'm born and raised in Goleta/Santa Barbara and I have so many fond memories of this incredible Mission. It's always so peaceful and everyone in the public seems to be as respectful as they can here! Really wish that it could be that in the whole town, but it's a start!! Also, there's so many angels to take amazing photos or to have a picnic on the adjacent lawn.

Old Mission Santa Barbara is a beautiful and historically significant place that’s well worth a visit. The elegant architecture and peaceful gardens create a special atmosphere, and the museum provides interesting insights into California’s past. The chapel is charming and adds to the sense of tradition and heritage. Fans of classic television will also recognize this location — many exterior scenes from the iconic Santa Barbara series were filmed here. A must-see spot that combines history, culture, and a touch of nostalgia.

Stayed in Santa Barbara for a while right by the mission. Got the chance to not only bask in the beauty of the gardens and Santa Barbara weather, but enjoyed seeing local artists compete in a chalk art contest. I mean, I struggle to draw a stick figure so I was blown away by the talent. Also love seeing a community get locals together. Highly recommend stopping by and hoping you’re lucky enough to enjoy some local artists compete there as well!

Very pretty mission well maintained. 250 years old. Tour works well with audio guide. We spent over an hour on the tour. Nice exterior grounds that have a picnic area also.

The mission is impressive, but the $18.00 per person ticket price is steep in my opinion, this is the only mission where we’ve encountered such outrageous ticket prices. We visited because this is the last of the missions we needed to see to have visited them-all. The church and grounds are beautiful but we thought it was odd that in the missions historic rooms there was an exhibit about sea life but not about the mission? Mission La Purisima in Lompoc was so much better at explaining and experiencing the history of the mission and life at the mission, and it was free.

This was on my must visits while in Santa Barbara. The history and amazing buildings. We came on in on Monday right in time for the last self guided tour. There was a padre there to ask questions which was more than I thought. We were able to view the gardens, church; cemetery and view some info inside what looks like a museum. The cemetery was very interesting. Mausoleums with turn of the century inhabitants. We went through the little gift store and then walked over to the olive tree area with the stations of the cross. I love seeing the pictures of when the building was first built. It’s amazing g to see that there was nothing else around but now homes and parking lots. Great view of the ocean.

Stearns Wharf is in Santa Barbara. It's the oldest working g wharf in California. It was built in 1873. 2300 foot long. Yes it's that long, to allow ocean ships back then to tow up at low tide. John Peck "JP" Stearns opened a lumber yard in 1867 and needed a way to ship lumber. He got a backer, Colonel William Hollister, to help him finance and build the wharf. Fast forward to today, they have a restaurants, shops, bait & tackle shop, boat rides, and a Sea Center aquarium. The crazy thing about the wharf is that you can drive your car out onto it and park. The wharf acts as a parking lot too. Wild! We drove our car out there and parked. Parking is free for the first 90 minutes. $3 for each additional hour. There is a public restroom but it was a wet mess. A layer of water was on the ground as if they hosed it down. So if you are unsteady on your feet, precede with caution. Folks can fish off the pier. We saw a young man catch a thresher shark. Wow. The vibe of the pier was casual, even the eateries. Walk out to the furthest point and catch the 360 views. Beautiful! I bet the sunset is spectacular against the drop into the ocean's horizon.

Stearns Wharf is the best. It may be one of the last wooden wharves in CA you can still drive out in. Over looking the harbor. There is a lot to do with restaurants to eat at from nicer sit down to fish and chips window ordering. There is a bunch to do with kids including the Sea Center or fishing off the end of the pier.

I've decided Stearns Wharf is an iconic Santa Barbara experience; the perfect mix of ocean views, local flavor, and laid-back charm. You can stroll the pier, browse the little shops, grab fresh seafood or ice cream, and watch the boats in the harbor. The sunsets here are absolutely stunning, and it’s an easy walk from nearby hotels and the beach. Parking is available right on the wharf, and it’s family-friendly, clean, and full of that classic California coastal energy. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or a local taking in the view, this is a must-visit stop in Santa Barbara.

