Founded in 1916 as the Museum of Comparative Oology, the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History has evolved to include more than 3.5 million specimens covering every aspect of natural history—from mammals, birds, and marine life to geology, astronomy, paleontology, and anthropology.

Newly renovated in 2018, the Museum boasts state-of-the-art interactive exhibits for all ages, paired with the Central Coast’s only planetarium, on 17 acres of oak woodland along Mission Creek. Guests learn about the Santa Barbara region’s unique and diverse natural history and then go outside to explore nature in the Museum Backyard. Museum education programs serve all ages to promote scientific literacy and instill a passion for nature and learning.

Open Daily 10:00 AM-5:00 PM. Closed New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day and the last Saturday of June for the annual Santa Barbara Wine & Food Festival. Admission: Adults $12; Teens/Seniors $8; Children (2-12 years) $7. Parking is free. Get the SB Nature Pass and visit both the Museum and Sea Center.