All Arts & Culture

Nestled within an acre of lush English gardens is Simpson House Inn, a Santa Barbara historic landmark featuring 15 guest rooms, suites and cottages. A short walk from the bustling downtown and State Street shopping, the Simpson House Inn is…

Established in 1994 by Founding Director Rodney Gustafson, State Street Ballet embodies artistic excellence, drawing exceptional dancers from around the globe to create captivating performances that push the boundaries of traditional ballet. Under…

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,…

Established in 1911, the Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club is the third oldest polo facility in the United States and is world-renowned for its four lush polo fields and international outdoor competition. In addition to the playing fields and…

Established in 1984, Sullivan Goss – An American Gallery is one of the largest and most important galleries between Los Angeles and San Francisco. We organize nationally important exhibitions in our expansive downtown gallery. With an…

Walk the halls of history at one of Santa Barbara’s most iconic sites, Old Mission Santa Barbara. With its grand bell towers, lush gardens and views of the San Ynez mountains and Pacific Ocean, the Mission is one of the city’s most…

Experience Montecito as it was during the 1920s and 1930s on a tour of Casa del Herrero, one of Santa Barbara’s finest architectural landmarks. Built in 1925 and designated a National Historic Landmark in 2009, Casa del Herrero is an…

Founded in 1959, UCSB Arts & Lectures is the largest and most influential arts and lectures organization between Los Angeles and San Francisco. This nationally recognized, award-winning program brings exceptional cultural and artistic…

With unbeatable views, delicious dining and dozens of exciting activities, the Santa Barbara Harbor is the perfect place to spend the day by—or, better yet, on—the water. Located along the bustling Santa Barbara Waterfront, this…

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…

The Tamsen Gallery features the vibrant work of visual artist Robert W. Firestone. Firestone’s art portrays the human psyche and its colorful emotional experience, drawing inspiration from his experience as a clinical psychologist. From…

Join us for the 2025 Summer Music Festival & School June 15–August 9 Dive into an unparalleled blend of world-class performances and musical discovery, from an iconic film score to symphonic works that have inspired generations, set…

Explore the wonders of the natural world at the Santa Barbara Zoo, where the beauty of the wildlife is matched only by the lush grounds and sweeping views. Located just two miles from State Street, this 30-acre park is home to more than 146…

Welcome to Yellow Bird Music, the premier destination for enriching music education in Santa Barbara, California. Perfect for visitors and locals alike, our music studio offers a variety of engaging classes and private lessons tailored for children…

Santa Barbara Trapeze Company offers one of the most memorable and unique experiences in Santa Barbara—a chance to step outside the ordinary and discover something new about yourself. In this two-hour experience, expert coaches provide…

Tucked away in Santa Barbara’s historic Arts District, the Couture Pattern Museum is a rare find for travelers who seek out quiet, meaningful cultural experiences. This is not a typical walk-in museum. Due to the fragility of the garments and…

Enjoy the seaside sights and sounds of Stearns Wharf, one of Santa Barbara’s most iconic landmarks. Named for builder John P. Stearns and located at the end of State Street, it is California’s oldest working wharf and the perfect spot…

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…

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 educational…

Lotusland is a stunning 37-acre botanical garden in the hills of Montecito and is home to more than 3,000 species of plants, many of them rare or endangered. The Garden is the former estate of well-known opera singer and socialite, Madam Ganna…

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…

Established in 1984, Elizabeth Gordon Gallery has become a premier destination for contemporary art collectors and enthusiasts. Its stunning collection of paintings adorning the gallery walls offers a captivating experience and stands as one of the…

Imbued with the history of the century-old Hotel Virginia, the Hotel Virginia Santa Barbara, Tapestry Collection by Hilton stands as a symbol of the city’s rich heritage and legacy of enduring hospitality. They offer the quality, convenience,…

Don’t miss the Annual California Wine Festival (CWF), in beautiful Santa Barbara, one of the largest outdoor wine festivals in the state! This beautiful city is the original home of the CWF, a spectacular gathering of wine, food, music and…

The Santa Barbara Symphony delivers artistic excellence, outstanding music education stewardship and programming, and community collaboration - all through symphonic music. Under the artistic leadership of Maestro Nir Kabaretti as Music &…

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…

For a firsthand look at one of the country’s most beautiful public buildings, look no further than the Santa Barbara County Courthouse. Designed in the Spanish-Colonial style and completed in 1929, the fully operational Courthouse is an…

Santa Barbara’s Summer Solstice Celebration is a beloved annual tradition that kicks off the summer season with a dazzling parade and lineup of live performances. This year's festivities will take place on June 20-22, 2025, with a brilliant…

Ensemble Theatre Company (ETC), a member of the League of Resident Theatres (LORT), is Santa Barbara’s sole professional Equity theater company. ETC is committed to producing the highest professional quality theater in Santa Barbara,…