Stearns Wharf of Santa Barbara is an historic destination that may be one of the most famous of piers on the California coast! The present day pier has been reconstructed since the original commercial wharf was developed in 1872 by John P. Stearns, with funding help from W. W. Hollister. Unlike other piers down the coast, this one is geared up for visitors, with signage, exhibits, memorabilia,, gift shops, restaurants, boat rides and of course restrooms. I enjoyed the views of the calm ocean as well as the overview looking back towards land. It seemed as tho wherever I stopped to take pictures, other visitors were also taking in the scene beside me! There’s easy access off the end of State Street, where public parking’s available. I found free street parking just south of the pier. There’s also more secure paid parking areas within walking distance. The pier is compatible with handicap access and convenience.

Great pier, clean beach, ample parking right on the pier and free if you park for less than 90 minutes. Clean restrooms. Will definitely be back.

Arriving here on a cloudy day, it felt a little deserted and dreary. However, there were many people cycling and running, which brought a sense of life to the place. These looked like a good place for sea fishing.

It's 50% parking lot, ridiculous. Cars going back and forth are pretty loud on the wooden pier.

We visited this charming destination as a family and had a great time! Entry costs $28 per adult and $18 per child, with an optional train ride inside the park for $7 per adult and $6.50 per child. The train station also features a cute train-themed shop that's worth checking out. 🚶‍♀️ Be prepared for some uphill and downhill walking—comfortable shoes are a must! The park offers stroller and electric wheelchair rentals, which is super helpful for families with young kids or anyone needing mobility support. 🍔 There are restaurants on-site where you can record classic favorites like burgers and fries, perfect for a casual lunch break. 🚆 We traveled from Los Angeles via Amtrak, and the station is just a 4-minute Uber ride from the park entrance. On the way back, we opted to walk—it's about 40 minutes, and a nice way to wind down after a fun-filled day. Overall, it's a pleasant spot for a family outing with a mix of nature, fun, and convenience. Highly recommend!

Nice sized zoo for younger kiddos. Enclosures were smaller but it's understandable for the size of facility. It was easy to walk and the train was fun as well. The conductor was very fun and knowledgeable. There was a fun play area for young kids for a break. We went during the week so I could see how on a weekend the parking would be difficult.

Great medium sized zoo. Grounds are very clean, beautiful and well maintained. Terrific diversity in species. All habitats and animals reflect a very caring staff. Lots of areas designed to give kids space and things to play on and with. Highly recommend visiting this zoo.

This was such a great visit. My boys loved it. We brought my son here for his birthday. It was warm but not unbearable, the workers were nice excluding the guy taking food orders. The guy taking food orders was rude, drab and not helpful. Its sad when my 10 yr old says he hates his job for sure. We went on 9-8 a Monday and it was practically empty. It was such a fun experience feeding the giraffe and 1 of them are pregnant. So fun. The train was such a fun experience too. My boys enjoyed their time today.

It was a wonderful day. In the past we ended up at SBZ and the crowd size was big. Too Big.. today was a nice size which made our experience awesome 👏👏👏 Quite honestly. The Zoo was designed for large crowds. SBZ does nothing for Seniors. Which is odd.. The staff was very nice. There were a few exhibits closed. We had a nice talk with a Keeper who specializes in Condors and Turkey Vultures. She was very nice, knowledgeable, and helpful..

The Santa Barbara Zoo is a great place to go with a family especially if you have kids. It’s not a large zoo but it is perfectly sized and organized for kids to have an amazing time. They have all the animals kids know about that show up in cartoons. You can even feed giraffes and get close to kangaroos! It’s a great way to spend a day and then get some local seafood around Santa Barbara

Impressive for such a small zoo. The pens are large and well designed. The zoo itself is beautiful. Lots of old growth trees. The three California condors were spectacular. And their aviary looked big enough for them to get around.

Watched 2 seals playing in the harbor on my walk to the end. Love the sound of the ocean hitting the wall. Very peaceful!!

What an incredible area to spend several hours meandering around all the restaurants, museums, coffee houses, and of course...all those gorgeous boats floating within the Harbor slips. So much local culture and history here, and the views inland are phenomenal, while the smell of the sea as you stroll, commands your constant attention...it is just a perfect way to spend an afternoon! We sure did! Nice job Santa Barbara!

