It is easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of everyday life and lose sight of the amazing world that surrounds us. The Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History is one of the best places that you will come across that offers the unique opportunity to slow down and be reminded of the beauty of our world. With a strong emphasis on the natural landscape and processes of the Santa Barbara area, there is so much to see and do here that will amaze you. You can find the museum just beyond Mission Santa Barbara along Mission Creek. Here are some of the most exciting things about this Santa Barbara natural history museum.
One of the most interesting exhibits that really speaks to the heart of the area is the one featuring the Chumash Indians who are native to the region. You can enjoy the largest collection of Chumash materials in the world, from pottery and jewelry to depictions of their rituals. Plants, animals, and ecosystems of the area are well represented throughout countless other exhibits. Special exhibitions are also present throughout the year, like the Butterflies Are Alive exhibit that has taken over the museum now. The Sea Center is one of the main areas of the museum where you can learn about the sea life of the area. You will be particularly captivated by 73-foot-long blue whale skeleton.
This Santa Barbara museum offers tours that take you deep into the contents of the museum. The many tours offer insight into the natural world that you would not find otherwise. You can also get a sense of the challenges of running and maintaining its world-class status. A great way to spend some time at the museum is to take part in one of the many journeys that take off from the only full dome planetarium on the central coastal. These adventures take you from the depths of the ocean to the infinite landscape of space, offering a memorable journey regardless of the one that you choose. There are also many educational programs available to kids, adults, and families.
After 100 years of operation, this Santa Barbara natural history museum is inspiring more people than ever. With over 150,000 visitors every year, there are countless reasons to make this amazing museum a part of your next Santa Barbara vacation. At the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, you will find fun and excitement for people of all ages! If you need a place to stay while you visit, make sure to check out our available specials!
Photo By Jllm06 -Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=31154222
