I never look for locations in movies and TV shows, but as a Psych fan I took advantage of a business trip nearby to find this building. I was somewhat surprised the show took the theme of this building and included it in the police station scenes. This was an enjoyable stop. I walked around the building for pictures and enjoyed the gardens in the back. Signs said the building was closed, but upon walking to the entrance in the overhang, guards motioned me inside. There is a tower you can reach after a few flights of stairs. At the top you have a wonderful panoramic view of Santa Barbara with displays explaining some landmarks. I walked parts of the building enjoying the architecture of a functioning county court building. The courtroom was open and available for public viewing. This was a fun stop I ordinarily would not do.

Santa Barbara County Courthouse is a stunning example of Spanish Colonial Revival architecture. Designed by William Mooser III, it was completed in 1929 and has since become one of the most iconic buildings. The building's exterior is a sight to behold, featuring elaborate ornamentation, intricate tile work, and a soaring clock tower that dominates the skyline. The courthouse's interior is equally impressive, with a grand atrium that is filled with light and surrounded by ornate balconies. Architecture is a remarkable achievement in both form and function. Its unique blend of Spanish and Colonial Revival styles, combined with its impressive scale and attention to detail, make it a must-see for anyone interested in architecture or history.

This is one of the most beautiful buildings in the United States! I know like that seems like an exaggeration, but I'm not joking. Walking around the building reveals countless architectural details, from stained-glass windows, to tiny stone bridges. The inside is even more striking--long, colonnaded hallways lined with tapestries and heavy, carved wooden furniture. The mural room, which has a 360 degree mural, is jaw-dropping. The clock tower is free to enter and offers an unimpeded view of Santa Barbara, from the oceans to the mountains; this is where you realize why Santa Barbara is called the American Riviera! the surrounding gardens are amazing too--tropical palms, green grass, and redwoods offer a perfect place for a picnic. From its painted ceilings down to its tiled-floors, the Santa Barbara County Courthouse is a must-see!

Absolutely beautiful building inside and out. Recommend the free tour when the pandemic restrictions are lifted. There are often wedding photos being taken outdoors. You’ll also see people out in the garden reading, having a picnic, walking their dog, stretching, doing exercises, and just lounging on a blanket. Parking across the street on the street or in the parking garage which is free for the first 75 minutes.

I was married here 10 years ago. It was a great experience and ever since I have been telling people about what a wonderful experience it was. They have many options for all budgets. I rented a room for a couple hours. The mural room. The rooms are painted beautifully so decorations are not allowed but also not needed in my opinion. You can also rent part of the outside gardens. Get all your paper work done in time for the rental and for your marriage certificate get that done not too early because those do expire. I learned that the hard way haha Anyways I went to visit the court house again and recreated my photos. Husband surprised me. There was construction happening so we couldn’t go inside also because it was during covid while it was closed to the public. If I had to do it all over again I would do it here. Such a beautiful court house.

Who would've thought a court house would be so visually grand! This is such a beautiful place to visit. It's a must for anyone visiting the Santa Barbara area. We loved strolling along the corridors and admiring the amazing architecture. We spent over 2 hours here and even then we felt like we were rushing to get through.

We parked our car at the public parking at the front of the Courthouse. The parking is free for 75 minutes. We took the elevator to the tower floor. The ocean views and Mountain views are amazing. The old court room on the second floor is also beautiful. There are lawyers and jurors working at the Courthouse. The garden is good.

Great place to visit for a day trip! Lots of history from Spanish mission and the architecture. Must go- the observation deck on top floor. 360-degree panoramic views of Santa Barbara. Nice to take the dog there on the green as well.

Easily one of the best features of Santa Barbra. This building is so pleasing to the eye and the surrounding gardens are beautiful. We visited on a Wednesday and were lucky to have bumped into Barbra at the information desk who has a wealth of knowledge. Great woman and very helpful. It’s a public building meaning you can freely walk around inside and out. We even sat through some live court hearings! Viewing deck at the top is a must.

In a city designed almost exclusively around the Spanish Colonial Revival era, the Santa Barbara Courthouse stands out as an awe-inspiring example and shows how powerfully a public space can help shape a city’s identity. It’s a great place to visit on a Sunday afternoon, walking the corridors, taking in the intricately painted ceilings, art, and the views from the El Mirador clock tower. As was common when built in the 1920’s, the art and architecture depict a local history that seems to have begun when the Spanish explorer Cabrillo first landed here in 1542, the narrative largely void of the history of the indigenous people who had been here for the previous 10,000 years. The nearby Santa Barbara History Museum depicts the local history in much the same way. For a better understanding of the people who first called this place home, visit the Santa Barbara Natural History Museum, which has an excellent exhibition space dedicated to the history of the Chumash.

