The best museums in Santa Barbara in September 2025

These are the top 10 best museums in Santa Barbara, United States, ranked by their rating and popularity in 2025. 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
    Today, the Casa de la Guerra is owned and operated by the Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation. The trust has transformed the historic house into a museum, allowing visitors to explore the rich history of the Guerra family and the city of Santa Barbara.
  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. Santa Barbara Botanic Garden5

    Santa Barbara Botanic Garden

     Santa Barbara, CA
    The Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, located in Mission Canyon, Santa Barbara, California, is a vast 78-acre botanical garden. It is home to over 1,000 species of rare and indigenous plants, offering a unique opportunity to explore and appreciate the diverse flora. The garden's purpose is to display California native plants in natural settings, providing an authentic and immersive experience for visitors.
  6. El Presidio de Santa Bárbara State Historic Park6

    El Presidio de Santa Bárbara State Historic Park

     Santa Barbara, CA
    The Presidio de Santa Bárbara, located in Santa Barbara, California, is a historic site with a rich past. It was originally a military installation, constructed by Spain in 1782. The purpose of this establishment was to defend the Second Military District of the province. Today, it stands as a testament to the region's history and the Spanish influence on California.
  7. Warner Sea Center7

    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.
  8. Santa Barbara Historical Museum8

    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.
  9. Santa Barbara Maritime Museum9

    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.
  10. Art, Design & Architecture Museum10

    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.

All museums in Santa Barbara