Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History
Discover California's natural wonders at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, featuring butterflies, dinosaurs, and the cosmos.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space to explore
Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space to explore
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover California's natural wonders at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, featuring butterflies, dinosaurs, and the cosmos.
"A small but mighty museum with diverse displays, loved by kids for dinosaurs and creek areas!"
🦋 Butterflies Alive! Tickets
Purchase tickets for the 'Butterflies Alive!' exhibit separately; it's a popular seasonal attraction!
🦕 Dinosaur Fun
Don't miss the 'Prehistoric Forest' with its moving dinosaurs – a huge hit with kids!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Butterflies Alive!
Indoor exhibit
Walk through a vibrant sanctuary filled with thousands of live butterflies. A truly magical experience for all ages.
Prehistoric Forest
Outdoor exhibit
Step back in time and encounter life-sized, moving dinosaur models. A thrilling adventure for young paleontologists.
Planetarium Shows
Planetarium
Explore the cosmos with captivating shows that bring the wonders of space to life. Educational and awe-inspiring.
Outdoor Creek Area
Backyard
An engaging outdoor space where kids can play, climb rocks, and explore a natural creek environment.
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Planning Your Visit
Plan Your Visit to the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History
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Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🦋 Butterflies Alive! Tickets
Purchase tickets for the 'Butterflies Alive!' exhibit separately; it's a popular seasonal attraction!
🦕 Dinosaur Fun
Don't miss the 'Prehistoric Forest' with its moving dinosaurs – a huge hit with kids!
⭐ Planetarium Shows
Check the schedule for planetarium shows; they offer fascinating insights into space.
🌳 Outdoor Play Area
Let kids explore the backyard creek area for hands-on nature play.
Tips
from all over the internet
🦋 Butterflies Alive! Tickets
Purchase tickets for the 'Butterflies Alive!' exhibit separately; it's a popular seasonal attraction!
🦕 Dinosaur Fun
Don't miss the 'Prehistoric Forest' with its moving dinosaurs – a huge hit with kids!
⭐ Planetarium Shows
Check the schedule for planetarium shows; they offer fascinating insights into space.
🌳 Outdoor Play Area
Let kids explore the backyard creek area for hands-on nature play.
🅿️ Free Parking
Enjoy the convenience of free parking on-site.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History for its engaging exhibits, particularly the 'Butterflies Alive!' and dinosaur displays, and its family-friendly atmosphere. The outdoor creek area is a hit with kids, and the planetarium offers captivating shows. Staff are noted for being friendly and helpful, and free parking adds to the positive experience.
"The staff are very friendly and the museum is well kept and clean. Fun exhibits in the museum part and it also has an outside backyard area that's great for kids. The butterflies are also out right now, and are very well maintained. It also has an observatory and planetarium where we got a pretty cool show."
Stellan Cook
"Great place to visit! Very good for kids. They have a beautiful butterfly exhibit until the end of the summer ($3 per person).
There is a planetarium 25 minute shows about 3 times a day.
They have an observatory.
Prehistoric forest with moving dinosaurs is a must see.
There is a garden with a creek where kids can play with water, boat, climb rocks.
Free parking."
Kate
"A great place to take your family to visit if you're in the area. Very nice displays and everything is well within a good walking distance. We enjoyed the butterflies and dinosaur displays. Parking is free and so is for active duty military (including reservists and National Guard). Friendly staff. Clean Museum. The mission is also close by."
Charles Festejo
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located at 2559 Puesta del Sol Road, Santa Barbara, CA. It's easily accessible by car, with free parking available on-site. Public transportation options may also be available; check local transit schedules for routes serving the area.
Yes, the museum offers free parking for visitors, which is a great convenience.
While not directly on Stearns Wharf, the museum is a short drive away. You can easily combine a visit to the museum with exploring the wharf and the Santa Barbara Sea Center.
From downtown Santa Barbara, driving is a convenient option. Alternatively, ride-sharing services or local buses can take you to the museum.
Yes, the museum is relatively close to the historic Old Mission Santa Barbara and the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, making it easy to plan a day of exploration.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
General admission prices vary. The 'Butterflies Alive!' exhibit often has a separate, small fee per person. Check the official museum website for the most current pricing for adults, children, and seniors.
While not always mandatory, purchasing tickets in advance, especially for popular exhibits like 'Butterflies Alive!' or planetarium shows, is recommended to secure your spot.
Active duty military personnel and their families often receive free admission. Keep an eye on the museum's website for any special discount days or community events.
Museum hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History hours on their website before your visit to confirm opening and closing times.
