Attractions in Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara, California is alive with youthful energy within an atmosphere of casual sophistication and charm. Students from five colleges in the area bring vitality and enthusiasm, collaborating with local residents on many worthwhile projects. The city rests on a narrow shelf between the Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific coast, and is one of southern California's foremost vacation areas.

Santa Barbara Museum of Art
1130 State Street, Santa Barbara CA, 93101
+1 805-963-4364
The Santa Barbara Museum of Art, one of southern California's finest art museums, features nationally recognized collections and special exhibitions of international importance. Highlights of the museum's remarkable permanent collection include antiquities; 19th century French, British, and American art; 20th century and contemporary European, North American and Latin American art; Asian art; photography, and works on paper. Recent special exhibitions of significance include Nam June Paik: Video Art Pioneer, Copy Work: The Dictionary Pages and Other Diversions by Gilles Barbier, and The Jefferson Suites: An Audio-Visual Installation by Carrie Mae Weems. Museum visitors will also enjoy the interactive children's gallery, the café and the Museum Store.
 
Santa Barbara County Courthouse
1100 Anacapa St. at Anapamu St.
+1 805 962-6464
Santa Barbara County Courthouse, a magnificent Spanish-Moorish structure is one of the most photographed landmarks in the city. Completed in 1929 (fortuitously just before the stock market crash), the ornate structure features hand painted ceilings, a spiral staircase, wrought iron chandeliers, imported tiles, carved doors and beautiful historical murals.
 
Santa Barbara Harbor and Breakwater
Cabrillo Blvd. west of Castillo St.
You'll find everything from rowboats to expensive yachts tied up at the harbor, which is nestled inside a protective breakwater. Watch the boats come in, observe windsurfers offshore, browse the shops or visit one of the harbor's restaurants. The breakwater, constructed in 1924, is paved and wide enough to accommodate a whole family. At the east end of the harbor is Sea Landing, where the seagoing Condor departs for seasonal whale-watching excursions.
 
Santa Barbara Zoological Gardens
500 Ninos Drive, Santa Barbara CA, 93103
+1 805-962-5339
A year's family membership of $45 provides a quarterly newsletter, discounts on education programs and the Gift Shop and free admission to dozens of other zoos across the country (including the Los Angeles Zoo). Over the years the zoo has added an impressive number of new animals and exhibits, and it continues to be dedicated to preserving a quality environment for both visitors and the zoo's permanent residents. More than 700 animals currently reside at the zoo, which hosts more than a half-million visitors every year.
 
Sea Center
1400 E. Cabrillo Blvd.
+1 805-963-1067
The Andree Clark Bird Refuge is home to water and land loving birds of all kinds. Especially interesting are the rare species of grackles and wood ducks. Observation platforms and educational signs enhance the bird watching. A walkway and bike path allow exploration. A drive through the exclusive residential neighborhood of Hope Ranch (west of the city) along palm lined Las Palmas Drive passes secluded luxurious homes, miles of bridle paths, a private country club and golf course, and Laguna Blanca, its private lake.
 
Arlington Center for the Performing Arts
1317 State St.
+1 805 963-4408
The Arlington Center is one of Santa Barbara's most beloved performance venues, and both its name and its location speak volumes about Santa Barbara history. In 1875 the site was occupied by the tony Arlington Hotel, a magnet for the rich and famous of the day, including several presidents, movie stars, military heroes and foreign guests. In 1909, however, a fire of undetermined origin burned the hotel to the ground. A "new" Arlington was built on the site, but it never quite lived up to the original and was razed in 1925.