Santa Barbara County Courthouse

Conservation - Preservation - Restoration

Santa Barbara Historic Landmark

Santa Barbara County Historic Courthouse

For almost 160 years this site has been the home of local government

and a place of civic pride and celebration.Constructed in 1926 after

the smaller Greek-Revival Courthouse was damaged in an

earthquake the previous year.

Named in honor of Saint Barbara, the courthouse complex is

comprised of four buildings totalling 150,000 square feet. 

A full basement contains mechanical equipment, parking and

storage. The jail wing is no longer used for prisoner holding.

When constructed in 1929 there were just two courtrooms located

in the Figueroa Wing, with other county government offices. 

The "Sunken Gardens" and the "Steps" are the venue for many of

Santa Barbara's wonderful events...Easter Services, Patriotic Pops

Concert on July 4th, Opening of Fiesta, Graduation Events and many
more civic and private events.  The Court House Gardens
and facilities are available for weddings and private events.

contact:  http://www.santabarbaracourthouse.org/sbch/

or call 805 568-3070

Restoration of the Santa Barbara Courthouse is being

spearheaded by the Santa Barbara Courthouse Legacy

Foundation. Formed in 2004 as a not-for-profit (501-C-3)

corporation, it is governed by a Board of Trustees.

The Spirit of the Ocean Fountain has been in critical need of replacement. 

Over the last five years or so of planning, fundraising and talent searching,

the carving is underway. Stop by and check out the progress for yourself.

 Monday-Saturday 7 am to 6 pm. 

http://www.courthouselegacyfoundation.org/Projects.html

(information and restoration photos from the Courthouse

and Legacy websites)

For more information on the restoration of the Clock Room,

the Mural Room Windows and Draperies visit the

Legacy Foundation Website.

The Court House offers Docent led tours Monday,

Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 10:30 am. 

Tours begin in the Mural Room on the second floor.

Also:  Garden Tours are 10:30 am first and third

Saturday of the month

meet under large arch on Anacapa Street. 

Free.  962-6464

I proudly received my American Citizenship in the

Mural Room many years ago.

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....