Awesome little harbor, so many masts litter the skyline. Very calm and quaint area. We went to the maritime museum, everyone was very nice, the museum is small but has alot of cool info and exhibits, and 5 or 6 interactive stations that me and my 12 year found fun and interesting. Definitely recommend if in the area.

You must go here and walk around. So much fun and completely breath taking! Don’t miss this on your trip to Santa Barbara. We absolutely loved it.

A great place for a walk, there are benches, a restaurant, public toilets and paid and free parking, I recommend it especially in the morning and evening.

Lovely to stroll about taking in the boats and activity with paddle boarders. Food options from shop to restaurant.

Breathtaking views here! Good shops and restaurants. We explored the harbor while waiting to be seated at a nearby restaurant, and had a very pleasant walk. I don't think I've seen that many boats in one place before. Plenty of parking available, although paid.

The Santa Barbara botanical garden was a nice garden that showcased many of the local plants and species that are native to the area. The meadow was the most beautiful part of the garden and was really enjoyable to walk through. There were many other nice places to walk through but I didn’t feel that they compared to the meadow. Overall, we were happy we came here but likely wouldn’t return a second time.

Such a fun garden! 🌸🌿 It’s definitely different from others I’ve been to—super unique and full of surprises. There’s a bit of hiking involved 🥾 so be prepared—we went in dresses and didn’t know 😅 but still had a great time! I loved how it changes atmospheres as you walk through 🌲🌼, and there are hidden gems throughout that are perfect for kids to explore 🧚‍♀️🔍. Even though one area was closed when we went 🚧, it was still a beautiful and peaceful place to visit 💖🌞. Great for a little adventure and nature time!

This is a nice place to visit if you have 2 hours to spare. The garden highlights native California fora. Most of the paths are unpaved and comfortable shoes are a must. I loved the little creek with the stepping stones.

This garden is primarily only California-native plants, which is cool. They have redwoods, a torey pine, and lots of plants from the Channel Islands. The bathroom at the island lookout was the cleanest and we were able to see Santa Cruz Island in the distance. The gift shop/nursery was nice and the staff at both the gift shop and nursery were very helpful.

Nice garden and everything is walking distance. The drive there was awesome as well. Most people don't do Tipton trail but it worth it for the view. See photos.

Just visited the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, and it’s a chill spot for a nature fix! This place is a smaller garden, but it’s got some solid hiking trails and cool streams weaving through. When we went, not a ton of flowers were popping off—only a handful in bloom—but the pine trees and natural vibes made up for it. The landscape feels super serene, and you can check out some Spanish mission ruins from the 1800s right in the garden, which is a neat little history bonus. It’s not packed with stuff to see, but it’s perfect for a relaxed walk in nature. Plus, it’s not far from the Old Mission, so you could pair the two for a day trip. Oh, and pro tip: if you’ve got an LA Arboretum membership, you get in free! Definitely worth a stroll if you’re in the area.

It was an amazing experience. It took about 2 hours with plenty of breaks. It was dog friendly. They have plenty of areas to have a picnic.

Shoreline Park is a hidden gem that perfectly captures the spirit of the California coast. With panoramic views of the beach and ocean, it’s an ideal spot to relax, unwind, and take in the natural beauty of the shoreline. Watching surfers carve through waves just offshore adds an energizing backdrop to an already serene setting. Beyond the view, Shoreline Park delivers an impressive food and drink experience. Their menu features a well-curated selection of flavorful dishes—fresh, satisfying, and thoughtfully plated. But what truly sets this place apart is its cocktail program. Whether you’re in the mood for a bold craft cocktail or a smooth, refreshing mixed drink, the bar staff consistently hits the mark. Each drink is balanced, creative, and complements the coastal ambiance perfectly. Whether you’re stopping by for a casual lunch, sunset drinks, or a laid-back dinner with a view, Shoreline Park checks all the boxes for a memorable experience by the water.

