Santa Barbara County Courthouse Tours

Santa Barbara County Courthouse which includes a luxury hotel or resort and heritage architecture
Santa Barbara County Courthouse featuring a pool, a fountain and a statue or sculpture
Santa Barbara County Courthouse which includes heritage architecture and an administrative buidling
Santa Barbara County Courthouse featuring a house
Santa Barbara County Courthouse featuring heritage architecture and an administrative buidling


See the best views of Santa Barbara and enjoy a stunning variety of architectural styles at the city’s historic courthouse.

The Old Courthouse has watched over the growth of the sunny Santa Barbara cityscape for almost 160 years. Pay a visit and see an incredible mixture of paintings, murals and architectural wonders, alongside a panoramic view of the city.

The courthouse was originally built in 1872 and reconstructed after an earthquake in 1925. Its new exterior was designed in Spanish Colonial Revival fashion with white walls that are visually stunning, and functionally cool in the hot days of summer.

Take a walk around the townhouse to enjoy its visual beauty. Delight in the regal, spectacular façades that surround the iconic courthouse clock tower. Then enter through its heavy doors and explore its rooms, enjoying each distinct style. Look out for such highlights as the intricate ceiling detailing in the shiny paint known as Dutch metal and the tiling on the main staircase.

Enjoy the rich scent and feel of the Old Courthouse’s walnut chairs and oak tables, with each piece featuring unique detailing. While you discover the hallways and chambers, browse one of Santa Barbara’s most treasured art collections, with paintings including those of the well-known Old West painter of the 19th century, Allan Gilbert Cram.

One of the courthouse’s most significant features is its magnificent mural room. Walk around and take in the sight of atmospheric wall paintings lit up by wrought iron chandeliers. Take a seat on its plush leather pews and soak in the grandeur of this room that is still used for committee meetings today.

After exploring the chambers, climb the courthouse clock tower and enjoy a panoramic view of the sun-blessed coastal city. For a peaceful moment on your way out, take a walk through the courtyard and its sunken garden.

To learn more about the courthouse processes and its history, join a free guided tour. Tours leave from the mural room every day after noon.

The Old Courthouse is located in downtown Santa Barbara. Nearby attractions include the historic Granada Theatre. Entry to the courthouse is free but a donation is appreciated.

Plan a trip to see Santa Barbara County Courthouse

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Best Lodging Options Near Santa Barbara County Courthouse

The Milo

The Milo

3.5 out of 5
202 W Cabrillo Blvd, Santa Barbara, CA
The Milo
Hotel Santa Barbara

Hotel Santa Barbara

3 out of 5
533 State St, Santa Barbara, CA
Hotel Santa Barbara
West Beach Inn, a Coast Hotel

West Beach Inn, a Coast Hotel

3 out of 5
306 W Cabrillo Blvd, Santa Barbara, CA
West Beach Inn, a Coast Hotel
Avania Inn of Santa Barbara

Avania Inn of Santa Barbara

2.5 out of 5
128 Castillo St, Santa Barbara, CA
Avania Inn of Santa Barbara
The Upham Hotel

The Upham Hotel

4 out of 5
1404 De La Vina Street, Santa Barbara, CA
The Upham Hotel
Kimpton Canary Hotel by IHG

Kimpton Canary Hotel by IHG

4 out of 5
31 W Carrillo St, Santa Barbara, CA
Kimpton Canary Hotel by IHG
Casa Jardin

Casa Jardin

2.5 out of 5
1018 Garden St, Santa Barbara, CA
Casa Jardin
Palihouse Santa Barbara

Palihouse Santa Barbara

4 out of 5
915 Garden Street, Santa Barbara, CA
Palihouse Santa Barbara
Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels

Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels

3.5 out of 5
524 State St, Santa Barbara, CA
Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Santa Barbara County Courthouse

When visiting the Santa Barbara County Courthouse, don't miss the chance to enjoy stunning sunsets and take leisurely walks around the beautiful grounds. The area also hosts various festivals throughout the year, adding to the vibrant atmosphere. For wine enthusiasts, wine tasting is a must-do activity, allowing you to explore the region's renowned vineyards and savor exquisite local wines.

