Santa Barbara County Courthouse
Santa Barbara County Courthouse
Santa Barbara County Courthouse
4.5
Historic SitesPoints of Interest & LandmarksArchitectural Buildings
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
About
Santa Barbara’s iconic Spanish Colonial Revival Courthouse has been called, "The most beautiful government building in America.” It is open to the public 8:00am to 5:00pm weekdays and 10AM to 5pm weekends, and all holidays except Christmas. Visitors are not admitted after 4:30. Free docent-led tours are offered daily except Christmas Day. No reservation is required. For current tour schedules, please visit the Docent Council website. Self-guided & virtual tours are also available on the website or by using the QR codes at various locations in the Courthouse. Visit the website for information about private group tours.
Duration: < 1 hour
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- Cindyep108 contributionsInteresting tour in beautiful building.We visited the courthouse for the 10.30am tour. Our guide was Mary who was an ex professor. She was extremly engaging and knowledgeable. We throughly enjoyed the free tour. The architecture was stunning inside and out. I highly recommend the tour.Visited September 2023Travelled with familyWritten 16 October 2023
- runinCODenver, Colorado224 contributionsPretty ViewWe climbed the stairs to the top for the view and stopped to see the rooms/ art along the way. Multiple weddings/ civil ceremonies were taking place, which was fun to see. The day was clear and we were able to look over the town and see the Channel Islands as well.Visited December 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 2 January 2024
- Eddie B4 contributionsOld world style meets modern romance.Amazing old world style preserved for all to wonder and wander about. Touring this stately courthouse is a dream for anyone who loves history or architecture. It remains a popular site for those couples who want that easy to do wedding.Visited April 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 29 April 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
3,010 reviews
Excellent
2,222
Very good
713
Average
65
Poor
6
Terrible
4
Red R
Escondido, CA12 contributions
Apr 2021 • Family
We visited the Courthouse on a Friday and the building was locked, so we couldn't go up the clock tower or see the murals. So we walked the grounds. I had been here 20 years ago and remembered a beautiful garden. Last, the reality of the present garden is lackluster and a bit tattered. Very disappointing.
Written 9 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David W
Georgetown, TX658 contributions
Jan 2020
The Santa Barbara County Courthouse is a wonderful example of beautiful classic Mission Revival architecture. The building was built in 1927 (according to the cornerstone) and is located in the center of Santa Barbara. It has a four story observation tower which offers great views in one direction of red tile roofs and the harbor beyond, and in another direction of the low-rise city with the mountains behind. One court room is outstanding, with a very high ceiling and painted wall murals of events from local history. The grounds are beautifully landscaped and immaculate with broad grass lawns and assorted palm trees. I just cannot say enough of how beautiful the architecture is, the proportions and scale and style are just perfect. The building is wonderfully preserved and maintained. And there is no admission charge.
Written 25 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Edgy01
7 contributions
Apr 2020
When tourists come to Santa Barbara they do not expect to find a bunch of homeless people living beneath your feet as you tour the building. What are they thinking? Maybe the MAYOR Cathy Murillo would take a little pride in cleaning up the place. It looks terrible. Tourists come to Santa Barbara for its beautiful climate and scenery. They don't come to see the junk they have to deal with at home.
I'm a local and this is a disappointment, considering that I have guest property in town and this doesn't speak well for the city.
I'm a local and this is a disappointment, considering that I have guest property in town and this doesn't speak well for the city.
Written 5 April 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Yes, it's a big problem that the Courthouse Docent Council has tried to communicate with the City and County about, without success. Local ordinances don't deal adequately with this serious problem. I am sorry that you are placing blame where there aren't good answers. We take great pride in the building and it's history and hope that visitors can take away this positive experience. Virtually all do!
Written 6 April 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Bob P
6 contributions
Jun 2023 • Couples
This working courthouse is open to the public with access through a security checkpoint. It's well worth touring this fantastic example of Spanish Colonial Revival architecture. Take some time to view the masonry, tile work, heavy timber construction and murals as you walk to the bell tower platform. While the historical narrative described in the murals is, at best, outdated, they do display a palpable sense of civic pride.
Written 28 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Denise W
Indio, CA17 contributions
Jul 2022
After the 1925 earthquake caused a great deal of damage to the town, Santa Barbara set about to rebuild their courthouse and jail. in four short years they completed this lovely building in the classic white stucco, terra cotta tile roof, and classic "Santa Barbara green" trim. There is a surprise sunken garden behind the building that is frequently used for outdoor events that is also worth the time to visit.
Written 11 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Vinelady
Sonoma, California30 contributions
Jul 2022
The Santa Barbara Courthouse is a beautiful and historic building, in the "Moorish" or "Moroccan" style of southern Spain. The tile work is amazing; some tiles are from Spain and other Mediterranean countries, and others were made in that style locally. Docents lead good tours twice a day, most days. The view from the bell tower is worth climbing the steps up and down, though there's also an elevator.
Written 23 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sharpinv
Sisters, OR7 contributions
May 2022
Couldn't figure out why this would be the #1 attraction in SB, but once you are inside the Mural room you get it. Absoutely stunning grounds, halls and rooms in a working courthouse, we appeared to be the only ones touring so had the place to ourselves. It's free and you can hit the highlights in 30 minutes or stay 90 like we did and is by far the most gorgeous courthouse I've ever seen.
Written 27 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rod
Fresno, CA1,118 contributions
Apr 2023 • Couples
If in Santa Barbara and have about two hours or so, the Santa Barbara County Court House is worth a visit if you enjoy old architecture, and historic buildings. This one was built in 1929 and is still being used today as the actual Court House. Amazing views of the entire Santa Barbara from the watch tower (about 6 floors up) and lush gardens and lawn are on the grounds. They also have a small gift shop, and you can relax or picnic on the lawn area or grounds.
Written 1 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
denisee07
Kihei, HI114 contributions
Sept 2023 • Friends
We met our friends here for the 2 PM free docent tour (1 hr) of the courthouse and the grounds. Our docent (sorry I forgot his name) was very informative, gave us the interesting history of the courthouse and the adjacent jail. The Santa Barbara Spanish style architecture is proudly displayed here. One hour passed by so quickly. The same docent tour is given at 10 AM during the week.
Written 28 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MrGaucho1987
Santa Barbara, CA943 contributions
Feb 2020
If you are visiting Santa Barbara and want a quick local history lesson do not miss the SB Courthouse. The tour is free. Check the web for times. There is a little walking and a few steps to navigate. Nothing serious. You'll be treated to a wonderful historic building, some amazing murals and a compact glimpse into SB's diverse history. It takes about an hour and is well worth it. Walk the grounds as well and you'll probably see a wedding in progress. Don't miss the courthouse.
Written 15 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Would someone in a wheelchair or scooter be able to access most of the building?
Written 13 December 2016
Yes there is a lift to the bell tower, which also stops at other levels
Written 17 December 2016
I can't remember for sure, but since it is a public building in use every day as a courthouse I am pretty sure it opens at least by 9 am.
Written 28 September 2016
Are pets (service dogs) allowed inside,
in particular for the docent-led tour?
Written 4 August 2015
We were there just a few days ago and there wasn't any charge for the docent lead tours. They only happen once a day a 2 pm and it was well worth it. I was wondering who told you that there was a cost?
Written 2 February 2015
It is really worthwhile to see this beautiful courthouse at no charge but also no guide or tour since it is very small. The grounds, the Architecture design and most of all seeing the view by taking the elevator to the top floor to see a panoramic view of Santa Barbara is so worth it!
Written 3 February 2015
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