Courtyard of Santa Barbara Historical Society Museum - stock photo

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Santa Barbara Historical Museum

Santa Barbara


Embracing a romantic cloistered adobe courtyard, this peaceful little museum tells the story of Santa Barbara. Its endlessly fascinating collection of local memorabilia ranges from the simply beautiful, such as Chumash woven baskets and Spanish-colonial-era textiles, to the intriguing, such as an intricately carved coffer that once belonged to Junípero Serra. Learn about the city’s involvement in toppling the last Chinese monarchy, among other interesting lessons in local history.