The Santa Barbara Historical Museum is definitely worth a visit, and is just two blocks from downtown's State Street.
The Spanish-style building houses a permanent exhibit on the Story of Santa Barbara, with incredible artifacts from the Spanish and Mexican rules.
There's also an excellent exhibition on the 1925 earthquake that destroyed 400 buildings in Santa Barbara.
Step outside to the gorgeous courtyard popular for weddings, and relax beside the fountain. From here you can explore the four room Casa Covarrubias (1817), open for tours.
Check admission & tickets at the Santa Barbara Historical Museum.
5 best things to do at Santa Barbara Historical Museum
1. Visit the gift shop.
The gift shop is near the entrance, and has a fabulous selection of books, posters and cards.
2. Check out the 1925 Santa Barbara Earthquake exhibition.
There's an excellent exhibition on the 1925 earthquake at the Santa Barbara Historical Museum. See artifacts from the earthquake, and before and after photos projected on the walls.
A 6.3 earthquake hit Santa Barbara on June 29, 1925, at 6:42am. It lasted just 19 seconds, but caused significant damage to Santa Barbara's downtown. Roughly 400 buildings incurred damage, including the Santa Barbara Mission and grand Arlington Hotel. Some of the Spanish style buildings survived the earthquake, so the city declared that Santa Barbara would be rebuilt in this style.
3. Stroll through the 'Story of Santa Barbara'.
The Story of Santa Barbara covers key events in Santa Barbara's history, like the influence of the Chumash tribes, Spanish era (1782 to 1820), and Mexican rule (1821 to 1846).
The exhibition starts with a statue of Saint Barbara, a 3rd century martyr and the city's namesake.
This is the model of the Santa Barbara Mission (1786). It was one of 21 missions built by the Spanish.
The Haunted Mirror is popular with kids, where the ghosts of former Santa Barbara citizens describe their earlier lives.
This Chinese shrine was imported to Santa Barbara in 1898. It was a symbol for Chinese freemasons living in Santa Barbara, who were focused on the overthrow of China's last dynasty.
4. Explore the courtyard.
The beautiful courtyard is just outside the u-shaped Santa Barbara Historical Museum. It transports visitors back to the Spanish California era, with an enchanting fountain, native plantings, and wide open space. This area is very popular for weddings.
5. Tour Casa Covarrubias.
The Casa Covarrubias (1817) is a California Historic State Landmark, and is open for tours.
The L-shaped Casa Covarrubias (1817) has four rooms, and is open for self guided tours. It was owned by a Commander at the Santa Barbara Presidio in the 1930s, Domingo Carrillo.
This is the 55-foot long sala (living room).
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