Santa Barbara Attractions

Overview

Cities are always searching for new ways to improve or expand, yet with Santa Barbara’s year-round mild weather, gleaming Spanish colonial buildings, and laid-back surf culture, it’s hard to think of anything that could really improve this California destination.

Casa de la Guerra

15 E De la Guerra St Santa Barbara(805) 965-0093

Website: www.sbthp.org/casa.htm

An important remnant of Santa Barbara’s Spanish-Mexican heritage. The Casa has been the center of civic, political and even social affairs since its construction (1819-1827) by the fifth Presidio comandante, José de la Guerra. Casa de la Guerra is open to the public Sat–Sun, 12:00pm to 4:00pm.

Casa del Herrero

1387 E Valley Rd, Montecito (805) 565-5653

Website: www.casadelherrero.com

Listed in the National Register of Historic Places, the Casa is noted as one of the finest examples of Spanish Colonial Revival architecture. Step back in time to the 1930’s in Montecito, California and experience the lifestyle of the Steedman family, the sole owners of this 11-acre estate for more than 75 years. The estate’s collection of European antique furnishings, art and many personal effects are still in place as they were in the 1930’s.

Ensemble Theatre Company (ETC)

33 W Victoria St Santa Barbara (805) 965-5400

Website: https://www.ensembletheatre.com

Ensemble Theatre Company is Santa Barbara’s award-winning professional, resident theatre company. Its original productions bring artists from around the country, ETC has built a reputation for exceptional theatrical productions. In 2013 the company opened the New Vic, its sparkling new 12 million dollar state-of-the-art; 300-seat performing arts venue. ETC is renowned throughout the central coast for its thought-provoking and entertaining productions, which encompass classical and contemporary comedies, musicals, dramas, and the development of new work. For current production information visit etcsb.org or www.ensembletheatre.com

Lompoc Flower Fields

A truly magnificent site, fields and fields of flowers. The flowers are a late spring and summer crop. Due to economic factors, fewer flower fields are planted now than in the past. You will find more vegetable fields, since vegetables can be grown year-round.

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden

1212 Mission Canyon Rd Santa Barbara (805) 682-4726

Website: www.sbbg.org

Experience beautiful vistas, unique California native plant exhibits in beautifully designed landscapes. Visitors enjoy nature trails and historic landmarks. Garden Hours: Mar–Oct: 9:00am to 6:00pm; Nov–Feb: 9:00am to 5:00pm. Admission: $8.00 Adults, $6.00 Seniors (60+ years), $6.00 children 13 to 17 years, college students and active military with ID, $4.00 Children 2 to 12 years.

Santa Barbara County Courthouse

1100 Anacapa St Santa Barbara (805) 962-6464

Website: www.santabarbaracourthouse.org

The Courthouse has been called the most beautiful government building in America. The Spanish-Moorish style building was completed in 1929. It occupies a square block in downtown Santa Barbara. Gardens and lawns surround this working courthouse. Visit during the business day (8:00am to 5:00pm Mon–Fri) or during the weekends (10:00am to 4:30pm).

Santa Barbara Maritime Museum

113 Harbor Way Ste 190 Santa Barbara (805) 962-8404

Website: http://www.sbmm.org

The Surfing Exhibit is one of the newest exhibits. Visitors will experience the thrill of surfing when they walk under a 12-foot long, 9-foot high breaking wave as they enter the exhibit. This museum is dedicated to preserving and presenting to the public the maritime heritage and ongoing educational platform to study human interaction with the marine environment. Summer Hours: Memorial Day to Labor Day: 10:00am to 6:00pm (closed Wednesdays). Winter Hours: Labor Day to Memorial Day: 10:00am to 5:00pm (closed Wednesdays). The 3rd Thursday of every month is FREE. Admission: Adults $7.00, Military Active Duty $4, Seniors (62 yrs.+) $4.00, Students (with ID), Youth (6 to 17 yrs.) $4.00, Children (1 to 5 yrs.) $2.00

Santa Barbara Mission

2201 Laguna St Santa Barbara (805) 682-4149

Website: http://www.santabarbaramission.org

Mission Santa Barbara “Queen of the Missions for its graceful beauty.” Founded on December 4th, 1786, it was the tenth of 21 Franciscan missions in California. The Mission continues to be the chief cultural and historic landmark in the city of Santa Barbara. It still functions as a church today. Self-guided tours daily 9:00am to 5:00pm. Docent tours for schools and other groups are arranged by appointment. The tours are $4.00.

Santa Barbara Museum of Art

1130 State St Santa Barbara (805) 963-4364

Website: http://www.sbma.net

One of southern California’s finest art museums, it features nationally recognized collections and special exhibitions of international importance. The museum is proud to offer special programs and activities for all ages, from art classes to lectures. Check our website for current shows and programs. Hours: Tuesday–Sunday 11:00am to 5:00pm, Closed Mondays. Admission: Members: free, Non-members: Adults $9, Seniors (age 65+) $6, Students with ID $6, Ages 6 to 17 $6, Under 6 years, free admission every Sunday.

Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History

2559 Puesta del Sol Rd Santa Barbara (805) 682-4711

Website: http://www.sbnature.org

This excellent museum displays the flora and fauna of Santa Barbara and the Channel Islands. The Museum features eleven exhibit halls, focusing on regional natural history, including birds, insects, mammals, marine life, paleontology, Native Americans and the Chumash Indians. Features: Life-size Blue Whale skeleton, a planetarium, an antique natural history art gallery, and museum store.

Santa Barbara Zoo

500 Ninos Dr, Santa Barbara (805) 962-5339

Website: http://www.sbzoo.org

Zoo contains over 600 animals representing more than 180 species housed on 16 acres. Visitors may also enjoy an enclosed carousel and two C.P. Huntington trains. It is also home to the Santa Barbara Zoological Gardens. Open daily (except for Christmas) 10:00am to 5:00pm. Tickets sold until 4:00pm. Adults (13 to 59): $11.00, Children (2 to 12): $8.00, Seniors (60+): $8.00, Children under 2: FREE, Parking: $4.00

Solvang

(805) 688-0701 or website: http://www.solvangusa.com

An authentic Danish settlement founded in 1911 by Danish educators, where the heritage and customs of the Old World live on. Enjoy shopping in art galleries, clothing and shoe boutiques, gift and antique stores. Savor delicious meals from Danish specialties to gourmet wine country cuisine, as well as international and classic American favorites. Driving Directions: From Southern California: Take Hwy-101 North to Hwy-246 (at Buellton), turn right for 3 miles.

South Coast Railroad Museum

300 N Los Carneros Rd Goleta

(805) 964-3540 or website: http://www.goletadepot.org

A historical landmark, Goleta Depot is a Victorian-styled Southern Pacific Railroad station built in 1901 by the Southern Pacific Railroad.

Stearns Wharf

(805) 564-5530 or website: http://www.stearnswharf.org

Located at the end of State St. off of the 101. Take a short stroll out over the Pacific Ocean and experience California’s oldest working wharf. Touch marine life in a special aquarium. Step aboard the Harbor Queen for a narrated whale watching cruise.

Ty Warner Sea Center Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History

211 Stearns Wharf Santa Barbara(805) 962-2526

Website: http://www.sbnature.org/twsc/2.html

Ty Warner Sea Center is a fun, engaging, interactive marine education facility located on Stearns Wharf. Interactive exhibits designed to help visitors experience scientific discovery. At the Ty Warner Sea Center, you’ll discover the fun science and the wonders of the natural world. 10:00am to 5:00pm daily. Sea Center Admission: Adults $8, Seniors (65 and over) $7, Teens 13 to 17 $7, Children 2 to 12 $5, Children under 2 free.

Vandenberg Air Force Base Tour

(805) 606-3595 or website http://www.vandenberg.af.mil

Mailing Address: 30 SW/PA, Building 12,000 Vandenberg Air Force Base, CA 93437-6267

Base tours can be arranged through the public affairs office. Depending on the focus of the tour and group type, requests can include visits to the Korean War Memorial, the Minuteman Memorial, the Space & Missile Heritage Center, South Vandenberg’s commercial space launch complexes, Honda Point, the Western Range Operations Control Center, the Security Forces Military Working Dog facility, the Fire Department and the dining facility. Private tours are offered Monday through Thursday for groups of 15 or more.

Out of Area Attractions

Aquarium of the Pacific100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach

Take the 405 S to 710 S and follow signs

(562) 590-3100 or website http://www.aquariumofpacific.org

Take a journey of discovery through the world’s largest ocean at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, CA. Home to more than 12,500 ocean animals, representing nearly 500 species, the Aquarium celebrates the planet’s largest and most diverse body of water. Come celebrate our 10th anniversary starting on June 13, 2008. Join the year-long celebration as we feature new exhibits, live music, special “10” promotions, and more.

Disneyland

1313 S Disneyland Dr, Anaheim Recorded

Guest Information - (714) 781-4565 or website https://disneyland.disney.go.com

Disneyland features rides for all ages, shopping, dining, entertainment, and much more. Explore eight fantastic areas like ToonTown, Tomorrow Land, Frontierland and so much more. Your imagination will run free in a magic kingdom where life is a fairy tale and dreams really do come true. Disneyland, the happiest place on earth!

Disney’s California Adventure

1313 S Disneyland Dr, Anaheim Recorded

Guest Information (714) 781-4565 or website https://disneyland.disney.go.com

A Disney theme park featuring Golden State, Paradise Pier, Hollywood Pictures Backlot and more meant to resemble various aspects of California, its culture, landmarks and history. Disney Imagineers traveled over the state while designing California Adventure, distilling the Golden State into 55 acres located adjacent to Disneyland Park. Experience rides, shopping, entertainment and more.

