The Santa Barbara County Courthouse in Santa Barbara was built in 1929 and is one of the most historic sites of the city. the courthouse is spread across 150,000 square feet (13935 square meter) and includes four buildings. Extensive restoration work has been carried out through the years to preserve the site of the original courthouse, the antique furniture and murals. Various events are held at the Sunken Garden which is the site of the original courthouse and the courthouse complex is rented out for holding weddings ceremonies.
Covering more than 10 exhibits, the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History chronicles the past of various species of birds, insects and mammals, including humans. Enter the fascinating world of natural history, which is perfectly complemented by the Sea Center, an exhibition on aquatic life. Children in particular will find this place highly educational, and for a nominal price.
Artwork spanning 19th and the 20th centuries is on display at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art, in addition to contemporary work. Antiquarian artifacts made of wood, ceramic and stone and sculptures are a rich treasure preserved here. The museum's store has exclusive pictures and merchandise, and the Fresco Museum Cafe is offers light snacks during museum hours.
The Santa Barbara Maritime Museum is located in the Naval Reserve Center and was set up in 1897 to provide coastal defense to the central coast area. Here they conducted drills, exercises and enhanced skills of troops for this division. Now converted as a museum to showcase all of what they did, and how they continued their duties and rights, you could learn about the history of maritime in a fun and interesting way! This museum has fantastic traditional and interactive exhibits about the history and future of the ocean. The Boat Model Gallery and the Survival at Sea exhibit can't be missed.
The El Presidio de Santa Bárbara State Historic Park features the eponymous site which was constructed in 1782 by Spain as a fortified base, one of the last Spanish military outposts in the region. The association managing the historic park focuses more on the preservation of this site as well as interpreting the history pertaining to the site. Visitors can peruse the exhibits on display in order to gain a deeper insight into the presidio's past. Several programs and activities are conducted to facilitate an understanding of the site's heritage and culture. Today, the presidio is a Californian Historical Landmark and is also featured on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.
Mission Santa Barbara was established by Father Fermín Lasuén in 1786 and it still stands today as a prominent part of local culture and history. Preserving one of the most extensive and closely monitored collections of colonial Franciscan music manuscripts in the world, Mission Santa Barbara is also defined by its age-old tradition of choral singing in California, performances of which can be heard frequently to this day. In addition to its historic importance, the mission is actively involved with and conducts a number of humanitarian activities for the underprivileged.
Casa Dolores is located within the 1843 Pascual Botiller's residence called Botiller Adobe house. With more than 6000 art pieces in its abode made from different materials like glass, tin, clay, etc., the collections showcase different periods from Pre-Hispanic right up to the modern day art works. The artworks are majorly focused on Mexican style and culture. The museum also stands as an event venue showcasing presentations, cultural events besides exhibiting art and setting art workshops.
Enjoy an evening of beautiful art at the Atkinson Gallery located on the Santa Barbara City College premises. The space showcases a number exhibitions from time to time by national and international artists on various genres like contemporary art, visual art and much more. You can visit the website to know more about the upcoming events.
Discover the early inhabitants of the city at the Carpinteria Valley Museum of History. The former pioneers of the region include the indigenous Chumash people, and Mexican settlers. The museum displays a number of artifacts in relation to the community. If you want to learn more about the city in detail, head to the research library that is located on the museum property that boasts of a collection of resources including maps, photographs, and recorded interviews.