Top-Rated Attractions in Santa Barbara, California

Celebrities, beaches, wine, red tiles and beautiful gardens are just some of the things that made the relaxed town of Santa Barbara famous. Most visitors to the city spend their time at the beach or near the fancy boutiques along State Street, which is also home to some of the fanciest Airbnbs in Santa Barbara. But there are so many other attractions in Santa Barbara than just its beaches and boutiques.

Top Attractions in Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara is home to over 200 wineries which is one of the reasons you’ll find it on many west coast road trip itineraries. It is also of the most romantic getaways in the United States. If you are ever in this beautiful town on the California coast, here are some of the attractions you shouldn’t miss:

The Courthouse

Visiting the Santa Barbara County Courthouse is quite a pleasure (as long as you are not the defendant!) The courthouse has been the place of the local government since 1850. The complex that dates back to 1928, epitomizes the Spanish Colonial architecture that is visible throughout the city.

Its majestic archways, colorful gardens and intricate tile mosaics make it one of the most beautiful buildings in California. Adjacent to the Roman-style triumphal arch at the main entrance there is a sandstone fountain called The Spirit of the Ocean. The fountain which symbolizes the city’s connection with the ocean, is one of the attractions you shouldn’t miss if you are Santa Barbara.

Many of the courthouse visitors come here to get married it its famous Mural Room. This was originally as the assembly room for the County Board of Supervisors. The room is quite impressive. A 30-foot tall ceiling, golden painted beams and surrounded by a 6,700 square feet mural painting. The painting represents the early history of Santa Barbara.

You can also climb the stairs or take the elevator to the 85-foot “El Mirador” clock tower for a spectacular 360º panorama.

The courthouse is located at 1100 Anacapa Street and is open to the public from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays. Visitation hours are from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekends. Admission is free.

Stearns Wharf

At the bottom of State Street in Santa Barbara is Sterns Wharf, a popular spot among the locals. At the time when it was built, in 1872, this was the longest deep-water pier between Los Angeles and San Francisco. Today the pier is home to some souvenir shops and restaurants. Here where you can grab a bite while enjoying the view of the ocean and the Santa Ynez Mountains.

Also on the pier, you can find the Ty Warner Sea Center, a beautiful natural history museum. Here visitors can observe and interact with many interesting creatures that live in the waters of Santa Barbara Channel.

The Old Mission of Santa Barbara

Nicknamed “Queen of the Missions,” the Old Mission of Santa Barbara was the 10th abbey founded by the Spanish Franciscans in California. The mission was built in 1786 by Padre Fermin Francisco de Lasuen. Padre Fermin was the successor of the Padre Junipero Serra, who founded the first nine missions. This is the second most beautiful of the 21 California missions, after San Carlos Borromeo Mission in Carmel.

The material used in the original buildings was adobe clay. Therefore, as the years passed, these buildings perished in the fires and earthquakes. The present church at Mission Santa Barbara which dates back to 1820 has much thicker walls.

The purpose of the Mission was the christening of the Chumash Indians who occupied this area. The Chumash were hunters and gatherers but they also had advanced woodworking and basket-making skills. But most importantly, they even had their own trading and monetary system.

It is somewhat surprising that Chumash Indians agreed to live on the mission lands and work for someone else when they had their own culture. It seems the Chumash really enjoyed the European musical instruments and the objects that the Spanish ships brought from Spain. They also liked the lifestyle of the Spaniards who farmed and made wines. At the Mission they learned to make adobes, tiles, shoes, and woolen garments, and even play the instrumental music.

Today, more than 200 years after it was established, Mission Santa Barbara continues to serve as a parish church with a large and active congregation. The mission is also home to a community of Franciscan friars. Santa Barbara Old Mission is open for visitors between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Admission is $8/person for a self-guided tour.

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