Beautiful park, well maintained with a VERY long ledt to right walking path with plenty of grass, walking paths, trees and... then there is the mighty Pacific Ocean right there in front of you. It's Santa Barbara so it's extra and so worth it. They say to the right of the staircase is off leash for dogs and we did turn right but there is hundreds, thousands of feet of beach in either direction. Check the tides, that matters but if you're around this place ans and want to relax do yourself a favor and stop by to bring your BP way down

Park is long and plenty of room to hang out. I arrived around 11am and there were plenty of tables available, but not much parking. Restrooms were clean and views are amazing. Trash and recycling bins are available by nearly all tables.

Beautiful, green, well-maintained park to walk, see the ocean, and relax. Just gorgeous! The restroom was not good though.

Great park on the shore for running, walking or cycling. Easy access to the beach and several parking lot options. Parking was $12 flat rate in the lot I was in by the museum. The lot closer towards the start of shoreline park, was smaller, but also cheaper. Several restrooms along the park, would recommend to anyone looking for a nice park to exercise and even eat their lunch.

Shoreline Park in Santa Barbara, California, offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. As the sun sets, the sky transforms into a canvas of golden hues, creating a serene and picturesque scene perfect for a peaceful evening stroll.

Shoreline Park is a gem along the Santa Barbara coastline. It’s the perfect place for a peaceful walk, a picnic with friends, or simply soaking in panoramic ocean views. The grassy areas are well-kept, there’s plenty of space to relax, and the walking paths are ideal for a leisurely stroll. You can often spot dolphins or surfers out on the water, especially near sunset—absolutely beautiful. There’s also a staircase that leads down to the beach if you’re up for a bit more adventure. Clean, quiet, and family-friendly, Shoreline Park is one of those places that captures the laid-back spirit of Santa Barbara perfectly. Highly recommended if you’re visiting the area or just need a moment of calm by the sea.

Highly recommend a weekend motorcycle ride. Great atmosphere special motorcycle parking, live entertainment, great food and artisans. Spectacular views along the route, just be careful with cars when you turn onto Stagecoach road. If you drive be ready to search for parking and a long hike to the tavern. Labor day weekend was perfect for live music and plenty of bikers. A place to come and enjoy yourself.

Stopped here during a motorcycle trip. What a pleasant surprise. Incredible spot with rustic charm, historic character, and a cozy atmosphere; the staff are warm and welcoming, the food is fantastic, and the combination of great drinks, live music, and a beautiful woodsy setting makes it a truly unique; overall, it’s a really cool place that I highly recommend.

Great little spot up in the hills surrounded by beautiful trees. We opted to eat outside but there’s inside dining as well. There’s beer/wine and full bar if you’d like. We tried the burger, French dip, and the chili cheese fries. The burger was a tad on the greasy side but still good. Easily enough for 2 to share. The French dip was unconventional but very tasty. 👨‍🍳😘husband enjoyed the chili cheese fries. We didn’t love the onion rings due to the greasiness but that’s okay. Good service and plenty of parking and shade. Little to no cell phone service so enjoy the company and the views n

This is like a different world…. Live music, the food was sooo amazing, and the smell for the grill outside is perfect. They recommended ravioli I believe and it was 10 out of 10, sandwich is great, no issue with parking imo, you can park a little bit farther and walk like 2-3 minutes but it’s worth it, love it. Not a one time trip, you will come back for sure :)

Absolutely a must visit if you are in Santa Barbara or passing by! The food is amazing, the vide is exquisite! I always recommend this place to my friends and people who are visiting town. A great place to visit any time of the year but summer time weekends are a bit special because of the live music and the guests energy!

This spot is amazing. Worth the trip, great food, great atmosphere, cool history. All of the food we got was amazing, including the tri tip and the onion rings of course. The bison sandwich was also out of this world.

This is a hidden gem. It is tucked off the beaten path down a windy narrow road. Under a canopy of trees and next to a flowing spring. The buildings and laid back atmosphere make it a must see adventure. A few things to keep in mind if you are planning a trip here are that the weekend is very busy and parking especially for cars are limited to parking on the shoulder of a narrow road, which means you may have a bit of a hike to get to the tavern. Motorcycle parking is much easier with the parking in a designated spot next to the tavern (dirt and gravel, uneven surface). I ride a large bike and was able to park relatively easy. The food was fantastic, I would go back again just for the tri tip sandwich. The ride was beautiful with a great view of an arched bridge which was breathtaking. My advice is to arrive from south end of Stagecoach road and leave heading North which is downhill from the tavern.