Griffith Observatory

2800 East Observatory Rd Los Angeles

(213) 473-0800 or website http://www.griffithobs.org

Griffith Observatory is one of the premier public observatories in the world, and one of southern California’s most popular attractions. When the night sky is clear, the Zeiss telescope is open from the roof and serves up to 600 visitors per night. Giftshop and cafe. Weekdays (Tues–Fri): Open Noon to 10:00pm, Weekends (Sat–Sun): Open 10:00am to 10:00pm, Mondays: Closed.

Hearst Castle

San Simeon State Historical Monument Tour Reservations

750 Hearst Castle Rd, San Simeon

(800) 444-4445 or website http://hearstcastle.org

Hearst Castle was once like a small self-contained city, with 56 bedrooms, 61 bathrooms, 19 sitting rooms, 127 acres of gardens, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, tennis courts, a movie theater, an airfield, and the world’s largest private zoo. Zebras and other exotic animals still roam the grounds. Tour Hearst Castle and encounter first•hand the majesty and beauty of this historical treasure.

J. Paul Getty Museum

1200 Getty Center Dr Los Angeles

(310) 440-7300 or website http://www.getty.edu/museum/

Enjoy a collection of art from the Middle Ages to the present, including European paintings, drawings, sculpture, decorative arts, and European and American photographs. Visitors also experience dramatic architecture, gardens, and breathtaking views. Hours: Tues–Thurs 10:00am to 6:00pm. Friday and Saturday 10:00am to 9:00pm, Sunday 10:00am to 6:00pm.

Knott’s Theme Park

8039 Beach Blvd Buena Park

(714) 220-5200 or website https://www.knotts.com

What was once an actual berry farm is now 160 acres of world class rides, unique family shows and one of a kind attractions. Experience GhostRider, the world’s best wooden roller coaster, and Supreme Scream, 30-stories up, 3 seconds down and much more. Rides for the whole family can be found at Camp Snoopy featuring rides for the young and young at heart.

Los Angeles Zoo

5333 Zoo Dr Los Angeles

(323) 644-4200 or website http://lazoo.org

Koalas are still one of its biggest attractions among 1,200 animals from around the world that are on display. They also have an Animal Encounters program that encourages interaction between visiting kids and the residents of this wild kingdom. The grounds are thick with mature shade trees from around the world. Visiting the zoo is a great way to spend the day.

Mann’s Chinese Theatre

6925 Hollywood Blvd Los Angeles

(323) 464-6266 or website http://manntheatres.com

The theatre is the most famous theatre in the world. Since its opening in May 1927, millions of movie patrons and visitors have been drawn to the theatre. The Chinese was the dream of Sid Grauman. Filled with exotic art from China, the theatre’s jade-green bronze roof rises 90 feet into the air. Spectacularly lit at night, it is a true Hollywood landmark. Mann’s Chinese Theater is best known for the hand and footprints in its forecourt.

Paramount Pictures

5555 Melrose Ave, Hollywood

(323) 956-5575 or website http://www.paramount.com

Experience the living history of Paramount Studios. Take a guided, 2 hour historical and educational look behind the scenes of the daily operations of a major motion picture and television studio.

Six Flags Magic Mountain

26101 Magic Mountain Pkwy, Valencia

(661) 255-4100 or website https://www.sixflags.com

An amusement park on steroids! Six Flags Magic Mountain has a collection of roller coasters that elicit superlatives of all kinds: fastest, tallest, first and only. Visitors can use the Orient Express or the Metro Monorail instead of walking across the park.

Sony Pictures Studios

10202 W Washington Blvd, Culver City Main Line

(310) 244-4000 or website http://www.sonypicturesstudios.com

Famous for the Yellow Brick Road winding through Munchkin Land, “Men In Black” battling aliens from outer space and SpiderMan catapulted from a skyscraper; our dynamic studio tour guides will shed light on the film and television production process by taking you to various soundstages and by sharing tales of days gone by. Admission is $28 per person. Children ages 12 and older are welcome.

The Queen Mary

1126 Queen’s Hwy, Long Beach

(562) 435-3511 or website http://www.queenmary.com

The Long Beach Queen Mary, an ocean liner full of history fun for the whole family. Open for tours, hotel accommodations, restaurants for dining, brunch, banquet facilities.

Universal Studios Hollywood

100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City

(800) 864-8377 or website http://www.universalstudioshollywood.com

Enjoy the day at a thrilling theme park located within a working movie studio. Experience rides and attractions like WaterWorld®, Terminator2®: 3D, Jurassic Park® The Ride and so much more. On the Studio Tour you will go deep behind the scenes where today’s hottest movies are being made. Finish your day with LA’s coolest restaurants, clubs and fun at Universal CityWalk®.