MOXI
MOXI: The Museum of Discovery and Innovation, offers three floors of hands-on STEAM exhibits, a rooftop terrace with stunning views, and a dedicated t...

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space to explore
MOXI
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space to explore

Highlights
Must-see attractions
MOXI: The Museum of Discovery and Innovation, offers three floors of hands-on STEAM exhibits, a rooftop terrace with stunning views, and a dedicated toddler area.
"Kids have so much fun they won't even notice the time passing at this interactive museum!"
💰 EBT Discount Available
Significant savings with an EBT card! Check their website for details.
🅿️ Parking Tips
Metered parking available; first 75 mins free, then $3/hr. Plan drop-offs for accessibility.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Interactive STEAM Exhibits
All three floors
Hands-on exploration of science, technology, engineering, arts, and math for all ages.

Rooftop Terrace
Top floor
Enjoy stunning panoramic views of Santa Barbara, especially beautiful at sunset.

Toddler Play Area
Ground floor
A dedicated safe space for babies and toddlers to crawl, play, and discover.

Water Play on the Roof
Rooftop terrace
Kids can splash and experiment with water in a fun, supervised outdoor environment.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Plan Your Visit to MOXI
Tickets & EBT Discount
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Does tipping Moxxi require tips be done all at once?
💰 EBT Discount Available
Significant savings with an EBT card! Check their website for details.
🅿️ Parking Tips
Metered parking available; first 75 mins free, then $3/hr. Plan drop-offs for accessibility.
Considering Moxi to improve sun spots and overall tone. Any experiences or advice to share?
Moxxi tip jar guns OP?
⏱️ Allow Plenty of Time
Plan for 2-3 hours to truly enjoy the interactive exhibits.
👶 Toddler Zone
Dedicated area for little ones, though some exhibits are for older kids.
Repeatedly Getting Moxxi's tip weapons for cheap!
Tips
from all over the internet
💰 EBT Discount Available
Significant savings with an EBT card! Check their website for details.
🅿️ Parking Tips
Metered parking available; first 75 mins free, then $3/hr. Plan drop-offs for accessibility.
⏱️ Allow Plenty of Time
Plan for 2-3 hours to truly enjoy the interactive exhibits.
👶 Toddler Zone
Dedicated area for little ones, though some exhibits are for older kids.
🌅 Rooftop Views
Don't miss the sunset from the rooftop terrace for stunning Santa Barbara vistas.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
MOXI is widely praised as an engaging and educational museum for families, offering a wealth of interactive STEAM exhibits that captivate children. Visitors appreciate the dedicated toddler area and the stunning rooftop views. While some find the regular admission price high, the EBT discount makes it more accessible. A few reviewers noted that some exhibits might be more suited for older children than very young toddlers.
"Amazing place! Your kids will be very happy! The museum has three floors of different educational activities. There is a special place for crawling babies and toddlers. It has an arts and crafts room. Kids can play with water on the top of the roof. There is a parking lot right next to it. First 75 minutes are free and then it’s $3 per hour."
Kate
"Moxie and Santa Barbara was a great experience. I think that it was not really geared towards toddlers under two years old. We did have a great time once we found the water table on the roof and the toddler play area. But a lot of the exhibits were a little bit Geared towards older kids. I’d love to come back when our toddler is a little bit older.
The parking situation is a little bit odd for this location as there’s no parking garage and we took grandparents who were disabled and had to walk all the way around the building and up the ramp to get in. I guess I just make sure that you have a game plan ahead of time for where you’re dropping folks off and how you’re getting disabled people into the place if you happen to bring some"
TONY LA ROSA
"this is an awesome museum. Definitely recommend for kids so many different activities and things they could think about and learn the price is expensive but if you have an EBT card, it brings the price way down but either way definitely should go to this place if you have kids plan on spending one or two hours. I even had a great time as an adult. It’s fun for everybody."
Brian Wangenheim
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
MOXI is located at 125 State Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101. It's easily accessible by car, and public transportation options are available in the downtown area. Parking is available adjacent to the museum, with metered rates after the initial free period.
Yes, there is metered parking available right next to MOXI. The first 75 minutes are free, and then it's $3 per hour.
Driving and parking is convenient, but consider ride-sharing or public transport if you prefer not to deal with parking. For families with strollers or mobility concerns, plan your drop-off point carefully due to the surrounding street layout.
MOXI is designed to be accessible. There are ramps and elevators to access all floors. However, some visitors have noted that the surrounding parking area might require a longer walk for those with mobility issues.
If you are staying in the downtown Santa Barbara area, MOXI is within walking distance, especially from Stearns Wharf and the surrounding State Street shops.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission prices can vary, but generally, it's a moderate to expensive ticket price. However, MOXI offers a significant discount for EBT cardholders, making it much more affordable. It's always best to check their official website for the most current pricing.
