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Explore the wonders of the natural world at the Santa Barbara Zoo, where the beauty of the wildlife is matched only by the lush grounds and sweeping views. Located just two miles from State Street, this 30-acre park is home to more than 146 species, including mammals, reptiles, birds and insects, exhibited in open, naturalistic habitats overlooking the Pacific Ocean and Santa Ynez Mountains. Some of the Zoo’s most famous residents include penguins, giraffes, anteaters, gorillas, and a flock of native California condors. The Zoo can be toured in about two hours, but you’ll likely be tempted to linger longer. Described by the Food Network as “the Audrey Hepburn of zoos—petite, charming and beautiful,” it’s a must-see Santa Barbara attraction, especially for families with kids. Meet the Zoo’s tallest creatures during giraffe feeding time, or take a relaxing ride around the park on the Zoo Train. Don’t miss the Ridley-Tree Animal Kitchen, where you can observe the impressive food-prep process for the Zoo’s 500+ animals. Zoo Hours, Admission & Parking The Santa Barbara Zoo is open every day from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. by online reservation only. Upon the purchase of your ticket, you will select an entry time. For the safety of all guests and staff, there will be no re-entry to the park. Please ensure that you have everything needed before entering and exiting. Guests arriving more than 10 minutes before their entry time, should wait in their vehicles. If you miss your arrival time, please contact guest relations. The Zoo occasionally closes early for special events. Admission is $25 for adults (age 13+) and $15 for children (age 2–12). Admission is free for children under two years old. (The Zoo Train, giraffe feeding, and other attractions are an additional cost.) Parking is $11/vehicle. Tips for Your Visit Note that on summer days and weekends, the parking lot fills early. You may be able to find parking outside the Zoo, or consider taking alternative transportation, such as the trolley. The Santa Barbara Amtrak station is a 35-minute walk to the Zoo, or find more Santa Barbara Car Free transportation information here. The Santa Barbara Zoo is fully accessible to people with disabilities. Wheelchairs and electronic convenience vehicles (ECV) are available for rent at the main gift store. The ECV supply is limited, so call 805-962-5339 before your visit to make a reservation. Parking for the disabled is available on a first-come, first-served basis. The Zoo offers many delicious dining options, including the Ridley-Tree House Restaurant, the Wave café and several seasonal specialty food carts and vending machines throughout the park. Beer and wine are available at both the Ridley-Tree House and the Wave. Need a break? Stop by the Kallman Family Play Area across from the Zoo Train station and let the little ones run wild. They can hide inside of kid-sized dinosaur eggs, make like a spider crawling across the rope web or slide down the giant ant hill. Not only is the Zoo a great place for a family excursion, it’s also a unique place to host a special event. The scenic seaside hilltop is ideal for weddings and company picnics, and indoor event spaces include the beautiful, state-of-the art Discovery Pavilion. Find information about hosting a private event at the Santa Barbara Zoo here.
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Lotusland is a stunning 37-acre botanical garden in the hills of Montecito and is home to more than 3,000 species of plants, many of them rare or endangered. The Garden is the former estate of well-known opera singer and socialite, Madam Ganna Walska. Walska purchased the property in 1941 and spent the following 43 years transforming it into a unique horticultural nirvana now recognized as one of the world’s best gardens. As the Los Angeles Times describes, “Evidence of Walska’s art is everywhere—in surprising juxtapositions of form and playful shocks to our expectations. But Lotusland’s garden is not simply an eccentric fantasy, any more than Alice in Wonderland is just a children’s book. For Walska, plants were more than plants; they were colors to paint with, a family to nurture, characters to direct.” You can experience Madame Ganna Walska’s vision firsthand as you tour Lotusland’s gardens, each one of them distinct in design while seamlessly transitioning to the next. Several of the gardens feature fanciful themes, an enormous array of plants, and historic architecture. During your visit, you’ll spot ferns, aloes, lotuses, water lilies, bromeliads as well as several extraordinarily rare botanical collections, such as cycads, cacti, palms and euphorbias. Other must-sees include the classic topiary garden, horticultural clock and Neptune fountain, as well as the garden’s newest additions: a palmetum (palm collection) and insectary garden. Lotusland Tours & Admission Lotusland is a public garden operating in a private residential neighborhood, so advance tour reservations are required. Lotusland is open Wednesday to Saturday with two tour times available per day which often sell out in advance. For reservations or to see more visitation information including a schedule, FAQs, accessibility map, and more, visit the Lotusland website here. Directions to the Lotusland Visitor Entrance will be sent to you, along with your tour confirmation, after you make your reservation online or by phone. Photography Information Photography and videography (for personal use) are permitted, however there are restrictions on equipment and photos taken for commercial use. For more on those restrictions, click here.
