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Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History

2559 Puesta del Sol Road, Santa Barbara, CA 93105
805-682-4711
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Ranked #18 of 63 attractions in Santa Barbara
Type: Natural History Museums
Activities: Walking
Traveller Description: Museum of Natural History 2559 Puesta del Sol Road Santa Barbara, 93105 805-682-4711 (General Information) 805-682-4711 x174 (Observatory/Plan... more »
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54 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
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Date Rating
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
3 attraction reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 5 May 2013

This is a fun experience for kids and adults alike. The outside of the museum is almost as interesting as the inside. Stunning oak woodland with a creek running through. Tons of birds, squirrels, chipmunks, all seemingly oblivious to humans. Inside there are many exhibitions on marine life, paleontology, birds, mammals, insects and the local Chumash Indians. All well done,... More

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See 3 more reviews by Captclam for Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, California
2 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 12 April 2013

I took my grandchildren during Spring break. We were there for 4 hours and they still didn't want to leave. The new addition in the back with the water and rocks is a kids paradise.

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Senior Contributor
46 reviews 46 reviews
19 attraction reviews
Reviews in 14 cities Reviews in 14 cities
16 helpful votes 16 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 4 April 2013

The owl exhibit was fantastic. The property is amazing, don't miss the outside area. Inside smells musty. But, what can you expect, the animals are dead! The stuffed bird area is one of the best. Take the family and see what they are attracted to in this sprawling museum. This place is a great educational tool for young and old.

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See 8 more reviews by frack77 for Santa Barbara
CA
Senior Contributor
43 reviews 43 reviews
20 attraction reviews
Reviews in 19 cities Reviews in 19 cities
36 helpful votes 36 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 3 April 2013

We are a childless couple in our late 30's, so we found some of the exhibits looking very tired. The bird section is nice with hundreds of stuffed birds to see arranged by type. The Chumash Indian area was interesting with lots of nice artifacts. There's a nice walk you can take outside around the grounds thru the trees by... More

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See 2 more reviews by CaLittleRed for Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, California
Reviewer
5 reviews 5 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 30 March 2013

Always something new to see at this historic spot. Wander along Mission Creek. Indoor and outdoor activities. Great for all ages.

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See 3 more reviews by Sandra H for Santa Barbara
Lakewood, California
Senior Contributor
21 reviews 21 reviews
6 attraction reviews
Reviews in 11 cities Reviews in 11 cities
15 helpful votes 15 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 18 March 2013

My calling the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History "little" might not be fair. My prior experience with a natural history museum is the one in NYC which is huge. The Santa Barbara museum is really a nice size - you are able to see all of the exhibits during one visit. The exhibits are quite nice and interesting. There... More

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See 4 more reviews by marysbandb for Santa Barbara
chino
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
3 attraction reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 11 March 2013

I wish i had known of their beautiful out doors areas,, i would have packed us a picnic lunch.. i could have spent hours just lounging outside. the museum exihibits are top notch. and there is a planitarium as well.. you cant beat this !! you MUST GO !

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Portland,ND
Contributor
12 reviews 12 reviews
4 attraction reviews
Reviews in 10 cities Reviews in 10 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 11 March 2013

This museum will be a winner from little ones to adults. Loved the planetarium show, Chumash Indian exhibit plus the garden walk are. All exhibits were well done. A definite stop

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See 2 more reviews by 101NDtraveler for Santa Barbara
Louisville, Kentucky
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
3 attraction reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 5 March 2013

I loved this musuem and the atmosphere. I recommend this museum to anyone, as it is clean, informative and one of the best. Thank you.

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See 3 more reviews by dimples104_11 for Santa Barbara
Calabasas, California
Senior Contributor
22 reviews 22 reviews
12 attraction reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 28 December 2012

This museum is beautiful. It is small and always has interesting, if not very special exhibits. Don't miss this. Can do this on same day as you do the Botanical Gardens. Plan on 1-2 hours to see it all. You will pass the Santa Barbara Cathedral as you make your way up there. This is another place to stop and... More

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See 5 more reviews by travelalot32136 for Santa Barbara

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