Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Embracing a romantic cloistered adobe courtyard, this peaceful little museum has an end-
lessly fascinating collection of local memorabilia, ranging from the simply beautiful, such
as Chumash woven baskets and Spanish-colonial-era textiles, to the intriguing, such as an
intricately carved coffer that once belonged to Junípero Serra. Learn about the city's in-
volvement in toppling the last Chinese monarchy, among other interesting footnotes in loc-
al history. Guided tours are usually offered at 2pm on Saturday and Sunday.
Santa Barbara Botanic Garden
GARDENS
13-17yr $10/6/8; 9am-6pm Mar-Oct, to 5pm Nov-Feb; )
Take a soul-satisfying jaunt around this 40-acre botanic garden, devoted to California's
native flora. More than 5 miles of partly wheelchair-accessible trails meander past cacti,
redwoods and wildflowers and by the old mission dam, originally built by Chumash
tribespeople to irrigate the mission's fields. Leashed, well-behaved dogs are welcome.
Guided tours typically depart at 11am and 2pm on Saturday and Sunday, and 2pm on
Monday.
On Saturday and Sunday, MTD bus 22 from the mission stops at the gardens upon re-
quest. If you're driving, head north from the mission to Foothill Blvd (Hwy 192), turn
right and then left to continue on Mission Canyon Rd.
El Presidio de Santa Barbara State Historic Park
HISTORIC SITE
17yr $5/free; 10:30am-4:30pm)
Founded in 1782 to defend the mission, this adobe-walled fort built by Chumash laborers
was Spain's last military stronghold in Alta California. But its purpose wasn't solely to
protect - the presidio also served as a social and political hub, and as a stopping point for
traveling Spanish military. Today this small urban park harbors some of the city's oldest
structures. On a self-guided walking tour, be sure to stop at the chapel, its interior radiant
with rich hues.
Admission also includes entry to nearby
Casa de La Guerra
, a 19th-century colonial
adobe home displaying Spanish, Mexican and California heritage exhibits.
Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum
MUSEUM