Yes, tickets for the planetarium shows can typically be purchased at the museum. It's advisable to check the show schedule and consider booking ahead if possible, as seating may be limited.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Visitors rave about the 'Butterflies Alive!' walkthrough, the 'Prehistoric Forest' with its moving dinosaurs, and the engaging planetarium shows. The outdoor creek area is also a favorite for kids.
Absolutely! It's highly recommended for families. The interactive exhibits, outdoor play areas, and dinosaur displays make it a fun and educational experience for children.
The Santa Barbara Sea Center, often associated with the museum, focuses on marine life and conservation. It's a great place to learn about the local ocean ecosystem.
Information on guided tours can be found on the museum's website. They may offer special tours or educational programs depending on the day of your visit.
The museum is generally well-maintained and accessible. Most exhibits and pathways are designed to accommodate strollers and wheelchairs, but it's always good to confirm specific accessibility details with the museum.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The museum typically has a gift shop that may offer some snacks or beverages. For full meals, there are dining options available in the surrounding Santa Barbara area.
Picnic areas might be available in the outdoor spaces. It's best to check the museum's policy on outside food and beverages before your visit.
The area around the museum and nearby State Street offers a variety of restaurants, from casual cafes to more upscale dining.
While the museum focuses on exhibits, it's worth checking their website for any current cafe or snack bar offerings.
Many museums offer party packages. Inquire directly with the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History about their event spaces and birthday party options.
📸 📸 Photography
Generally, personal photography for non-commercial use is allowed inside the museum. However, flash photography might be restricted in certain areas to protect exhibits. Always look for signage or ask staff if unsure.
Yes, the 'Butterflies Alive!' exhibit, the dinosaur models, and the planetarium dome offer unique and memorable photo opportunities. The natural setting of the outdoor areas also provides scenic backdrops.
The vibrant colors of the butterflies, the imposing presence of the dinosaurs, and the celestial displays in the planetarium are prime subjects for photography.
Drone usage is typically prohibited at museums and indoor public spaces. It's best to assume drones are not allowed on museum grounds.
You can find many photos on the museum's official website, social media channels, and travel blogs. Searching 'Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History photos' online will yield many results.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Parents will appreciate the free parking and the friendly, helpful staff. The museum's focus on local wildlife and natural history makes it an educational outing that doesn't feel like a chore for the little ones. Consider booking planetarium shows in advance for an extra dose of wonder.
💰 Budget Travelers
Look out for potential discounts, such as free admission for active-duty military. The outdoor areas, like the creek, provide free exploration opportunities, making it a cost-effective way to entertain children. Packing your own snacks can also help manage food expenses.
🔭 Science & Nature Enthusiasts
The museum's focus on regional natural history ensures a unique and informative experience. The 'Butterflies Alive!' exhibit offers a chance to observe insect life up close, while the dinosaur displays cater to paleontology interests. It's a place where scientific curiosity is consistently rewarded.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Natural Wonders: Exhibits at the Museum
For those fascinated by prehistoric life, the 'Prehistoric Forest' offers a thrilling encounter with life-sized, moving dinosaur models. This exhibit is a particular hit with younger visitors, sparking their imagination and curiosity about ancient creatures. Beyond these popular attractions, the museum also features exhibits on local wildlife, geology, and the rich natural history of the Santa Barbara region, providing a comprehensive look at the area's biodiversity.
The museum also boasts a planetarium and an observatory, offering visitors a chance to explore the cosmos. The planetarium shows are captivating and educational, bringing the wonders of space to life. These celestial attractions add another layer of discovery to the museum's offerings, making it a well-rounded destination for science enthusiasts of all ages.
Family Fun and Outdoor Exploration
Beyond the creek, the museum's layout is conducive to family exploration. The exhibits are generally well-spaced, and the 'Prehistoric Forest' with its animatronic dinosaurs is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for kids. The friendly staff also contribute to a welcoming atmosphere, often bringing out birds of prey for children to see up close, further enhancing the educational and engaging nature of the visit.
When planning a family trip, consider the seasonal 'Butterflies Alive!' exhibit, which is a magical experience for all ages. The museum's commitment to providing interactive and educational experiences makes it an ideal choice for a family outing in Santa Barbara, offering both entertainment and learning opportunities.
Celestial Discoveries: Planetarium and Observatory
Complementing the planetarium is the museum's observatory. While access and viewing opportunities may vary, the observatory offers a chance to delve deeper into astronomical observation. It provides a unique perspective on the night sky and the celestial bodies that populate it, adding a significant scientific dimension to the museum experience.
Checking the schedule for planetarium shows in advance is highly recommended, as they are a popular attraction. These celestial exhibits underscore the museum's dedication to showcasing the wonders of the natural world, extending from the terrestrial to the cosmic.
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