Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: Santa (19) Barbara (18) building (15) tower (11) beautiful (9) amazing (8) free (8) grounds (7) view (7) great (7)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Christian L. 1 year ago on Google
    An absolutely unique and gorgeous building in the heart of Santa Barbara. Defined a must see and within walking distance (a few blocks) from the State Street main drag. The grounds are upon to the public and extremely well kept. The most magical time to visit is of course during sunset's golden hour. Quintessential California at it's best. Definitely a must see for anyone visiting the lovely city of SB
    3 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Cali E. 6 months ago on Google
    Pros: πŸ›οΈ Historic Building πŸŒ† Scenic Views from Clock Tower ("El Mirador") 🌿 Beautiful Botanical Garden for Events πŸ“· Popular for Photos and Instagram πŸŽ‰ Free Guided Tours Cons: ❌ Limited Weekend Hours (Open Monday to Friday from 8 AM to 5 PM, and weekends from 10 AM to 4:30 PM) The clock tower, known as 'El Mirador', offers a 360-degree view of the Pacific, Santa Ynez Mountains, Downtown Theater, Stearns Wharf, and the Santa Barbara Cathedral. Below the tower, a ceiling displays constellations from the night sky when Santa Barbara was named in 1602. Behind the building lies a lush sunken garden with 25+ plant varieties, available for events.
    2 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Juan O. 1 year ago on Google
    A great stop to add to a trip, lots of picture opportunities and amazing design to admire.
    2 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 iliana r. 1 year ago on Google
    Loved the docent tour. Beautiful courthouse. During the summer they show films in the sunken garden area. Perfect for a wedding too. The lookout point at the top of the tower gives you 360 views.
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 lisa k. 8 months ago on Google
    The Santa Barbara Courthouse is well worth visiting. It is beautiful, I watched YouTube videos about it before my trip to Santa Barbara, but once actually there, it was better than the videos. The person working at the information booth was very knowledgeable and friendly. They have free tours twice a day, which tell the history of the building and the area. Very interesting. And the mural room was quite impressive. I loved every part of the clock tower, and once at the top, you get an amazing view of the city with signage that has all the landmarks on it for reference. It's free and gives you the opportunity to learn some of the local history of the area.
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Hanif I. 9 months ago on Google
    It's a historical site which is still functional. It has a beautiful garden all around with green lawns where visitors are allowed to picnic and kids can play. The courthouse has circular roads around it with sufficient 15 and 75 minutes free parking spots. Very well maintained with clean restrooms. Remember to maintain silence while near the courtroom in session.
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Vlad 1 year ago on Google
    It is a great place! You can really dive into history out there! Moreover, unforgettable landscapes can be overseen from the top of the building! You can behold entire Santa Barbara. The place is definitely worth visiting!
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Debra S. 1 year ago on Google
    It was amazing!! Going up to the lookout tower is a must!! Breathtaking views, you will not disappoint! One of the old court rooms we were able to go into was amazing with murals on all four walls and the ceiling is stunning. The woodworking is also amazing and delight the eye!! This is a must do if you go to Santa Barbara. Highly recommend.
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Noe T. 2 years ago on Google
    The court house building is a must-stop place for a stroll to people watch, enjoy a sunny day, have lunch and if you're so inclined, get married too! The immaculate grounds are perfectly maintained and provide the perfect backdrop for selfies, family pictures and all occasion photos! πŸ“Έ
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Betty T. 1 year ago on Google
    Beautiful grounds. Go up the clocktower and explore the historic halls. Free. I can see why weddings happen here. Don't forget to look up.
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Alfonso P. 1 year ago on Google
    Beautiful Spanish style building. Very well maintained. Entrance is free, and you can mount to the top of the tower, where you can have a nice view of Santa Barbara. Worth the visit.
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 A V. 2 years ago on Google
    Another stunning and historic building with a gorgeous garden in beautiful Santa Barbara.
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Sabrina M. 1 year ago on Google
    I LOVE our Santa Barbara Courthouse! It's gorgeous, unique, and beautiful. We got to go up in the clocktower for free! A very cool experience. Wear a mask though, because a lot of people seem to pack into the smallish elevator. Each room and hallway is covered in beautiful murals. The place is stunning and a MUST see in visiting Santa Barbara!
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Saul V. 2 years ago on Google
    This place is amazing, beautiful buildings, the gardens are well kept, perfect place to enjoy with your family maybe an evening stroll with a cup of coffee or a nice time with the kids, tons of opportunities for a great picture.

  • 5/5 Princess 2 years ago on Google
    Lovely open space, plenty of shade within walking distance of cafΓ©s!

  • 5/5 Stanislas Nichini (. 6 months ago on Google
    Amazing historic building! You can access the tower free of charge, on the 3rd floor you can see the clock mechanism. It's the only building in the USA where the clock is displayed. Definitely worth a stop

  • 5/5 Edward A. 4 months ago on Google
    A must-see. The historical artwork in the courthouse was spectacular, and the grounds were very well manicured. Someone was getting married while we were there. I absolutely loved the 360 view of Santa Barbara from the top of the courthouse.