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The Lobero Theatre has been the heart and rhythm of Santa Barbara for the last 150 years. Originally founded as Jose Lobero’s Opera House in 1873, the Lobero is the oldest continuously operating theatre in California and the fourth oldest performing arts theater in the country. Whether hosting events of great societal importance, launching the careers of Hollywood legends, serving as an influential jazz venue, or providing a stage for some of the world’s finest performers, the Lobero inspires diverse audiences of all ages. Events feature an exciting variety of contemporary music performances, jazz, classical music, opera, dance, and lectures. The Lobero is proud to be home to many of Santa Barbara’s outstanding performing arts organizations, including State Street Ballet, Santa Barbara Chamber Orchestra, Sings Like Hell, the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, Flamenco Arts Festival and more. We welcome you to join this prestigious group by renting the Lobero Theatre yourself. Click here for rental and tech information.
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With its white adobe walls and red-tiled roof, the iconic Casa de la Guerra is the foremost place to learn about Santa Barbara’s Mexican period (1821-1848). This important historic landmark was built between 1818 and 1828 for José de la Guerra, fifth comandante of the Presidio, and served as the hub of social, cultural and political life in Santa Barbara. It was restored to its original appearance by the Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation (SBTHP) in the 1990s. Through exhibits and period-furnished rooms, visitors are invited to learn about three generations of the de la Guerra family, life in early 19th-century Santa Barbara, and the mostly Chumash laborers who kept the household running. Continue your journey at the diverse historical sites, shops, wineries and restaurants of the surrounding Presidio neighborhood. Tours and Admission Casa de la Guerra is open Thursday-Sunday from 12-4 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults, $4 for seniors (62+) and free for children 16 and under, SBTHP members and SNAP/EBT and CalFresh cardholders. Entry also includes admission to El Presidio de Santa Bárbara State Historic Park. For more information or to schedule a guided tour, call (805) 965-0093. Hourly parking is available in the parking lot at 115 East Canon Perdido Street, just two blocks away. Visitors can pay for their parking through the paybyphone.com app. Events at Casa de la Guerra With a host of events and festivals throughout the year, Casa de la Guerra’s legacy as a community gathering place continues today. Check the SBTHP calendar for lectures, exhibits and other events during your visit. Casa de la Guerra is also a popular site for weddings and other private events. Explore the Presidio Neighborhood Centrally located in Santa Barbara’s Presidio neighborhood and Museum Mile, Casa de la Guerra is a great jumping-off point for discovering the city’s Spanish and Mexican heritage. Two blocks away is El Presidio de Santa Bárbara State Historic Park, the site of Spain’s fourth and final fortress in California. Admission is free with your ticket to Casa de la Guerra. Other must-see cultural sites nearby include the Santa Barbara Historical Museum and Santa Barbara Museum of Art. This vibrant neighborhood is famed for its independent shops, restaurants and wineries, so be sure to give yourself plenty of time to meander.
