Santa Barbara Landmarks

A small sampling of some of Santa Barbara's most gorgeous landmarks

Santa Barbara County Courthouse

Often referred to as the most beautiful government building in America; this Spanish-Moorish style building was designed by William Mooser III and completed in 1929 after the 1925 earthquake ruined much of the city including the original Greek-Revival courthouse.

Civic events, performances and weddings are held often in the gorgeous Sunken Gardens surrounding the Courthouse where the 1872 original Courthouse once stood. Use of the Sunken Gardens for wedding ceremonies is on a first come, first served basis. Contact the Courthouse Docents at 805 962-6464. Free docent tours are conducted daily at 2pm, except Sundays. (information taken from the SB County Courthouse Legacy Foundation website: http://www.courthouseleagacyfoundation.org/ Marriage licenses are available in this magnificent building at the County Clerk Recorder's office in the same building: http://www.sbcourt.org/general_info/cthouse_info.htm

Queen of the Missions

Old Mission Santa Barbara founded on the Feast of St. Barbara, December 4th, 1786. Although she was the 10th of the Missions founded by Father Junipero Serra, she is considered the Queen of the Missions. Experience the Queen, her beautiful grounds, Museum, Church, Cemetary and vistas: tours offered daily except Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas, at very nominal prices ($5/adults, $4/seniors, $1/youth, under 6yrs free). information: http://santabarbaramission.org/

Bathhouse at Lotusland

"Lotusland is a unique 37-acre estate and botanic garden situated in the foothills of Montecito to the east of the city of Santa Barbara. The gardens now covering the estate were created by Madame Ganna Walska, who owned the property from 1941 until her death in 1984. Before her death, Madame Walska established the nonprofit Ganna Walska Lotusland Foundation, which now preserves this unrivaled botanical treasure." (information from the Lotusland Website)

For more information on the gardens and tours of the gardens: http://www.lotusland.org/welcome.htm

View of SB Downtown Mission Tile District
"The most beautiful downtown in America"

For information on Shopping, Arts, Culture & Sightseeing; Dining & Restaurants; Entertainments & Nightlife, Accomodations & Reservations visit the Santa Barbara Downtown Organizations' website: http://www.santabarbaradowntown.com/ The webiste also has a calendar of events, information on transportation, parking, maps and the popular 1st Thursday festivals.

Santa Barbara Coastline view from Shoreline Park

Sparkling Night Lights

of the

Santa Barbara Harbor

for information on Harbor activities: www.sbharbor.com/

Stay tuned for more of Santa Barbara's amazing landmarks and geographical beauty....