Santa Barbara Maritime Museum and its collection

Santa Barbara Maritime Museum
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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.

Exhibits at the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum

The Santa Barbara Maritime Museum offers a deep dive into the discovery and exploration of the Santa Barbara Channel and the area's maritime heritage. The exhibits include a variety of artifacts and displays, such as area lighthouses, the Point Conception Lighthouse Fresnel lens, and insights into the local fishing and diving industries. Visitors can also learn about surfing, the Honda Point disaster in World War II, marine safety agencies, ranching on Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, and San Miguel Islands, and shipwrecks.

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History & Anthropology History & Anthropology Science & Technology Science & Technology Maritime War

Santa Barbara Maritime Museum
Harbor Way 113
CA 93109 Santa Barbara
California

Visitor information Santa Barbara Maritime Museum

Opening hours

Monday
10:00 – 17:00
Tuesday
10:00 – 17:00
Wednesday
10:00 – 17:00
Thursday
10:00 – 17:00
Friday
10:00 – 17:00
Saturday
10:00 – 17:00
Sunday
10:00 – 17:00

Admission

1 – 5Free
6 – 17US$5.00
18 – 64US$10.00
65+US$7.00
Active MilitaryFree
SBMM MembersFree
Students w/ IDUS$5.00

Facilities

Wheelchair accessible

Location & Map

Harbor Way 113, Santa Barbara

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Santa Barbara Maritime Museum Reviews

Santa Barbara Maritime Museum has 1 rating.

  • Apollo's Insights AI-Generated

    The Santa Barbara Maritime Museum offers visitors an informative look into the maritime history and culture of the Santa Barbara Channel. Located in the harbor area, the museum features a variety of exhibits that cover topics such as local fishing industry, naval history, and marine ecology.

    Visitors often appreciate the interactive displays and hands-on exhibits, which are engaging for both adults and children. The museum's collection includes historical artifacts, photographs, and models that help illustrate the region's rich maritime heritage. The Fresnel lens from the Point Conception Lighthouse is a notable highlight for many.

    While the museum receives praise for its educational value and well-curated exhibits, some visitors note that it's relatively small and can be explored thoroughly in a couple of hours. The gift shop is mentioned as having a good selection of maritime-themed items.

    The museum's location in the harbor adds to its charm, with views of the water and boats enhancing the maritime experience. However, parking can sometimes be challenging, especially during peak tourist seasons.

    Overall, the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum provides an educational and enjoyable experience for those interested in maritime history and the local coastal environment. It's particularly well-suited for families and history enthusiasts, though casual visitors might find the scope somewhat limited.

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  • Aggregated rating

    This rating is based on the rating of this museum on several other platforms.

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