Santa Barbara: Carpinteria, Goleta, Montecito, Ojai, Santa Barbara
A dynamic year-round arts scene includes contemporary plus historically significant art filled galleries; museums, architectural gems; farmers market handcrafts; tours, lectures, events.
The Lynda Fairly Carpinteria Arts Center - Carpinteria
Thursday-Monday 11:00am-5:00pm
Location: 855 Linden Avenue
Why Go There? Hosts emerging/established artist exhibits, monthly sales, organizes events: annual Memorial Weekend artist studio tour (Carpinteria and Summerland), area art tours (fee), film showings.
More Information: Carpinteria Arts Center
Chumash Painted Cave State Historic Park - Goleta Area
Location: From Santa Barbara, north on Highway 154, turn right on Painted Cave Road, approximately two miles up steep, narrow road. Cave on the left; very limited parking, no large vehicles.
Why Go There? Features Chumash native cave pictographs, within a seven acre state park created to protect/preserve the ancient paintings
More Information: Chumash Painted Cave + CyArk
Rancho La Patera and Stow House - Goleta
Location: 304 North Los Carneros Road
Why Go There? Historic ranch buildings, house, grounds open to the public (suggested donation); site for 46+ years annual fiddler's festival (October); proximity to Goleta's South Coast Railroad Museum, working miniature steam train (300 North Los Carneros), Lake Carneros park nature preserve trails
More Information: Goleta Valley Historical Society + Goleta Depot
Vedanta Society Temple Bookstore - Montecito
Monday-Saturday 11:00am-5:00pm, Sunday 10:00am-1:00pm; closed Wednesday
Location: 925 Ladera Lane
Why Go There? Nestled in serene beautiful landscaped gardens; historic building/ gardens open to the public; carries jewelry, fabrics, imported items, books related to Vedanta practices
More Information: Vedanta Bookstore
Westmont Ridley-Tree Museum of Art - Montecito
Monday-Saturday 10:00am-4:00pm (Saturday opens 11:00am; closed summer weekends, school holidays)
Location: 955 La Paz Road
Why Go There? Part of Westmont College campus, gallery features works from permanent collection, changing exhibits/opening receptions including juried tri-county show; schedules docent-led tours, free admission
More Information: Westmont
Ojai Valley Museum - Ojai
Tuesday-Sunday 10:00am-4:00pm (Sunday opens 12:00pm)
Location: 130 West Ojai Avenue
Why Go There? Features history of the area, including Chumash culture/ interpretive garden, local artists and businesses; permanent and changing exhibits; participates in third Fridays 5:30pm-7:30pm (free); small entrance donation requested
More Information: Ojai Valley Museum
Santa Barbara County Courthouse - Santa Barbara
Daily
Location: 1100 Anacapa Street
Why Go There? Art-filled historic busy courthouse feels like a museum; docent-led (no cost) tours. Climb stairs to the tower, worth the effort: 360 degree view of downtown, nearby mountains; view colorful clock room murals ascending/descending stairs. Host site for outdoor summer concerts, weddings.
Access: Parking lots (free first 75 minutes); street parking; public transportation
More Information: Santa Barbara Courthouse
Santa Barbara First Thursday - Santa Barbara
First Thursday of the month 5:00pm-8:00pm; 7:30pm-9:30pm participant theaters
Location: Downtown galleries, shops, theaters
Why Go There? View new artworks, enjoy artist receptions, lectures, live music, wine tastings, hands-on activities, concerts, dance, play previews
Access: Parking lots (free first 75 minutes); street parking; public transportation
More Information: Downtown SB
Santa Barbara Historical Museum - Santa Barbara
Tuesday-Sunday 10:00am-5:00pm, Sunday 12:00pm-5:00pm; Thursday open until 8:00pm (after 5:00pm no cost)
Location: 136 East De La Guerra Street
Why Go There? Permanent/changing exhibitions highlight 450 years Santa Barbara, California history. Period collections (80,000 artifacts, fine art, objects) include: Chumash (Native American), early Spanish/Mexican California into the 20th century; late Renaissance, Spanish Colonial; on-going events: lectures, receptions, walking tours (some no cost); museum store.
Access: Parking lots (free first 75 minutes); street parking; public transportation
More Information: Santa Barbara Museum
Santa Barbara Museum of Art - Santa Barbara
Tuesday-Sunday 11:00am-5:00pm, Thursday open until 8:00pm
Location: 1130 State Street
Why Go There? European collections, changing exhibits; special events, lectures. Student, senior (65+) discounts, active military/family no charge; museum store; cafe. Thursday 5:00pm-8:00pm no charge (docent-led mini talks: 6:10pm, 7:10pm; 'pop-up' local wine, beer for sale).
Access: Parking lots (free first 75 minutes); street parking; public transportation
More Information: SBMA
Santa Barbara Museum of Contemporary Art - Santa Barbara
Schedule varies - see website
Location: 653 Paseo Nuevo
Why Go There? Changing contemporary art exhibits; easy access, downtown
Access: Parking lots (free first 75 minutes); street parking; public transportation
More Information: MCA Santa Barbara
Wildling Museum of Art & Nature - Solvang
Wednesday-Monday 11:00am-5:00pm (opens 10:00am Saturday-Sunday)
Location: 1511-B Mission Drive
Why Go There? At any given visit can view three to five different exhibitions and artists works; one gallery is dedicated to telling stories of the tri-county area (Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo); permanent wall mural executed by local artist John Iwerks educates about oak habitats; another gallery features rotating community art shows, artworks from the permanent collection; schedules art receptions, presentations on art and nature topics, events, films; small admission fee, free Wednesdays, and to military, under 18 all days.
More Information: Wildling Museum