While not always mandatory, purchasing tickets in advance is recommended, especially for weekends or during peak tourist seasons, to guarantee entry and potentially save time.
Yes, MOXI offers a substantial discount for visitors with an EBT card. This is a great way to make the museum more accessible. Check their website for details on how to apply this discount.
MOXI's hours can vary seasonally and for special events. It's crucial to check their official website for the most up-to-date operating hours before your visit. Typically, they are open daily, but closing times might differ.
Most visitors find that 2 to 3 hours is sufficient to explore all three floors of exhibits and enjoy the rooftop. Some families with very young children might spend a bit longer in the dedicated toddler area.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
MOXI features a wide range of interactive STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) exhibits designed for hands-on learning and discovery. These exhibits cater to a broad age range, from toddlers to adults.
MOXI has a dedicated play area specifically designed for babies and toddlers, offering a safe and engaging space for them to explore. However, some of the exhibits on higher floors might be more geared towards older children.
The rooftop terrace at MOXI offers fantastic panoramic views of Santa Barbara. It's a great spot to relax, take photos, and there's even a water play area for kids to enjoy during warmer months.
Absolutely! While MOXI is very family-friendly, the interactive nature of the exhibits and the innovative displays make it engaging and enjoyable for adults too. Many adults report having a great time exploring alongside their children.
MOXI often hosts special events, workshops, and programs, especially during school breaks or holidays. It's worth checking their events calendar on their website to see if anything aligns with your visit.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, personal photography is generally allowed inside MOXI for non-commercial use. It's a great place to capture fun moments with kids interacting with exhibits. Be mindful of other visitors and avoid flash photography that might disrupt displays or other guests.
The rooftop terrace offers stunning panoramic views of Santa Barbara, making it a prime spot for photos, especially during sunset. Many of the interactive exhibits themselves provide colorful and dynamic backdrops for unique shots.
While personal photos are usually fine, professional photography or videography may require special permission. Always check MOXI's specific policies regarding photography, especially if you plan to use a tripod or professional equipment.
Expect vibrant, engaging photos of children and adults interacting with science and art exhibits. The architecture of the building itself is also quite modern and photogenic. The rooftop views are a highlight for scenic photography.
Many exhibits are designed to be visually interesting, making it relatively easy to capture engaging photos. The lighting is generally good throughout the museum.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Young Children
Key recommendations: Prioritize the toddler area, explore the rooftop water play (weather permitting), and allow ample time for your children to engage with the exhibits at their own pace. The museum's design encourages exploration, so let your kids lead the way! Don't forget to check for any special family programming.
💰 Budget-Conscious Travelers
Tips for saving: Always check the MOXI website for current pricing and any potential discounts. Consider visiting during off-peak hours or weekdays when it might feel less crowded, allowing for a more relaxed experience without the premium weekend rush. The first 75 minutes of parking are free, which can also help save a little.
couples and Adults
Highlights for adults: The rooftop terrace provides a beautiful setting for a relaxed afternoon with stunning views, perfect for a date. Exploring the exhibits together can lead to fun discoveries and shared 'aha!' moments. It's a refreshing change of pace from typical adult-focused attractions.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring MOXI's Interactive Exhibits
The museum thoughtfully caters to different age groups. The ground floor features a dedicated toddler play area, providing a safe and stimulating environment for the youngest visitors to crawl and explore. As you move up, the exhibits become more complex, offering engaging challenges for older children and adults alike. The water play area on the rooftop is a particular favorite during warmer months, allowing kids to experiment with water flow and physics in an outdoor setting.
Visitors often praise the innovative design of the exhibits, which are not only educational but also visually appealing. The museum encourages a playful and experimental mindset, making learning feel like an adventure. Whether you're trying to understand aerodynamics by building a plane or exploring sound waves, MOXI provides a memorable and enriching experience for the entire family.
The MOXI Rooftop Experience
Beyond the views, the rooftop also features a popular water play area. This interactive exhibit allows children to engage with water in various ways, from manipulating channels to observing its flow. It's a fantastic way for kids to cool off and learn about fluid dynamics in a fun, supervised environment. The combination of scenic beauty and interactive fun makes the rooftop a highlight for many visitors.
Accessing the rooftop is straightforward, typically via elevators or stairs from the museum's upper floors. It's a space that appeals to all ages, whether you're looking for a quiet moment to appreciate the view or a place for kids to burn off some energy. The rooftop truly adds another dimension to the MOXI experience, blending education with natural beauty.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit