Santa Barbara County Courthouse Gardens

This courthouse is definitely a must stop. We were there on a Saturday. The grounds are beautiful as well as the inside. Very historic. You can go up to the tower (stairs or elevator) and need to stop in the clock room. It is amazing! Parking was pretty close - we paid but I think there were some free options.

A great place to visit whilst in Santa Barbara. It’s free to enter but some sections are still
Used for working court proceedings or weddings. The gentleman on the front desk was really helpful and gave us useful information. Some amazing artwork and also great views from the tower

The iconic Santa Barbara county courthouse is an actual working courthouse, if you wish to visit the bell tower and take in the breathtaking panoramic view you have to go inside and pass through the security checkpoint. Once Inside take the elevator or stairs to the 4th floor, there is a large outdoor courtyard you can visit without passing through security, it's a very popular photography spot.

Amazing interior design and murals. There's a self guided tour you can access by scanning a QR code. Very informative and well done full color photos of much of the inside. The outer grounds is nice too, especially at dusk.
The tower offers a great 4 sided view. The stairs isn't an easy climb, so take the elevator.

Here, admission is free, and the scenery is breathtaking. There's also an exhibition hall showcasing mechanical clocks from a hundred years ago.

The Santa Barbara Courthouse is well worth visiting. It is beautiful, I watched YouTube videos about it before my trip to Santa Barbara, but once actually there, it was better than the videos.
The person working at the information booth was very knowledgeable and friendly. They have free tours twice a day, which tell the history of the building and the area. Very interesting. And the mural room was quite impressive. I loved every part of the clock tower, and once at the top, you get an amazing view of the city with signage that has all the landmarks on it for reference. It's free and gives you the opportunity to learn some of the local history of the area.

Love Santa Barbara, very nice town sophisticated and yet luxury and tranquility you find in SB, California.

A must-see. The historical artwork in the courthouse was spectacular, and the grounds were very well manicured. Someone was getting married while we were there. I absolutely loved the 360 view of Santa Barbara from the top of the courthouse.

As the Santa Barbara native, I think this is the most beautiful place to visit while downtown. The grounds are meticulously maintained which wrap around the beautiful architecture of our courthouse. In addition, the interior of the courthouse is equally exquisite.

Amazing historical building. Charming, museum- like atmosphere,..... and the busy courthouse.

Amazing historic building!
You can access the tower free of charge, on the 3rd floor you can see the clock mechanism.
It's the only building in the USA where the clock is displayed.
Definitely worth a stop

Despite the foggy weather, our visit to the Santa Barbara County Courthouse was a truly enchanting experience. As we approached the magnificent building, its grandeur and architectural beauty immediately captivated us. The fog added an ethereal touch, creating a mystical atmosphere that enhanced the courthouse's charm. The lush gardens surrounding the courthouse were a picturesque sight, with vibrant flowers and serene fountains creating a serene oasis in the heart of the city.

Upon entering the courthouse, we were greeted by a stunning Mural Room adorned with exquisite paintings depicting the region's history. The intricate details and vibrant colors brought the artwork to life, and we were in awe of the talent displayed. The courthouse's observation deck offered breathtaking panoramic views of Santa Barbara, despite the fog obstructing some of the vistas. We could still appreciate the coastal beauty and the iconic red-tiled rooftops that make Santa Barbara so unique. The Santa Barbara County Courthouse is a must-visit destination, where history, art, and natural beauty seamlessly converge, leaving a lasting impression on all who wander its halls

Beautiful building. A must see if visiting San Barbara

Pros:

🏛 Historic Building
🌆 Scenic Views from Clock Tower ("El Mirador")
🌿 Beautiful Botanical Garden for Events
📷 Popular for Photos and Instagram
🎉 Free Guided Tours

Cons:

❌ Limited Weekend Hours (Open Monday to Friday from 8 AM to 5 PM, and weekends from 10 AM to 4:30 PM)

The clock tower, known as 'El Mirador', offers a 360-degree view of the Pacific, Santa Ynez Mountains, Downtown Theater, Stearns Wharf, and the Santa Barbara Cathedral. Below the tower, a ceiling displays constellations from the night sky when Santa Barbara was named in 1602. Behind the building lies a lush sunken garden with 25+ plant varieties, available for events.

It was amazing!! Going up to the lookout tower is a must!! Breathtaking views, you will not be disappointed! One of the old courthouse rooms we were able to go into. It was amazing with murals on all four wall, and the ceiling is stunning. The woodworking is also amazing and delights the eyes!! This is a must do if you go to Santa Barbara. Highly recommend.

This is a gorgeous stop in Santa Barbara! The grounds are lovely but once you step inside? Amazing. Be prepared to pass thru a security check point. If you have spray sunscreen or the like it may be an issue. Once your inside the architecture and art is simply gorgeous. From the tile, the wood working, and the murals… everything is picture worthy. Make sure you carve out time for the free! hour long tour but the enthusiastic docents. And make a quick trip up to the tower for some sweeping views of Santa Barbara!

Really worth the visit.
Walking around in the building was pleasant. The view in the top is great

This is a stop for the history of Santa Barbara history. The tower for a great view and the murals are are beautiful.

Beautiful architecture, amazing clock works, great views from the clock tower!

Beautiful building. The architecture is amazing. Definitely go up to enjoy the view! It's worth it!