Santa Barbara County Courthouse
A masterpiece of Spanish Colonial Revival architecture, whose clock tower observation deck overlooks red-tiled roofs stretching down to the sea.
Completed in 1929, the courthouse is considered one of the most beautiful government buildings in the United States, and it is still in use today. The Mural Room, with its hand-painted ceilings, and the corridors with mosaic tiles are well worth a closer look. Take the elevator or climb the stairs to the El Mirador clock tower for a 360-degree view of the old town of red roofs and white walls, the mountains and the harbour. Entry is free. It is open roughly 8:00–17:00 on weekdays and 10:00–16:45 on weekends. The clock tower usually closes at 16:45. Free guided tours are often offered, and the sunken garden lawn is a nice place for a picnic.
Opening hours
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00; weekends 10:00–16:45
Nearby sights
- Santa Barbara Museum of Art
- El Presidio de Santa Bárbara State Historic Park
- El Paseo
- State Street
- Casa de la Guerra
- Arlington Theatre
- Moreton Bay Fig Tree
- Funk Zone