Something for Everyone at Santa Barbara Attractions

From lovely botanical gardens to famous missions, Santa Barbara attractions are sure to offer something to suit everyone's taste and interests. While spectacular scenery and weather attract visitors to Santa Barbara from every part of the world, Santa Barbara attractions add the icing to the cake. Kids will love the Santa Barbara Zoo, with over 600 animals to see and learn about. Museum lovers will enjoy the Museum of Art and the Museum of Natural History, both of which are well worth a visit. Take a moment to browse our site, and see why Santa Barbara attractions will leave you raving.

Alameda Park
Alameda Park has more than 70 species of trees and a playground for kids. The park is located at 1400 Santa Barbara St. in downtown Santa Barbara.

Mission Santa Barbara
Mission Santa Barbara, called the Queen of Missions, sits above downtown Santa Barbara. It was built in 1786 and serves as a Franciscan friary, a parish church, and a museum. Mission Santa Barbara's main facade has neoclassical-styled columns and Chumash Indian wall decorations. The mission also has courtyard gardens and an extensive cemetery that contains the mausoleums of early California settlers. The mission, located at 2201 Laguna St., is open for self-guided tours daily. Call the mission gift shop at (805) 82-4149 for information about group tours.

El Presidio de Santa Barbara State Historic Park
This site was built in 1782 to protect the missions between Monterey and San Diego. Presidios served as safe havens for Spanish soldiers during the 18th century. El Presidio de Santa Barbara State Historic Park also has a chapel. The park is located at 123 E. Canonperdido St. Call the park at (805) 965-0093 for information about its hours and admission fees.

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden
There are more than 65 acres to explore in the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden. The garden's landscape represents each of the different regions in California. The botanic garden is located at 1212 Mission Canyon Road. Call (805) 682-4726 for information about its hours and admission fees.

Santa Barbara County Courthouse
While self-guided tours are available at the Santa Barbara County Courthouses, it's best to take a free guided tour of the site. Previous guests say you should visit the mural room because of its spectacular decorations. They also suggest you climb up the 80-foot clock tower to see a panoramic view of Santa Barbara. The courthouse, decorated in the Spanish-Moorish Revival style, was completed in 1929. The wall and floor tiles were imported from Spain and Tunisia, and the building's ceilings are hand-painted.

Santa Barbara Museum of Art
The works of artists like Monet, Matisse, Hopper, and O'Keeffe are featured at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art. The museum also features Asian art, classical sculpture, and photography. There's even a place for kids in the interactive children's gallery. There's also a gift shop for those who want to take some art home with them. The museum is located at 1130 State St. Call the museum at (805) 963-4364 for information about its hours and admission fees.

Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History
Guests of the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History can see how the region was formed at the museum's Geology and Paleontology Hall. There are also interactive exhibits and an astronomy center. The museum is located at 2559 Puesta de Sol Road. Call the museum at (805) 682-4711 for information about its hours and admission fees.

Santa Barbara Zoo
The Santa Barbara Zoo has more than 600 animals to see. Most of the animals are showcased in their natural habitats or in beautiful gardens. Visitors can ride on a train for a tour of the zoo, which is open every day except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. The zoo is located at 500 Ninos Drive. Call (805) 962-6310 for information about its hours and admission fees.

Stearns Wharf
Stearns Wharf is the oldest, continuously operating wharf on the West Coast. John Beck Stearn built the wharf in 1872, and movie star Jimmy Cagney and his two brothers owned the wharf in the 1940s. The Santa Barbara Maritime Museum is located at Stearns Wharf and celebrates the city's history with hands-on exhibits. Visitors can take a virtual trip through the Santa Barbara Channel or look through a 45-foot U.S. Navy periscope. The wharf is easily accessible off of Highway 101.

Sunday Arts and Crafts Fair
You can enjoy arts and crafts while strolling on Cabrillo Boulevard on East Beach. The Sunday Arts and Crafts Fair features 300 local artists who paint, draw, sculpt, and make crafts. Guests even have the chance to take some of this art home with them.