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Modeled after the tip-based European tours, Free Walking Tour Santa Barbara has been offering their award winning tours to locals and tourists alike since 2017. Choose the 90-minute Funk Zone Tour and you’ll explore the history of this former industrial part of town, which has transformed into SB’s most vibrant wine tasting, brew pub, art, and restaurant scene today. Choose the 105-minute “classic” Waterfront tour – especially suited to those unfamiliar with Santa Barbara – and enjoy a leisurely walk along the Waterfront while hearing about interesting stories, events and characters which shaped our city’s past. Finally, take the 105-minute Old Town tour which covers the lower blocks of State Street, the historic Brinkerhoff Victorian district, and three of architect Jeff Shelton’s Gaudi-like buildings. This tour also covers those events that ushered in the Spanish-Colonial style of architecture. All tours are accompanied by dozens of old 11 x 17 photos that help place you back in time. A “two for one” wine or beer tasting voucher is given to all tour goers; redeemable at Santa Barbara Winery or Validation Ale.
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Nomad Tango is a non-profit founded to promote Tango music, dance and social gatherings (milongas) as a way to expand well-being and a sense of belonging. We believe that tango needs to be understood as an art form, and take its place among ballet, modern dance, opera, classical music, jazz and others, and that it contributes to the expression and elevation of the human spirit. They are committed to building and promoting the values of community, friendship, art, music and dancing in Santa Barbara. Nomad Tango was incorporated in California as a nonprofit organization in 2021 as a Public Charity under Internal Revenue Code section 503(c)(3),
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Founded in 1916 as the Museum of Comparative Oology, the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History has evolved to include more than 3.5 million specimens covering every aspect of natural history—from mammals, birds and marine life to geology, astronomy, paleontology and anthropology. Newly renovated in 2018, the museum sits on 17 acres of oak woodland along Mission Creek. At the museum, guests can learn about the unique and diverse natural history of Santa Barbara via a wide range of indoor and outdoor exhibits. They can also explore nature in the Museum Backyard or drive over to the museum’s nearby Sea Center on Stearns Wharf to get up-close with local marine life. MUSEUM COLLECTIONS AND EXHIBITS The Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History preserves extensive natural history collections of approximately 3.5 million objects used for research ranging from anthropology to zoology. Every year, they discover and describe new species, investigate past and current changes in our natural environment, and assist in projects of environmental conservation and restoration. Exhibits reflect the biodiversity and native culture of the Santa Barbara region including Mammal Hall, Bird Hall, Chumash Life, Gem & Minerals, and Earth Sciences. The Museum has the only planetarium on the Central Coast and offers free shows daily. Engaging outdoor exhibits include the Museum Backyard and Nature Club House, and Prehistoric Forest which features animatronic dinosaurs. THE SEA CENTER AT STEARNS WHARF Located on Santa Barbara’s historic Stearns Wharf, the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center is an immersive and interactive aquarium that showcases marine life from the Santa Barbara Channel. The center houses several permanent exhibits, including the recently updated Dive In: Our Changing Channel exhibit, as well as events and educational programming throughout the year. Visitors can also explore the Marine Mammal Mezzanine to view life-size models of a gray whale mother and calf, set against incredible views of the Santa Ynez Mountains. EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS The Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History hosts a wide range of educational programs, including daily or week-long camps and classes. Open to ages 4–12, these programs offer children a unique opportunity to build connection with nature and empower their STEM skills by exploring and learning about bugs, fossils, marine animals and more. Camps and classes are available to both locals and visitors. Explore the museum’s current educational offerings here. TICKETS AND PARKING The museum is open Wednesday–Monday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For expedited entry, the museum recommends purchasing tickets in advance here. Vehicle parking at the museum is free and there are several free bike parking spaces near the blue whale skeleton. Visitors to the Sea Center can park on Stearns Wharf for free for the first 75 minutes. For directions to both the Museum of Natural History and the Sea Center, visit the museum’s website.
