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.
Boasting 78 acres of lush, verdant land, the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden is a place for adventurers of all ages. The garden is home to over 1,000 different kinds of native plants, and visitors can hike and walk through the area for a simple, affordable day of fun. The Garden offers tours for visitors and also hosts a range of events, from a wine and cheese lecture series to an exploration classes for toddlers and even a "Trails 'n' Tails" event for dogs and their owners. Don't forget your camera and walking shoes when you head over to explore the flower beds, trails and fields.
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.
Take some time off from your regular schedule and enjoy a relaxing day at El Capitan State Beach. This beach is a popular recreational spot amongst tourists and locals alike. You can enjoy a refreshing dip in the cool blue waters or simply sunbathe by the beachside. If you are feeling a little more adventurous, the beach is known to offer several watersport options like snorkeling, scuba diving, surfing, and more. If you are an avid angler, you can enjoy boating and fishing here. Besides these, the beach features several hiking and biking trails, camping facilities, and more for thrill-seekers to enjoy.
Wetlands as far as the eye can see, with beautiful vistas of unique marshland plants and waterfowl, is what one can expect while visiting Carpinteria Salt Marsh Nature Park. Geared towards conservation of endangered species such as light-footed clapper rail, Belding’s savannah sparrow and more, the park is a must see for bird watchers and those interested in learning about this unique habitat.
Canzelle Alpacas is an expansive farm with a big herd of alpacas, llamas, sheep, dogs and more. You can meet these friendly animals up close and even feed them, for they are used to visitors. After the tour of the farm and getting some memorable pictures, visitors can relax at the deck, with gorgeous views of the ocean, and nosh on some snacks.
Hidden off the coast of Southern California's busy mainland, this wonderful sanctuary takes visitors on an insightful journey through marine conservation efforts, which enables them to learn more about threatened species, habitats that need protection, and a host of other well-preserved vestiges of culture, history, and nature. The sanctuary comprises of and protects the waters that surround islands such as San Miguel, Santa Barbara, Santa Rosa, Santa Cruz, and Anacapa. Within these waters, one will not only find rare and endangered marine species and their habitats but also cultural landmarks of the native Chumash people and age-old shipwrecks that also lie within the realm of protection of the sanctuary. Visitors can explore all this and more through a host of recreational activities such as snorkeling, kayaking, and scuba diving.
Wetlands as far as the eye can see, with beautiful vistas of unique marshland plants and waterfowl, is what one can expect while visiting Carpinteria Salt Marsh Nature Park. Geared towards conservation of endangered species such as light-footed clapper rail, Belding’s savannah sparrow and more, the park is a must see for bird watchers and those interested in learning about this unique habitat.
Located on Ashley Road in Montecito neighborhood, Lotusland is a botanical garden open to the public through reservations. Visitors have the opportunity to take a tour of the lush 37-acre (15 hectares) gardens, which house a variety of plants. There are a total of 18 garden areas which have about 3,000 species of plants from different parts of the world. Visitors can spot plants like cacti, aloe, ferns among the garden's specialty- lotuses. Visit in July or August to treat your eyes to beautiful, fully bloomed lotuses. The garden got its name from the Indian lotus that started growing in the property, that was owned by Madame Walska.
Casa Del Herrero or the Steedman Estate was designed by George Washington Smith for industrialist, George Fox Steedman. The estate built in Spanish Colonial Revival Style architecture finds mention in the National Register of Historic Places. It became a National Historic Landmark in 2009. The site is operated as a house museum by the Casa Del Herrero Foundation.
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.