The best museums in Santa Barbara in September 2023

These are the top 10 best museums in Santa Barbara, United States, ranked by their rating and popularity in 2023. Click a museum for more information about the museum, including visitor information, exhibitions and reviews.

For a complete overview of museums in Santa Barbara, their exhibitions and discount cards & passes, see our overview page with all museums in Santa Barbara.

Looking for the best museums in Santa Barbara? These are the best ones:

  1. Casa De La Guerra1

    Casa De La Guerra

    Santa Barbara, CA
    The Casa de la Guerra was the residence of the fifth commandant of the Presidio de Santa Barbara , José de la Guerra y Noriega , founder of the Guerra family of California (a prominent Californio family) from 1828 until his death in 1858. Descendants of José lived in the home until 1943. The site i
  2. Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History2

    Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History

    Santa Barbara, CA
    The Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, located in Santa Barbara, California, is a hub for nature enthusiasts. Each year, it reconnects more than 150,000 people to nature, both indoors and outdoors. The museum is a great place for tourists who are interested in natural history and want to learn more about the natural world.
  3. Santa Barbara Museum of Art3

    Santa Barbara Museum of Art

    Santa Barbara, CA
    The Santa Barbara Museum of Art, also known as SBMA, is situated in the heart of downtown Santa Barbara, California. This museum, which was established in 1941, is a significant cultural landmark in the city. It offers visitors a chance to explore a wide range of art collections from different periods and regions.
  4. Santa Barbara Zoo4

    Santa Barbara Zoo

    Santa Barbara, CA
    The Santa Barbara Zoo, situated near the ocean in Santa Barbara, California, spans across 30 acres of land. The zoo was constructed on the site formerly known as the Child Estate. This location offers a unique combination of natural beauty and historical significance, making it an interesting destination for tourists.
  5. Warner Sea Center5

    Warner Sea Center

    Santa Barbara, CA
    The Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center, previously known as the Ty Warner Sea Center, is a museum situated on Santa Barbara's Stearns Wharf. The museum's primary focus is on the marine life and the conservation of the Santa Barbara Channel. This location offers a unique opportunity for visitors to learn about the diverse marine ecosystem and the ongoing efforts to preserve it.
  6. Santa Barbara Historical Museum6

    Santa Barbara Historical Museum

    Santa Barbara, CA
    The Santa Barbara Historical Museum, located in Santa Barbara, California, is a rich repository of relics from various cultures including Chumash, Spanish, Mexican, Yankee, and Chinese. The museum's collection includes artifacts, photographs, furnishings, and textiles, some of which date back to the 15th century. This diverse collection provides a comprehensive view of the region's history and cultural evolution.
  7. Santa Barbara Maritime Museum7

    Santa Barbara Maritime Museum

    Santa Barbara, CA
    The Santa Barbara Maritime Museum is located in the Naval Reserve Center building in Santa Barbara, California. This historic building has served various purposes over the years, but today it is home to the museum, among other uses. The museum is a significant attraction for tourists interested in maritime history and the local heritage of Santa Barbara.
  8. Art, Design & Architecture Museum8

    Art, Design & Architecture Museum

    Santa Barbara, CA
    The Art, Design & Architecture Museum, previously known as the University Art Museum, is situated on the campus of the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) in Goleta, California. This location offers visitors the opportunity to explore the museum within the vibrant academic environment of UCSB.
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    Casa Dolores

    Santa Barbara, CA
    Casa Dolores, also known as the Center for the Study of the Popular Arts of Mexico, is an art museum situated at 1023 Bath Street in Santa Barbara, California. This location is easily accessible and offers a unique opportunity to explore Mexican popular arts.
  10. 10

    Reagan Ranch Center

    Santa Barbara, CA

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