The classic, fine art is lacking...3 Monet, and a Chagall...IMHO: WAY too much contemporary and modern "art." The main exhibit was interesting but just didn't speak to me.

World’s smallest museum. Took 20 mins to go through 2 floors mostly stuff from mid 1900s hahaha wasn’t impressed. I attached the coolest item they had showcasing. And they wanted an extra $$ to go into two rooms full of Monet. I would not recommend unless you want to pay to waste a few minutes.

Smaller museum and gallery but perfect size so you don't get museum fatigue. The permanant galleries are always great to look at after you finish touring their current exhibition. Staff and curators always choose interesting themes and topics and guides are extremely knowledgable and passionate. I also visited the van gogh exhibit which was the most packed i have ever seen place. Free for students as well as long as you bring your student ID with you!

Lovely museum! Lots of paintings, sculptures, installations. Great collection of late 19 and early 20th century European art. I will be back for sure!

imagine standing two feet from a second century sculpture. witness the oil on canvas that rivals photography. make this a stop on any trip to Santa Barbara...

The tour was enjoyable and very helpful. I felt like I was being given a nice and quick art lesson. After the tour I was able to enjoy the other art pieces, recognize names mentioned in the tour, and put them in context. The museum collection is lovely, with mostly western art from the 1800s, and some interesting Asian exhibits, and some modern art. We spent 3 hours here on a hot summer afternoon, learned a lot, and enjoyed every minute of it. It’s the best $10 (entrance fee per person) that we could’ve spent.

Don’t believe Marias review the fact she went through the museum in 20 minutes Says that she’s the one lacking not the museum. i’ve lived here my whole life. I’ve been going to the museum my whole life. It’s a small, but it certainly not the worlds smallest museum. I’ve been around the world and I’ve seen a lot of museums. It’s “not size that matters” The museum is quality & it brings in world class shows w/ out the crazy lines or crowded interiors. If you immerse yourself in what they have you find many gems and you can learn a lot.

Impressive tree. Really amazing. Came here for the virtual geocache. Unfortunately only one of the informational plaques was still there (or visible, anyway; there might be another under the low branches on the train side). And the fence, although understandable that it needs to be there, made it kind of difficult to see the tree well. Needs better signage and a nicer fence.

This tree, I touched when I was a kid. It's protected now with a fence. Too many homeless people cracked out laying on the sidewalk.

The most amazing tree you've ever seen in your entire life. But it's completely surrounded by a chain link fence, and you have to walk about a mile from the closest parking

A must see tree. It’s behind the rail station and blocked off but worth it, it’s massive

Did you know this is the oldest fig tree in the world? And it's located in Santa Barbara! It really is a shame that it's been neglected and carved up- hence the fence, however you're still able to peer past the chain link fence and stand in awe of the ginormous tree with it's imposing limbs and plentiful figs. If you're in the downtown area and would like to do some exploring, this is for you.

So glad I came to see this rare gem. I ❤️ trees. They give me hope for this planet. I follow a YT’er (Max and Occy) and he has an over 500 y.o. Moreton Fig on his 5 acres in 🇦🇺. I visit this one every summer. Unfortunately, not all respect the earth and this tree would be ruined if it weren’t for the chainlink fence surrounding it’s space. Wish SB would do better to protect it and make it more beautiful.

Wow! This fig tree is massive. Located right next to the bus terminal. Really easy to find. The tree casts a giant shade where you can take pictures and just cool off a bit. If you never seen a giant fig tree before, you have to see this one. I would check it out again if I'm in the area. I post honest reviews and pictures of places we visit. Give me a like if you find it helpful.

Very nice dog Beach. You can keep walking south for miles to find beautiful desolate beaches and caves. Dogs are able to be off leash. Parking is limited though so you have to get lucky to find a spot if arriving after the morning. There is a cool look out spot at the top of the stairs. That's where I took my pictures. I would highly recommend this place.

Love this dog beach — we come here often! Great space for dogs to run and swim, and the vibe is always friendly. Only downside: sometimes there’s oil tar on the sand, so be ready to clean paws after. Still one of our favorite spots!

