Discover the wonders of ocean life at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center. Located on historic Stearns Wharf, this highly interactive regional aquarium offers you close encounters with marine animals from the Santa Barbara Channel. In addition to permanent exhibits, the Sea Center hosts unique events and special educational programming.
Explore the underwater world of the Santa Barbara Channel in the upstairs exhibit Dive In: Our Changing Channel. Encounter a Two-spot Octopus, Moon Jellies, and more. Learn about the channel’s unique habitats from rocky reefs to kelp forests and see the animals that live there. Visit the Wet Deck to try out scientific tools for studying the ocean, and discover all the life beneath the Sea Center. Every day is different, since we’re observing a constantly changing environment.
On the Marine Mammal Mezzanine, Sea Center guests can get up close with a life-sized model of a Gray Whale mother and calf, and learn about many more marine mammals, including a remarkable number that live in or migrate through the Santa Barbara Channel.
Downtown Santa Barbara is a mecca for arts and culture. The classic Spanish heritage and stunning natural landscape of The American Riviera® has inspired all types of artists. Pair your art walk with fresh, local flavors and enjoy the finer things Santa Barbara has to offer. Santa Barbara’s Museum Mile is an easy way to visit the city’s 12 downtown…