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Nestled in the foothills of Santa Barbara, The Santa Barbara Bowl was built in 1936 and has served as one of Santa Barbara’s most iconic outdoor music venues since. The outdoor concert venue seats up to 4,562, so you’re guaranteed a great view no matter which section you’re dancing in. Upon entering, via the corner where Milpas and Anapamu Streets meet, explore the beautiful oak trees and shaded paths as you meander in excitement towards the intimate venue set at the base of the Riviera neighborhood. The Santa Barbara Bowl boasts a stacked lineup of concerts and performances every year, averaging 27 shows April through November when the weather is perfect for live entertainment and ocean views. Before the show, make sure to catch the panoramic ocean view and spectacular sunset while you order food and drinks from one of the many concession stands around the property. The stunning amphitheater allows all attendees to relish in rocking out to live music, hysterical comedy sets, and myriad other show-stopping performances. Plus, the Santa Barbara Bowl is so beloved by many famous artists, including the likes of Jack Johnson, Van Morrison, Steely Dan, and The National, they continually return for a performance (or two). Parking & Accessibility Due to the historic design of the Santa Barbara Bowl, be sure to arrive around 90 minutes early to allow for time spent parking and venturing up the hill to the venue. The Bowl is located within a residential neighborhood, so the organization asks that guests maintain a respectful level of noise when arriving and leaving the venue. Santa Barbara High School offers convenient and safe parking, which is $15 per car (cash only). Please note that the parking lot closes 30 minutes after the concert ends. If you plan to enjoy one of the many draft beers and wines available for purchase at the concessions stands, we encourage you to use a designated driver or taxi/rideshare app. All passengers are to be dropped off on the corner of Milpas and Anapamu, where a traffic guard will be directing cars. When pick-up time comes, please communicate with your driver to be picked up in the same general area so as to not back up traffic. Should you require accessible parking, please contact the Box Office at (805) 962-7411 to reserve a space prior to the show. Accessible concert seating is available, and can be arranged with the Box Office at (805) 962-7411. A complimentary accessible shuttle is also available for patrons in need, and provides pickups and drop-offs between the Main Plaza and Lower Plaza for every show. Also, the Bowl’s entire seating system has been “looped” for high-quality assisted listening. Just switch hearing aids to “T” and enjoy the show! Concessions & Sustainability The Santa Barbara Bowl offers up a variety of locations to enjoy pre-show meals, as well as local beer & wine. Take your pick of Towbes Family Café, Snacks & Desserts, Main Plaza Bar, Locals Only Bar, Dreier Bar at the Scranton Overlook, and the Parker Family BBQ at the Overlook. Feast on mouth-watering BBQ sandwiches and hearty protein bowls, as well as salads and lighter fare, and sip on ice-cold drinks or warm tea as you soak in the sunset views. The Santa Barbara Bowl sits on 17 acres of beautiful land, and the Bowl Organization has made sustainability a priority when it comes to usage of the venue. The group extends special bicycle parking to encourage car-free transportation, creates and maintains a healthy micro-environment for local wildlife, as well as reduces energy consumed through a comprehensive, low-energy lighting initiative. Do your part and help green your footprint by purchasing a reusable Santa Barbara Bowl pint glass and receive $1 off every refill at all future shows for the life of the pint. Neighborhood Make a day of it, and explore the eclectic nearby neighborhoods before and after your Santa Barbara Bowl Show. Milpas Street offers up dozens of authentic Mexican taco shops along the mouthwatering Taco Trail, and make sure to stop by Julia Child’s favorite taco spot, La Super-Rica. Post-show, head down Anapamu street towards the State Street Promenade for a cocktail at one of the many late-night bars in town, and keep the night jamming. Feeling hungry? Peruse further down State Street towards the ocean, and you’re guaranteed to fill your belly with delectable bites. Check out the art installations and live music as you cap off your night.