One of our favorite beach spots. Dog friendly, leash free on the south beach, great walking with the occasional hang glider to entertain you. Restaurant is pricy but good. Parking can be tricky.

Beautiful beach, we sat and saw dolphins going up and down. Great waves for body boarding, I tried body surfing lol Nearby parking and restaurant (awesome burger btw 🍔) plus a reasonable free public WC

Love this beach! There's an off leash area where they can play in the surf, and an easy to use washing station near the overflow parking to get all the salt off. Everyone was very responsible and friendly!

Dog heaven. My dog starts to cry as we pull into the parking lot because he’s so excited for this place! Have only experienced friendly people and wonderful dogs off leash.

Love this beach! It’s a DOG beach Y’all! Off-leash dog heaven where they can play in the surf and chase birds and play with other dogs. Be mindful of your dog(s). It’s open ocean out there. It’s fabulous and they have dog washing stations in the parking lot! Perfection 😎

The staff are very friendly and the museum is well kept and clean. Fun exhibits in the museum part and it also has an outside backyard area that's great for kids. The butterflies are also out right now, and are very well maintained. It also has an observatory and planetarium where we got a pretty cool show.

The Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History is a great place to visit and bring your children to. Offers a good amount of history and information on mammals, birds, science, prehistoric animals, Chumash people and many, many more things to learn about. They have a beautiful butterfly garden and a live bird area. It’s truly a fun place to visit.

I visited the Natural History Museum during summer break and bought our tickets, paying a little extra for the Butterfly Pavilion—it was a bit “extra,” but absolutely worth it. The first thing that caught my attention was the planetarium. Small, yes, but incredibly immersive! Even though some little ones weren’t enjoying the show and made a lot of noise, it was still amazing and almost changed how I view Earth and life. After that, we headed to the Butterfly Pavilion. The line was short and easygoing, though it was pretty hot—some fans nearby would have been nice. Once inside, it was magical: butterflies were everywhere, and three even landed on me! It felt like being in a Disney movie. My visit was a little more expensive than expected, but the mix of the immersive planetarium and the enchanting butterflies made it fascinating, fun, and unforgettable.

Great place to visit! Very good for kids. They have a beautiful butterfly exhibit until the end of the summer ($3 per person). There is a planetarium 25 minute shows about 3 times a day. They have an observatory. Prehistoric forest with moving dinosaurs is a must see. There is a garden with a creek where kids can play with water, boat, climb rocks. Free parking.

What an amazing Museum to visit we had no idea the history we would see with the largest whale skelton in the world. There is an indoor area you can visit to check out the history and animals around Santa Barbara, learn about the Missions along the coast. You can also walk around outside via the nature area and see some really cool dinosaurs and learn some history.

The animatronic dinos were awesome my kids thought they were amazing. It was a highlight of our visit. Seeing Chad as we walked up was amazing to learn those are his real bones showing g how massive blue whales are. Definitely going to go back on a week day and check out the planetarium next time.

My best summary is it’s small but mighty. The diversity of displays and the focus on Californian/local wildlife is well represented. My kids love the dinosaurs and creek areas! And the Butterflies Alive! walkthrough is a must do 🙂

Not a bad little museum that offers free tour guides. The volunteers that work there are brilliant and very accommodating. Worth a visit if you’re heading to/from the Fig Tree next door.

We were fortunate to have a chance to visit the Reagan Ranch again to set up 2,977 American flags for the 9/11 memorial. We really appreciate the staff at the Reagan Ranch Center and the Young America's Foundation for all the patriotic things they do and especially for making sure America never forgets the terrorist attacks that resulted in this tragedy.

Young America’s Foundation is a great organization that provides students and the public with inspiring information about America and the legacy of President Ronald Reagan.

Fortunate enough to go when there wasn't a big crowd. The volunteers were extremely knowledgeable. We were blessed to get a tour of the 3rd floor with Gil. GREAT job Gil!! We really enjoyed you sharing your knowledge on things that go unnoticed. Highly recommend stopping in when you are in the area.

Small museum that can be visited in an hour unless you spend time viewing the interactive videos. So many great memories. Not as big as the Reagan library but definitely worth a visit.