Shopping

Experience shopping near the Santa Barbara County Courthouse at Paseo Nuevo Mall, just 0.4 miles away, offering a vibrant atmosphere with various shops. The Santa Barbara Public Market, located 0.3 miles away, features local vendors. If you're up for a drive, the Rafael Gonzalez House is also 0.4 miles away.

Recreation

Experience the vibrant energy at the Santa Barbara Bowl, just 0.9 miles from the courthouse, where live music fills the air. Enjoy outdoor activities at Santa Barbara Golf Club, 2 miles away, or find tranquility in Elings Park, also 2 miles away, perfect for relaxation and wellness.

Adventure

At Santa Barbara County Courthouse, enjoy a scenic ride along the Cabrillo Bikeway, located 0.4 miles away, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. For a more adventurous experience, hike the Rattlesnake Canyon Trail, 2 miles from the courthouse, offering breathtaking views and natural beauty.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near Santa Barbara County Courthouse! Catch a show at the Arlington Theater, just 0.3 miles away, for a cultural evening. For a cozy drink, visit Cold Spring Tavern, 10 miles out, or enjoy family fun at Zodo's - Bowling and Beyond, located 7 miles away.

Find the best attractions near Santa Barbara County Courthouse

When visiting the stunning Santa Barbara County Courthouse, immerse yourself in the local culture by exploring nearby attractions such as urban parks, museums, and the marina. This area offers a delightful mix of family-friendly activities and outdoor experiences, making it perfect for travelers seeking a memorable getaway. Be sure to appreciate the courthouse's architectural beauty while enjoying the vibrant surroundings that make Santa Barbara a unique destination.

  • Santa Barbara Harbor: Experience the vibrant marina atmosphere at Santa Barbara Harbor, where you can enjoy beach activities, outdoor adventures, and stunning coastal views. Stroll along the waterfront, rent a kayak, or simply relax on the sandy shores.
  • Stearns Wharf: Visit Stearns Wharf, a historic pier that offers fantastic dining, shopping, and panoramic views of the ocean and mountains. It's the perfect spot to enjoy fresh seafood while watching the sunset over the water.
  • Mission Santa Barbara: Explore Mission Santa Barbara, known as the "Queen of the Missions." This beautiful church showcases rich cultural history and stunning architecture, making it a serene place for reflection and learning about California's heritage.

Best time to go to Santa Barbara County Courthouse

Visitor numbers around Santa Barbara County Courthouse is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Santa Barbara County Courthouse can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Santa Barbara County Courthouse falls in August, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is sunny with no rain. The coolest average temperature around Santa Barbara County Courthouse falls in February, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is sunny with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January55.6°F (13.1°C)Light RainSunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
February55.0°F (12.8°C)Light RainSunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
March56.7°F (13.7°C)Light RainSunnyAverageAverage
April60.3°F (15.7°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
May63.1°F (17.3°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly LowAverage
June68.2°F (20.1°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
July72.1°F (22.3°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August72.9°F (22.7°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
September71.6°F (22.0°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
October66.7°F (19.3°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
November60.4°F (15.8°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageSlightly Low
December55.2°F (12.9°C)Light RainSunnyAverageAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Santa Barbara County Courthouse

To save money on your visit to the Santa Barbara County Courthouse, plan your trip in the off-peak months of January, February, or November when prices drop. Tuesdays offer the best hotel rates, while Saturdays are the priciest. Utilize Expedia to find budget-friendly accommodations and consider booking a package deal that combines flights, hotels, and activities for additional savings. Don’t forget to join Expedia's One Key membership for exclusive discounts and earn OneKeyCash for future bookings. Plus, enjoy the free entry to the courthouse and explore the area on foot to save on transport costs.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Santa Barbara County Courthouse are January to February and November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Santa Barbara County Courthouse is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Santa Barbara County Courthouse is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool empowers you to choose your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can easily organize your search results by price, starting with the most affordable hotels. Plus, you have the option to refine your choices by hotel type; for instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at the Santa Barbara County Courthouse with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.