Santa Barbara County Courthouse Tours

Santa Barbara County Courthouse which includes a luxury hotel or resort and heritage architecture
Santa Barbara County Courthouse featuring a pool, a fountain and a statue or sculpture
Santa Barbara County Courthouse which includes heritage architecture and an administrative buidling
Santa Barbara County Courthouse featuring a house
Santa Barbara County Courthouse featuring heritage architecture and an administrative buidling


See the best views of Santa Barbara and enjoy a stunning variety of architectural styles at the city’s historic courthouse.

The Old Courthouse has watched over the growth of the sunny Santa Barbara cityscape for almost 160 years. Pay a visit and see an incredible mixture of paintings, murals and architectural wonders, alongside a panoramic view of the city. 

The courthouse was originally built in 1872 and reconstructed after an earthquake in 1925. Its new exterior was designed in Spanish Colonial Revival fashion with white walls that are visually stunning, and functionally cool in the hot days of summer.

Take a walk around the townhouse to enjoy its visual beauty. Delight in the regal, spectacular façades that surround the iconic courthouse clock tower. Then enter through its heavy doors and explore its rooms, enjoying each distinct style. Look out for such highlights as the intricate ceiling detailing in the shiny paint known as Dutch metal and the tiling on the main staircase. 

Enjoy the rich scent and feel of the Old Courthouse’s walnut chairs and oak tables, with each piece featuring unique detailing. While you discover the hallways and chambers, browse one of Santa Barbara’s most treasured art collections, with paintings including those of the well-known Old West painter of the 19th century, Allan Gilbert Cram.

One of the courthouse’s most significant features is its magnificent mural room. Walk around and take in the sight of atmospheric wall paintings lit up by wrought iron chandeliers. Take a seat on its plush leather pews and soak in the grandeur of this room that is still used for committee meetings today. 

After exploring the chambers, climb the courthouse clock tower and enjoy a panoramic view of the sun-blessed coastal city. For a peaceful moment on your way out, take a walk through the courtyard and its sunken garden.

To learn more about the courthouse processes and its history, join a free guided tour. Tours leave from the mural room every day after noon. 

The Old Courthouse is located in downtown Santa Barbara. Nearby attractions include the historic Granada Theatre. Entry to the courthouse is free but a donation is appreciated.

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Reviews of Santa Barbara County Courthouse

4.6
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
279
5 - Excellent 67%
4 - Good
109
4 - Good 26%
3 - Okay
28
3 - Okay 7%
2 - Disappointing
1
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Amy

Definitely go there! The best views of the area and it’s free! The courthouse and grounds are pretty as well!

5/5 - Excellent

C.K.

The view from the tower is amazing

5/5 - Excellent

Cathy

Great murals!

5/5 - Excellent

Debbie

Beautiful with stunning views from top of clock tower.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Go to top floor via elevator for 360 views of Santa Barbara

5/5 - Excellent

Mark

Well worth the stair climb for the views from the tower; be sure to see the clock works.

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Santa Barbara County Courthouse

Hotel Santa Barbara

Hotel Santa Barbara

3 out of 5
533 State St, Santa Barbara, CA
Hotel Santa Barbara
The Upham Hotel

The Upham Hotel

4 out of 5
1404 De La Vina Street, Santa Barbara, CA
The Upham Hotel
Avania Inn of Santa Barbara

Avania Inn of Santa Barbara

2.5 out of 5
128 Castillo St, Santa Barbara, CA
Avania Inn of Santa Barbara
Inn By The Harbor

Inn By The Harbor

3.5 out of 5
433 W Montecito St, Santa Barbara, CA
Inn By The Harbor
Beachside Inn

Beachside Inn

3 out of 5
336 W. Cabrillo Blvd, Santa Barbara, CA
Beachside Inn
Kimpton Canary Hotel by IHG

Kimpton Canary Hotel by IHG

4 out of 5
31 W Carrillo St, Santa Barbara, CA
Kimpton Canary Hotel by IHG
The Milo

The Milo

3.5 out of 5
202 W Cabrillo Blvd, Santa Barbara, CA
The Milo
Casa Jardin

Casa Jardin

2.5 out of 5
1018 Garden St, Santa Barbara, CA
Casa Jardin
Palihouse Santa Barbara

Palihouse Santa Barbara

4 out of 5
915 Garden Street, Santa Barbara, CA
Palihouse Santa Barbara
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Santa Barbara County Courthouse

While visiting the Santa Barbara County Courthouse, you can enjoy stunning sunsets and leisurely walks around the area. For a unique experience, consider participating in wine tours, hour-long tours, or photo tours to capture the beautiful surroundings. Don't miss out on wine tastings and free tours that highlight the history and architecture of this iconic landmark, making your trip both memorable and enjoyable.

