You couldn’t ask for a more inspiring setting. Nestled between the mountains and the sea, Santa Barbara has always beckoned to those with creative spirit — artists and writers, celebrities, philosophers, anyone with a passion for the arts, culture, and the good life.
Thanks to them, and to the many waves of settlers here on The American Riviera®, there’s a rich legacy of cultural institutions and activities that enhance the lives of residents and visitors young and old, enough to keep one busy for a few days or a lifetime.
Santa Barbara and its surrounding areas are full of impressive landmarks that speak to the history of the region, dating back to the Chumash (Native American) tribes who settled in villages here and lived off the bounty of the land and the sea. The Spanish left their mark in architecture that evokes their religion and their homes, while the penchant of “Califorñios” for hospitality, horsemanship, music and dance all linger in Santa Barbara’s festive traditions. (Califorñios were 19th century families given land grants by Spain on which they built ranches and orchards.) Later, those who flocked here brought their passions for horticulture, art, education, and philanthropy, which have shaped the cultural riches we all enjoy. Through their efforts we have an abundance of museums and galleries, gardens and theaters, places to hear music and to appreciate nature.
However, none of this is frozen in the past. The creative spirit lives on, encouraged by today’s renowned college and university programs and nurtured by the keenly appreciative residents who relish the role of arts and culture in their lives.
Travel back in time to Santa Barbara’s earliest days at the historic Old Mission Santa Barbara. With its grand double bell towers, lush gardens and the majestic San Ynez mountains as a backdrop, the Mission is one of the city’s most…
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 still-functioning Courthouse is an…
The Christmas Revels: An American Celebration of the Winter Solstice. A holiday favorite now in its 11th season, The Christmas Revels takes audiences on a journey with a group of Irish emigrants who came to America in the early 1900’s…
Santa Barbara Botanic Garden is covered in vibrant orange as California Poppies are in full bloom during the spring season. Photo Credit: Cecilia Rosell
With its Spanish tiles, sunken garden, and observation tower, the Santa Barbara County Courthouse is considered by many to be the country's most beautiful government building. Photo Credit: Gabriela Herman
Explore 5 miles of easy trails in this 78-acre wild crafted garden designed completely with California native plants. Photo Credit: Instagram @jennifersyltie
Celebrate your romance with Santa Barbara's red-tiled roofs atop the Santa Barbara County Courthouse Clock Tower. Photo Credit: Instagram Fan @aborayan777
Located just beyond the Old Mission, the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History offers visitors of all ages a chance to discover and reconnect with nature. Photo Credit: Instagram Fan @amazingdaysevents
It's the little details that make Santa Barbara unique, such as the red-tiled roofs that are peppered throughout the city. Photo Credit: Brianne Limani
