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 museums while enjoying fresh cuisine and local spirits along the way. From State Street to the waterfront, Santa Barbara offers vibrant, enriching experiences for all ages.
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Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Santa Barbara Photo Credit: David Collier, Courtesy of Visit California
Along State Street, local favorite The Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum holds some of the world’s largest collections of original documents, including the work of Beethoven and Darwin. The Santa Barbara Museum of Art boasts works ranging from classical antiquities to modern installations. Pair art with the nearby luxury winery, Grassini Family Vineyards, and nibble on some carefully chosen chocolate with your Cabernet. Or, sample the fine, California cuisine at the local’s favorite Opal Restaurant & Bar.
Immerse yourself in Santa Barbara’s rich, Spanish history at the preserved Casa de la Guerra and El Presidio De Santa Barbara State Historic Park. Take a stroll in the stunning courtyards at the nearby Santa Barbara Historical Museum, which pay homage to the romance of early Spanish California. After, dip into Handlebar Coffee Roasters for an afternoon java jolt. If you’re craving something sweet, try a scoop from Santa Barbara’s McConnell’s Fine Ice Creams around the block.
MOXI, Santa Barbara’s newest destination for families and curious minds of all ages. Photo Credit: Blake Bronstad
Kids and adults will love stopping into the quirky Susan Quinlan Doll & Teddy Bear Museum & Library and Santa Barbara Carriage Museum as you make your way down to the waterfront. Once there, find Santa Barbara’s newest museum, MOXI—a creative playground for all ages. This world-class museum combines creativity and the sciences with hands-on learning. If you’re in need of nourishment, the “new classic” farm-to-fork restaurant, The Lark, is only a couple of blocks away. From there, dive into wonders of the sea with Santa Barbara’s Maritime Museum and Santa Barbara’s Museum of Natural History Sea Center. Cap off your day with shops, sights and savory dishes at Santa Barbara’s classic attraction, Stearns Wharf, and cheers to a day well spent.
Celebrate 5,000 years of human history and creativity on a visit to the Santa Barbara Museum of Art. First opened in 1941, the Museum is located in the heart of downtown in a stately building that was once the Santa Barbara Post Office.…
With its white adobe walls and red-tiled roof, the iconic Casa de la Guerra is the foremost place to learn about Santa Barbara’s Mexican period (1821-1848). This important historic landmark was built between 1818 and 1828 for José de…
Explore an 18th-century historic symbol of Santa Barbara—and the many cultures that intersected here—at the site of the last Spanish fortress in California. Operated by the Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation (SBTHP) for…
Take a fascinating journey from the past to the present at the Santa Barbara Historical Museum. Located on lovely grounds in the heart of downtown’s El Pueblo Viejo District, the Museum is one of the oldest cultural institutions in the city…
Carriage and Western Art Museum situated in Pursing Park within minutes of downtown and the Beach. Established in 1972, The Carriage Museum is historic with an old west town charm features a 5,000 square foot event venue for 2 to 200 guests
Ignite your mind at MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation, Santa Barbara’s one-of-a-kind destination for hands-on scientific and creative experiences. Located in the flourishing Funk Zone neighborhood, MOXI invites kids, families…
The Santa Barbara Channel is a pillar of the city’s history and the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum (SBMM) is the perfect place to learn about it. Located in the picturesque Santa Barbara Harbor, the Maritime Museum provides exhibits and…
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…
Art can be found in many different forms throughout this vibrant seaside city, but it’s the artists behind the paintbrush that truly bring the essence of Santa Barbara to the canvas.
Aside from its natural beauty, world-famous wines and countless landmarks rich with history, the Santa Barbara South Coast also prides itself on being a lively destination for live music—from local artists to internationally recognized stars. Put on your dancing shoes and read on for a roundup of some of the best live music venues in the area.