Shopping

For shopping near Santa Barbara County Courthouse, visit Paseo Nuevo Mall, just 644m away, featuring a vibrant mix of shops and entertainment. Additionally, check out the Santa Barbara Public Market, located 483m away, offering local goods and gourmet treats.

Recreation

Experience the lively atmosphere at Santa Barbara Bowl, just 1.4km away, where music fills the air. For sports enthusiasts, Santa Barbara Golf Club, 3.2km away, offers a perfect outdoor setting. Unwind at Elings Park, also 3.2km away, a tranquil spot for relaxation and wellness.

Adventure

The Cabrillo Bikeway, located 644m from Santa Barbara County Courthouse, offers scenic outdoor vibes perfect for leisurely biking along the coast. For a more adventurous experience, hike the Rattlesnake Canyon Trail, 3.2km away, where you can enjoy breathtaking scenery and immerse yourself in nature.

Nightlife

In Santa Barbara, the Granada Theatre offers a captivating blend of romance and culture just 161m from the Courthouse. For a more relaxed vibe, Cold Spring Tavern, 16.1km away, serves delightful drinks. If you're in the mood for fun, Zodo's Bowling and Beyond provides adventure and family entertainment, 11.3km away.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Santa Barbara County Courthouse

While visiting the Santa Barbara County Courthouse, immerse yourself in the rich culture and outdoor experiences that the area offers. Explore nearby museums, stroll through urban parks, and enjoy the scenic marina. Don't miss the vibrant downtown Santa Barbara, local vineyards, and notable landmarks that enhance your trip, providing a perfect blend of family-friendly activities and cultural attractions to discover.

  • Santa Barbara Harbor: Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Santa Barbara Harbor, a marina offering adventure and outdoor activities. Enjoy scenic views, watch boats come and go, or take a leisurely stroll along the waterfront, soaking in the beach vibes.
  • Stearns Wharf: Visit Stearns Wharf, a historic jetty that provides stunning ocean views and a charming pier experience. Explore local shops, dine at seafood restaurants, and watch the sunset from this iconic spot.
  • Santa Barbara City College: Discover the unique culture at Santa Barbara City College, a historic institution with stunning architecture and beautiful ocean views. The campus often hosts events and art exhibits, making it a vibrant hub of creativity.

Best time to go to Santa Barbara County Courthouse

The best time to visit Santa Barbara County Courthouse can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Santa Barbara County Courthouse falls in August, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is sunny with no rain. The coolest average temperature around Santa Barbara County Courthouse falls in February, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January55.6°F (13.1°C)Light RainSunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
February55.0°F (12.8°C)Light RainSunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
March56.7°F (13.7°C)Light RainSunnyAverageAverage
April60.3°F (15.7°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
May63.1°F (17.3°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
June68.2°F (20.1°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighSlightly High
July72.1°F (22.3°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August72.9°F (22.7°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighSlightly High
September71.6°F (22.0°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
October66.7°F (19.3°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
November60.4°F (15.8°C)No RainSunnyAverageSlightly Low
December55.2°F (12.9°C)Light RainSunnySlightly LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Santa Barbara County Courthouse

To save money on your trip to Santa Barbara County Courthouse, visit during the off-peak months of January to February or November, and opt for a Tuesday stay for the best rates. Utilize Expedia’s search tool to find budget-friendly hotels, and consider eco-certified options for sustainability. Combine your hotel, flights, and activities in an Expedia package for additional savings. Take advantage of free activities around the courthouse and explore the area using affordable public transportation to keep costs down while enjoying your visit.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Santa Barbara County Courthouse are January to February and November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Santa Barbara County Courthouse is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Santa Barbara County Courthouse is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to specify your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can organize your search results by price, displaying the most affordable hotels at the top. Additionally, you have the option to narrow down your choices by hotel type; for instance, selecting the “Eco-certified” filter will show you sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: Consider saving on your trip by combining your hotel stay at the Santa Barbara County Courthouse with your flights and activities through an Expedia package. This way, you can enjoy a more economical and streamlined travel experience.

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