  • 5/5 scott k. 7 months ago on Google
    Amazing interior design and murals. There's a self guided tour you can access by scanning a QR code. Very informative and well done full color photos of much of the inside. The outer grounds is nice too, especially at dusk. The tower offers a great 4 sided view. The stairs isn't an easy climb, so take the elevator.

  • 3/5 teresa w. 1 year ago on Google
    It's a huge historical landmark, lovely to walk around and look at the gardens and landscape. The Court house indoors has a very darkned effect once you pass security, with the long corridors echoing every sound made. Once in a while it is interesting to see how the real Court System works. Sometimes they will allow you to sit in and listen depending on what case is being heard. Court cases are not what you see on TV.

  • 5/5 bobsloan79 4 months ago on Google
    A great place to visit whilst in Santa Barbara. It’s free to enter but some sections are still Used for working court proceedings or weddings. The gentleman on the front desk was really helpful and gave us useful information. Some amazing artwork and also great views from the tower

  • 5/5 Cindy M. 5 months ago on Google
    This courthouse is definitely a must stop. We were there on a Saturday. The grounds are beautiful as well as the inside. Very historic. You can go up to the tower (stairs or elevator) and need to stop in the clock room. It is amazing! Parking was pretty close - we paid but I think there were some free options.

  • 5/5 Kathy T. 9 months ago on Google
    Loved hearing the ocean lull us to sleep. This Inn is right on the beach. It's an older Victorian style place, but had everything we wanted. Comfy beds, remodeled showers.

  • 5/5 Patrick M. 10 months ago on Google
    Despite the foggy weather, our visit to the Santa Barbara County Courthouse was a truly enchanting experience. As we approached the magnificent building, its grandeur and architectural beauty immediately captivated us. The fog added an ethereal touch, creating a mystical atmosphere that enhanced the courthouse's charm. The lush gardens surrounding the courthouse were a picturesque sight, with vibrant flowers and serene fountains creating a serene oasis in the heart of the city. Upon entering the courthouse, we were greeted by a stunning Mural Room adorned with exquisite paintings depicting the region's history. The intricate details and vibrant colors brought the artwork to life, and we were in awe of the talent displayed. The courthouse's observation deck offered breathtaking panoramic views of Santa Barbara, despite the fog obstructing some of the vistas. We could still appreciate the coastal beauty and the iconic red-tiled rooftops that make Santa Barbara so unique. The Santa Barbara County Courthouse is a must-visit destination, where history, art, and natural beauty seamlessly converge, leaving a lasting impression on all who wander its halls

  • 5/5 rising s. 1 year ago on Google
    Amazingly beautiful and inspirational building full of history and nooks to explore. Felt like Alice in Wonderland in the watchtower! Be sure to visit the mural room!

  • 5/5 Wayne B. 2 years ago on Google
    What a gorgeous building for a public office!

  • 5/5 james f. 4 years ago on Google
    Beautiful building and grounds.. old world mission style, expansive with lots of intricate tilework. Wood ceilings and and Fresco's. Go up to the tower. Lots of narrow steps or an elevator. Free. From there you can get a great view of the entire area including the bay. One of the nicest city government buildings I have ever seen.

  • 4/5 Matt A. 1 year ago on Google
    Beautiful building with interesting history. Kept in excellent condition, they were restoring part of the building when we visited. Free entry

  • 4/5 Erica Y. 1 year ago on Google
    They now have a metal detector at the entrance. But entrance is open to the public, and the climb up to the view at the top is so beautiful! I love the tile work. A must see when visiting Santa Barbara!


Call +1 805-962-6464 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Pets
    • βœ“οΈ Dogs allowed
  • Accessibility
    • βœ“οΈ Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • βœ“οΈ Wheelchair-accessible entrance

Trends



Last updated:

Similar Tourist attractions nearby

Santa Barbara Zoo image
1
Santa Barbara Zoo
Zoo
Small zoo with hundreds of animals in natural habitats, a miniature train ride & picnic spots.
4.60 (5.8K reviews)
Pier Santa Barbara image
2
Pier Santa Barbara
Tourist attraction
πŸ‘πŸ‘ I had the pleasure of visiting the Santa Barbara Pier and I can confidently say that it is an absolute gem that should be on everyone's itinerary when exploring the picturesque city. Nestled between the majestic mountains and the glistening Pacific Ocean, the pier offers an enchanting blend of natur...
4.60 (5.4K reviews)
Arroyo Burro Beach County Park image
3
Arroyo Burro Beach County Park
Public beach
This oceanfront beach with seasonal lifeguards & a grassy area for picnicking allows off-leash dogs.
4.70 (2.9K reviews)
Shoreline Park image
4
Shoreline Park
Park
Popular park overlooking the water offers a playground, grassy areas, walking paths & beach access.
4.70 (2.2K reviews)
Leadbetter Beach image
5
Leadbetter Beach
Public beach
City beach offering both white sand & a grass lawn, plus picnic areas, showers & restrooms.
4.60 (1.7K reviews)
Last updated:
()