Rating: A+ for walk-around history, beauty, and
education
Ages: Toddler to adult
Directions: Santa Barbara Street at Anapamu
Street. Take 101 North, exit Carrillo Street and turn
toward the mountains. Turn left on Santa Barbara
Street. Go two blocks; it’s a whole city block on your
left at 1100 Anacapa Street.
Contact: 962-6464
Season: Docent-led tours, Mondays through
Saturdays at 2 p.m. and Mondays, Tuesdays and
Fridays also at 10:30 a.m. The 85’ tower is open
weekdays 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Saturday, Sunday and
holidays 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Tours are free. It’s great
even without the tower or tour!
One of the most magnificent, and most-photographed structures
in the United States. This is a must-see in Santa Barbara. The
courthouse was completed about 1929 at the height of enthusiasm for
the Spanish Colonial Revival style architecture. It continues to
function today as the county courthouse.
Surrounded by lawns and tropical gardens, it houses hand-painted
ceilings, wrought iron chandeliers, and imported tiles. Note, for visual
and historic interest, the old jail building, the law library, and former
supervisors’ meeting room. Huge murals depict the history of the area.
Weddings take place in the large garden on a no-reservation basis;
sometimes there are more than one at a time! Go to the top of the
tower for the best 360-degree view of Santa Barbara.
Read the plaques on the walls for true history! Visit at night and
check out the definition of good exterior lighting.
