Santa Barbara Maritime Museum

Introduction

Open since 2000, the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum was founded by a group of fishermen, sailors, and divers. It provides hands-on, interactive learning opportunities for exploring the rich history of the Santa Barbara Channel, all without leaving the harbor.

Exhibits

The exhibits highlight Santa Barbara's relationship with the Pacific Ocean, including 13,000 years of maritime history. Key focuses include whales, the Chumash people, deep-sea diving, and shipwrecks. There are also exhibits geared toward children, featuring interactive experiences, play areas, and arts and crafts in a dedicated children’s gallery.

Spotlight Areas

• Maritime history spanning 13,000 years
• Whale exhibits
• Chumash people features
• Deep-sea diving displays
• Shipwreck information

Outdoors Santa Barbara Visitor Center

The museum also houses the Outdoors Santa Barbara Visitor Center. This center overlooks the harbor and offers stunning views of the water, mountains, wharf, and Channel Islands. Informational panels provide details about the area's marine life and Channel Islands National Park. The Visitor Center is free and open daily from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Hours of Operation

The Santa Barbara Maritime Museum, located on the Santa Barbara Harbor, is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Admission

Admission costs $12 for adults and $6 for children aged 6 to 17.

For more information on current exhibits, visit the museum's official website.