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A local landmark for more than a century, The Granada Theatre is the central coast’s premier performing arts venue. Located in the heart of downtown Santa Barbara, the theater is home to the Santa Barbara Center for the Performing Arts (SBCPA) as well as its eight resident companies. The Granada also serves as a venue for regional and national touring productions and houses a state-of-the-art cinema system. History of The Granada Theatre In 1924, The Granada Theatre opened its door as a movie and performance art venue. The theater and eight-story office building became known as “Santa Barbara’s only skyscraper” and primarily served as a movie house during its early years. In 2003, the SBCPA launched a campaign to renovate the theater and reopened five years later with many enhancements, including a larger stage and world-class sound and light equipment, to name a few. Today, the theater attracts more than 100,000 guests each year and welcomes Broadway productions, nationally recognized musicians and local artists to its stage. Learn more about Santa Barbara’s historic art and theater scene. About the Santa Barbara Center for the Performing Arts The Santa Barbara Center for the Performing Arts is a privately funded nonprofit organization that aims to provide best-in-class productions throughout the region. Under the SBCPA umbrella are eight resident companies, the American Theatre Guild, Community Arts Association of Santa Barbara, Music Academy of the West, Opera Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara Choral Society, Santa Barbara Symphony, State Street Ballet and University of California, Santa Barbara Arts & Lectures, all of which call The Granada Theatre home. Each of these programs host productions at the theater throughout the year. The Granada Theatre Tickets Ticket prices and availability vary by performance. For more information, check out The Granada’s calendar of events. Host an Event at The Granada Theatre The theater is available to rent for private events such as weddings, fundraisers, corporate functions and private film screenings. Groups of 50 or less can book the balcony-level McCune Rounders Room for dinners, networking happy hours and other small events. The main stage, which offers an incredible view of the performance hall, is also available to rent and can seat up to 100 guests. Visit their website for more details. More Things to Do in Downtown Santa Barbara Located along the iconic State Street, The Granada Theatre is within walking distance to many other top attractions, shops and restaurants in downtown Santa Barbara. Explore 25,000 works of art in various mediums at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art. Go on a personal tasting tour at the Santa Barbara Public Market, where you’ll find everything from sushi and pizza to ice cream and hot chocolate. Or catch a film or comedy show at The Arlington Theatre, another iconic performing arts venue. Discover more in the downtown Santa Barbara neighborhood guide. Directions & Parking From the North: Get on Highway 101 and take the Carrillo Street exit. Turn right on Carrillo Street, drive four blocks and take a left down Chapala Street. Go two more blocks and turn right on Anacapa Street, where parking will be on your left. From the South: Get on Highway 101 and take the Mission Street exit. Turn left on Mission Street, drive six blocks and take a right on Anacapa Street. Keep going for another seven-eight blocks and parking will be on your right. Parking is located behind the theater at 1221 Anacapa Street. For events, parking is $5 (cash only); for non-events, the first 75 minutes of parking is free. Granada Theatre also offers passenger drop-off and pick-up for visitors with mobile needs.
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Welcome aboard Santa Barbara Trolley Tours. With over 30 years in service, we know Santa Barbara! Let our experienced Santa Barbara native drivers guide you through Santa Barbara’s hot spots! We offer fully-narrated tours packed with well-researched historical information, as well as pop culture facts that will delight and entertain guest of all ages. Trolley departs at 10am, 12pm and 2pm Thursday through Monday! Trolley tours are the best way to see Santa Barbara. One fare takes you to special spots throughout Santa Barbara. Board the trolley at Stearns Wharf, our open air trolleys are the perfect way to see Santa Barbara, a 90 minute narrated tour tells the beautiful history of this coastal town! Tour Highlights include… -Butterfly Beach: Where the rich and famous sun bathe. -Moreton Bay Fig Tree: The largest of its kind in North America. -Stearns Wharf: The oldest operating wharf on the West Coast. -Mission Santa Barbara: The “Queen of the Missions” established in 1786. -Santa Barbara County Courthouse: Most photographed building in all of the country, after the White House. -Andre Clark Bird Refuge: Host to a wide variety of water birds and gardens. Tour runs Thursday through Monday at 10am, 12pm, and 2pm. You may board the Trolley in front of the Visitor’s Center at 1 Garden Street. Charter a trolley for your wedding or special event! This is a unique service – nothing else compares to the beauty & scenery like a wedding tour. For more information, pictures and testimonials, ticket purchase and more, please visit our website, and check out our social media pages!
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