Very interesting. Enjoyed the Mermaid exhibit and there's alot more to see including the great veiw!

It's a nice museum, worth the money. Do not let your child do the "treasure hunt" or whatever unless you want to associate extreme disappointment with such visits; the museum gave out a rubber band thing to one child, and a piece of paper to the other. The funnest thing in the museum, a boat captain simulator, is broken.

Cute museum with so many things to learn about the area. Had a great time visiting with my 13 year old son. Learned about the history of Santa Barbara, the lighthouse keepers, military, etc. Worth the visit.

I was surprised at how good this little museum is. Good modern exhibits focusing mostly on local history maritime history with interesting artifacts. There is a free scavenger hunt for children to participant in. The docent spent a lot of time w us telling my 11 year old son about the history and making it interesting for him. His favorite part was steering the boat. Don’t forget to visit the fourth floor for an amazing view. This July the gift shop everything is 50% off. There is also a teacher discount that isn’t advertised (free entry).

What a hidden gem! We really enjoyed learning more about the history of the area and its contributions to deep sea diving. The fishing simulator and "tattoo parlor" were really fun for kids and kids at heart. We got a Groupon for 4 adults for $16.50 but it's worth it even at full price.

Very informative museum, kids enjoyed treasure hunt

Everything is interesting. I love the rooftop as well, relaxing and you can see the perfect view in Santa Barbara.

Delightfully situated on the waterfront, a pleasant 15 minute stroll from State street and Stearns Wharf (one carpark to cross), museum is packed full of historical artefacts, photos, models and information panels on so many different subjects, including a full size Chumash boat, enormous lighthouse lens (see photo), diving suit and helmets, and more. One of my favourite exhibits is the tattoo parlour where you can get 5 different nautical tattoos (temporary only!) A few technical exhibits were out of commission, suggesting that this under-visited museum needs more support. Friendly staff and good gift shop (please add postcards related to the museum contents).

There’s free parking for 90 minutes. There’s also lots for paid parking. We went on a Saturday and the lots were pretty full. However there were not many people in the museum. Tickets are $10. Veterans receive a discount of $5. It’s a small museum with interesting pieces in there. I think a great activity for all ages.

This is a small but interesting museum that touches on all aspects of the maritime environment. It has displays of early native culture, oil industry, racing, naval defenses, ecosystems, early sea trade,etc.

We visited this place and had a great time!! A staff member (I think his name was Steve) was super informative and passionate about the place. He answered all of our questions and really went out of his way to show us all the coolest things in the museum. Thank you Steve!!

Took advantage of their free for veterans policy, but made a contribution.

First time ever. My whole family had visited. Many wonderful 👍 and most memorial information as well as history behind. Fun 😊 for kids learning place. Clean floor . Beautiful gifts shop. I bought some nice souvenirs. Will definitely recommend to other friends and families.. Staffs were so helpful and knowledgeable 💖

Great place for kids and even for adults. A lot to learn about marine exploration and evaluation over time. Great to know that Summerland oil exploration and extraction industry is first in the world and history about Japanese attack in Ellwood Goleta during WW2. Very interesting to know about so many unknown facts like first deep dive based on Oxygen mask started in Santa Barbara. Apart from the fact about the museum, there are lot great restaurants for fish lovers. As a local person I strongly discourage to go to Brophy Bros. I have very pathetic personal experience. Apart from that overall very nice place.

Absolutely great time wife brought us here for a surprise to our weekend birthday getaway

A must see. Beautiful visitor center with amazing views and friendly helpful staff. Also a wonderful gift shop

Great museum with excellent exhibits on the history and environmental milestones of the central coast of California! Expect to pay about $20-$30 for a family of four, depending on the age of the children and parents.

We cannot comment enough on how wonderful the experience was, especially having Docent Bob give us a 90’ tour. He is so congenial, knowledgeable, and interesting the time flew by. The museum is packed with outstanding exhibits for all ages. We highly recommend it and the hsrbor setting is beautiful.

A place that you can learn a lots about history. Visited to this place bring back a memories of my late father. I had 1 compass which similar with the one shown here. History of California can be found here, especially for the petroleum industry

Awesome museum for the whole family. Everything from butterfly exhibit/rainforest, to planetarium, to a rooftop with native plants, flowers, birds, and many other fun exhibits. Go--just go!

A fun place for everyone who is willing to enhance knowledge anytime. The collection of anecdotes in the museum is nice. Added simulator in the vicinity agrandizes the place. The staff is super polite and it's easy to navigate inside. There are restrooms on first floor and there is an awesome restaurant and a gift shop too. Overall a nice place.

Amazing lighthouse light. Replicas of famous boats and ships. Currently whale exhibit and room that makes you feel your swimming with the fish underwater.

This was a great little museum with a lot of history in such a small size. Be sure to go to the top deck where they have a really nice open patio with seating where you can just enjoy the view.

Wanted to see the museum while in the area. Very busy harbor, parking is 2.00..entry to museum is 8.00..historic diving helmets, they have the fresnel glass light house with the gear housing. Several miniature boats from speedboats to old fishing vessels. The 800 poungmd dive suit is the first thing you see when entering. Different historical equipment used by ocean navigators, good place for all ages.