Fascinating piece of history that still lives on today. The Mission has served as a gathering place and spiritual home for many since it was built in the late 1700s. Was also very interesting to learn the Mission is still the home to a community of Franciscan Friars while also including a museum, gift shop, cemetery and mausoleum, and several historic gardens. The admission fee of $15 was worth every penny as you get to immerse yourself in the history behind the Mission and learn some very interesting facts. A must see if you’re visiting!!

My experience was awesome, the tour is a must, take time to scan the tour barcode for maximum info. I really got the chills walking these hallways, garden and cemetery... inside the church was just as beautiful and moving. I was thrilled to get my new rosary blessed. Take lots of pictures, take your time and say your prayers there's something absolutely special here.

Beautiful place with amazing history. This visit I was reminded of the lone woman taken from the Channel Island. It did seem her story got a disproportionate amount of attention compared to all of the hundred years or more of Catholic mission in this location. But I suppose that's because women and native Americans are politically correct right now. With COVID, mission tours dropped off and therefore the revenue. So there are many places where I wish there could be more restoration. Right now it looks very shabby. And the admission even for four seniors was over $50 which seemed much too high for what you get which is only a self-guided walk. But if you think of it as a contribution then I suppose it's okay. I do hope the organization finds increased revenue and can spruce things up a little bit. Even volunteers to improve the gardens would be nice.

Don't rush through - take your time and absorb the beauty of this Mission. So much to see here. You can visit the crypts and walk around the gardens. Such a stunning place with gorgeous architecture. I wish we got the chance to attend a service here - next time for sure.

Santa Barbara mission is one of my favourite historical places. Easy to reach from the freeway. Huge parking lot. The church is well maintained. You can pay the entry fees and visit this place. You can scan the QR code so that you can do a self guided tour. Very informative. Docents are there to answer your questions. Please pay respect to the people who are buried here. Learn more about early settlers and the chumash people. Amazed by their art and food habits. Easily spend one hour. A food truck was there near the entrance. Clean restrooms are there. It's a good place for families. Gift shop has unique items to buy.

All mission Santa Barbara is a place that should not be missed if you're visiting Santa barbara. The fee for most people is $15 but there are certain discounts for certain people. I would say you should plan on spending one to two hours here walking the tour. They have also added QR codes that make it really nice to be able to here an audio tour. The grounds are simply beautiful and serene. Don't forget to also walk the outside grounds and take that in while you're there.

A quiet and beautiful place to visit. I would highly recommend to go inside to tour the whole place. There is a secret garden inside and quite a few introduction to the history.

Visited the site and walked the gardens on the Fourth of July, preparing for watching the city fireworks display. Beautiful grounds with rose garden & Way of the Cross sculpture/mosaic garden. Restrooms close at 5:00, which made it awkward for the large number of families waiting for the fireworks display on the front lawn. I did not tour the building, as I arrived too late. Tours are 9:30-4:00. The parking lot for the mission closes at 5:00 pm. If your car gets closed in, you can still get out with a motion detector gate system at the lower gate. Beautiful setting, with view of the ocean from higher up.

It's a nice, peaceful little historic compound. Very pretty and well-tended, with a large courtyard, an old church, and burial ground shaded by a majestic fig tree. There's also a small history museum you can look at at the end. I spent about 45 minutes here. The admission was $25. While the place is pleasant, I feel that the value is not very good.

A true historic place with great view of Santa Barbara! We love going there. It's located just 1.5 miles from 101 off Mission Street exit. There is big lawn in front of the Chapel! It is a working church. We went during Christmas and there was a small display on the lawn with small farm animals. Huge parking lot on the side. Free parking. Go visit the mission for the history and a wonderful view from the hill.

Exceeded all expectations! We went on a tour with a guide who handled the challenging history with extraordinary grace and worldview perspective. Also attended Mass, which was a moving and Christ-centered service. Highly recommend both.

Old Mission Santa Barbara 1786 is a beautiful looking Mission nestled in Santa Barbara. Finding the place and parking is pretty easy. We spent about 1 hour going through the tour. Price is $15.00 adults, if you have an EBT/Snap card cost is $3.00. It was an enjoyable walkthrough and reading of history about the church. I would stop to look at the building to see how the construction was done. In the backyard there are a bunch of mausoleums and a lot to read about the history of this place. They have a little snack area and gift shop to satisfy all your needs. The Beautiful Sunday complimented the whole afternoon.

Beautiful architecture, priceless antiques and fascinating history in this still functioning mission founded and run by the Franciscan priests. Remnants of native American structures and even an ancient section of an aqueduct show how this was once a fully self-supporting establishment. A must see in SB.

This is a beautiful spot to take in some reflection. I didn't go on the tour, I attended mass. We were dismissed through the courtyard, which gave me a peak. Nice lawn for a picnic, free parking in the lot.

Don't miss the wall plaque marking the death of the lady from the book Island of the Blue Dolphins in the right corner of the cemetery. Military discount admission was $13. I liked the laundry artifact out front. Curiously, the info all seemed to make it like the native Americans liked being under the thumb of the Spanish.

One of my favorite of the California Missions. I visit once a year. I didn’t go inside this time because I was doing a bike ride from Ventura to here. It’s better if you visit before noon to beat the crowds and your pictures will look better too (in the early morning sunshine ⛪️😉📸)

A beautiful place to visit with lots of history. The tour is self-guided with lots of information and artifacts. The "Lone Woman" was very interesting and they have put together a room on her. Lots of art from the 1700s and 1800s. The friars, from the story of the place were gardeners, but I found it ironic that the square and the rose gardens were all being cared for by contracted workers. This is still an operating mission.

Absolutely amazing. The historical significance alone was worth it, but just being in the presence was humbling. I loved that it told more than the church history and talked frequently about the natives that were part of the area and church. Well worth the price.

Touch the history - that is how I would describe this place. In case you are first time in Santa Barbara (like we were), you have to visit the mission! If you are a religious person, you'll find this place even more attractive and interesting! Restroom and parking are available for your convenience.

One of a string of missions all along the California coast. Interesting history and useful self-guided tour. I especially liked the newer sculptures - so lifelike, and the display of vestments which mirrored the fashions of the times.

Love the pink color of the building! It’s special and pretty. When the sunshine comes to the building, it’s really gorgeous! You need to buy the tickets if you want to go into the museum. It talks about the history. Outside of the old mission is a nice place for picnicking. You can buy some snacks or water in the gift store. It’s convenient.

Loved the Santa Barbara Mission, so historical. The grounds are well kept and the church is beautiful. Go early as we did and you can walk the grounds alone and truly enjoy the ambiance of this historical place from California's history. It also has ocean views from the front lawn as the mission is located on a hill. Spanish style homes as you drive up through a residential street to the mission. Highly recommended if you enjoy history