This is a very small extension of the Reagan Library located very close the beach in Santa Barbara. It has memorabilia from his ranch and private life, and a number of other things to learn. It's just a few minutes from the SB Zoo and easy walking distance to the main train station. It can be seen in about 1/2 an hour. Parking is limited.

Great place to see the best orator in modern presidency. All things Rancho del Cielo

The beach have a great view of the ocean, palm tree lined and the pier. An Art & Craft Show was running at the time. Vendors were very nice. Is a great place to walking on the sand and having a relaxing time with sound of the waves, just be careful not to walk over the green algaes, your foot will end up with a slime and black substance that's hard to go away. You will need water to apply on it (not Ocean Water). I'll visiting back again in the future.

Amateur Radio Club on Field Day communicating to people around the world using just a ham radio frequency spectrum for the purposes of non-commercial exchange of messages. Emergency communications by licensed radio operators. The event was a test over a 24-hour period, recorded and documented for a contest of how many contacts a radio operator can make. Some highly experienced radio operators only used CW or Morse Code during the event.

It have a very big playground and a very good environment but it does not have a swing,and kids love swings.

Nice park and beach. Beach has a bit of driftwood, but not a problem. Water is swimmable, surf was much lower than other beaches closer to Malibu. Plenty of parking available - $18 per day.

Excellent Park playground dog friendly clean bathrooms live music in July on Thursdays love it

Very chilled and relaxed atmosphere. Had a picnic in the park which was very nice.

A fantastic park with a pirate theme playground. The kids ran around and had a ball climbing and playing on all the structures. Safe, fun and a great design for hours of fun! If you live or are visiting Santa Barbara, put this place on your list for the kiddos!

What a perfect way to spend a rainy day on the SB Harbor! Inexpensive entry fee, lots of local history, an art exhibition inside, local volunteers to assist you with any questions, and soooo much to see and experience. Plan for a couple of hours here... easily. A must stop if you're visiting SB. Loads of fun!

Came here on a whim and was pleasantly surprised. It was a great value and an excellent day to spend a couple of hours during a cold or rainy day. The museum has some great information and fun interactive features for all ages. Am unexpected and surprisingly good time!

What a fun little museum! We visited the Maritime Museum with a local friend who lives sailing. He was so proud to bring us to this museum. It's full of local history. The stand out was the light from the Point Conception's old lighthouse. It looks straight out of Oz 💚 There's a lot to see in a relatively small space. I have a feeling kids (especially those who like boats) would lose their minds in this place. Definitely worth the visit!

Great little museum! We really enjoyed our visit. Came later in the afternoon and saw everything in just over an hour. Great learning the history of Santa Barbara. Would recommend to anyone in the area looking for a museum to visit

Went on a quiet, fair weathered Sunday afternoon. The fee to enter was reasonable and easy to take care of at the front. Throughout our wandering there was probably about 50 others in the spacious two floor museum. The exhibits ranged from photographs, artifacts, audio entries, and large installation. As a life long resident of the region the photography was fantastic especially from the turn of the century. The docents are friendly and while only one was on hand that day they were available many times while chatting with groups. The ships models are beautifully detailed and there are easily a dozen large displays and artifacts you can put your hands on and learn about. This museum is a great visit if you're looking to use an hour or two of your itinerary and the fact Brophy brothers and the restaurant attached to the museum are delicious only helps. It can be walked to from the beach nearby, but it's a little far and surrounded by marinas, so it may be better to drive over to eat and visit the museum and walk along the water for a bit.

Lovely small museum with cool artifacts and interesting stories. Some interactive exhibits that fell kind of flat. Some that I'm still mulling over a couple weeks later. Loved the panels about the environmental impact of offshore oil (sponsored by oil companies). I had a very nice time. Kept me busy about 45 minutes.

I was surprised at how good this little museum is. Good modern exhibits focusing mostly on local history maritime history with interesting artifacts. There is a free scavenger hunt for children to participant in. The docent spent a lot of time w us telling my 11 year old son about the history and making it interesting for him. His favorite part was steering the boat. Don’t forget to visit the fourth floor for an amazing view. This July the gift shop everything is 50% off. There is also a teacher discount that isn’t advertised (free entry).