AMAZING! Our favorite place in Santa Barbara. Not only the building is beautiful both from the outside and the inside, but the gardens that surround it are amazing! Also, we got to go up to the tower and the views from up there are breathtaking. It’s free and open until 4 or so.

If you're planning a trip to beautiful Santa Barbara you have to visit this gorgeous building.

My wife and I photographed a ceremony within the mural room at the Courthouse. It was super pretty with natural light coming through the windows. Reminded us of the Vatican in some ways! Definitely recommend for a wedding ceremony. Totally beautiful.

It is deemed the Most Beautiful Government Building in the country for a reason! This building was built in 1929 after the 1925 destroyed most of the city. We took the self guided tour and there are guided tours available. The architecture and details were so beyond beautiful. These pictures don’t even do it justice. The Law Library rivals anything seen in Europe. A must is to climb the clock tower stairs (or take the elevator) for the amazing 365 views. Many people get married here in the Sunken Gardens on the property.

Beautiful grounds and building. Take the free tour to learn all about the history but you can also self guide your own tour. I took the free 10:30am tour and I really enjoyed it. You’ll need to go through a security check before entering. There’s bike parking on the grounds just past the entrance door kind of tucked in behind the arch way to the right. There is a observation deck all the way at the top and on your way up, you can see the bells that ring on the hour. You can walk stairs or there’s an elevator.

A gem in the downtown of Santa Barbara. Beautiful architectural building with equally magnificent gardens and decorations. A must visit if you’re the area.

Nice old courthouse with beautiful grounds and a view deck on top! Free to enter with tours available.

A historical court house with rich history and a nice garden. It has great view of Santa Barbara town. Definitely worth to pay a visit. Plenty parking space along the street and lots of information inside the building.

Probably the prettiest city hall in all of California. We love documenting weddings here and can't wait to do more. If you are considering having your wedding - trust us that it is beautiful and will be the perfect backdrop for your wedding.

Indeed, I agree with many of the reviewers here that this is a must visit place in Santa Barbara. Tranquility and inspiring! There are simply many places and corners to walk around or to sit for a moment of thoughts. Highly recommended.

The Santa Barbara County Courthouse is an incredible architectural marvel that still operates as a courthouse today. Its breathtaking design and intricate details are truly awe-inspiring. The clock tower is particularly impressive, offering a stunning panoramic view of the city from the top. It's unbelievable that this historic and visually stunning building still serves its original purpose, making it a must-see destination for anyone in Santa Barbara.

The most beautiful court house ever! Stopped by for a quick visit and we weren’t disappointed. Besides its grandiose architectural design, the court house also offers stunning 360 views on its viewing deck upstairs. Our only complaint was that it was very difficult to find parking when we visited. However, totally worth it.

Very beautiful courthouse, one of the best of the whole California. Access is open to public (there is security control and screening) and free, so make sure to walk through the corridors on the ground and first floor, enter in the open halls and climb up until the very top of the turret, where you can have a wonderful 360° view of the city.

Very beautiful court house from the outside and inside but need some maintenance on some of the rooms and walkways.. you have to go up the tower for sea views of Santa Barbara

Beautiful architecture, very pleasant, and knowledgeable gift shop assistant. Incredible roof top Vista. Fascinating ower clockwork mechanism display. Mural room a must see. Gardens vell cared for and maintained.

Wonderful tour! Carolyn, a retired history teacher, gave an informative, entertaining tour. Such a beautiful building! The grounds are just as beautiful. Don’t miss visiting this historical site.

Stunning! Love the mural room, so much to take in. Gorgeous views from the tower. The world’s most beautiful tiled drinking fountain lives here. Definitely worth a visit for an hour or two.

One of my all time favorite spots for looking over SB from the top of their clock tower. It's a quick elevator ride to the top, then a small staircase which is a bit steep when the elevator isn't going to the to level but we'll worth it because once your up there you have. 360 view of the entire city, mountains , beaches and everything else with little signs that point out what you a are looking at if not familiar as well as some. telescopes for taking a closer look at your surroundings. Also great for weddings which you can have I. The beautiful sunken gardens with Spanish castle looking courthouse in the background of all your photos. Check it out if new to SB and if you live her and havnt my gone then u need to get out the house and go. Have fun, be safe and clean up after yourself for.the next people to enjoy it as much as u You.

This place is one of my favorite places in Santa Barbara. Beautiful Architecture and gardens. The clock is definitely my favorite!