Santa Barbara County Courthouse

Santa Barbara County Courthouse

Santa Barbara County Courthouse
4.5
Historic SitesPoints of Interest & LandmarksArchitectural Buildings
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Santa Barbara’s iconic Spanish Colonial Revival Courthouse has been called, "The most beautiful government building in America.” It is open to the public 8:00am to 5:00pm weekdays and 10AM to 5pm weekends, and all holidays except Christmas. Visitors are not admitted after 4:30. Free docent-led tours are offered daily except Christmas Day. No reservation is required. For current tour schedules, please visit the Docent Council website, https://www.sbcourthouse.org. Self-guided & virtual tours are also available on the website or by using the QR codes at various locations in the Courthouse. Visit the website for information about private group tours.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions

4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles3,011 reviews
Excellent
2,223
Very good
713
Average
65
Poor
6
Terrible
4

Bob P
6 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2023 • Couples
This working courthouse is open to the public with access through a security checkpoint. It's well worth touring this fantastic example of Spanish Colonial Revival architecture. Take some time to view the masonry, tile work, heavy timber construction and murals as you walk to the bell tower platform. While the historical narrative described in the murals is, at best, outdated, they do display a palpable sense of civic pride.
Written July 28, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

denisee07
Maui, HI128 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2023 • Friends
We met our friends here for the 2 PM free docent tour (1 hr) of the courthouse and the grounds. Our docent (sorry I forgot his name) was very informative, gave us the interesting history of the courthouse and the adjacent jail. The Santa Barbara Spanish style architecture is proudly displayed here. One hour passed by so quickly. The same docent tour is given at 10 AM during the week.

Written September 28, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Rod
Fresno, CA1,114 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2023 • Couples
If in Santa Barbara and have about two hours or so, the Santa Barbara County Court House is worth a visit if you enjoy old architecture, and historic buildings. This one was built in 1929 and is still being used today as the actual Court House. Amazing views of the entire Santa Barbara from the watch tower (about 6 floors up) and lush gardens and lawn are on the grounds. They also have a small gift shop, and you can relax or picnic on the lawn area or grounds.
Written May 1, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Denise W
Indio, CA17 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2022
After the 1925 earthquake caused a great deal of damage to the town, Santa Barbara set about to rebuild their courthouse and jail. in four short years they completed this lovely building in the classic white stucco, terra cotta tile roof, and classic "Santa Barbara green" trim. There is a surprise sunken garden behind the building that is frequently used for outdoor events that is also worth the time to visit.
Written July 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Vinelady
Sonoma, California30 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2022
The Santa Barbara Courthouse is a beautiful and historic building, in the "Moorish" or "Moroccan" style of southern Spain. The tile work is amazing; some tiles are from Spain and other Mediterranean countries, and others were made in that style locally. Docents lead good tours twice a day, most days. The view from the bell tower is worth climbing the steps up and down, though there's also an elevator.
Written July 23, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Red R
Escondido, CA12 contributions
2.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2021 • Family
We visited the Courthouse on a Friday and the building was locked, so we couldn't go up the clock tower or see the murals. So we walked the grounds. I had been here 20 years ago and remembered a beautiful garden. Last, the reality of the present garden is lackluster and a bit tattered. Very disappointing.
Written April 9, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Sharpinv
Sisters, OR7 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2022
Couldn't figure out why this would be the #1 attraction in SB, but once you are inside the Mural room you get it. Absoutely stunning grounds, halls and rooms in a working courthouse, we appeared to be the only ones touring so had the place to ourselves. It's free and you can hit the highlights in 30 minutes or stay 90 like we did and is by far the most gorgeous courthouse I've ever seen.
Written May 27, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

KohiBasu
Dehradun District, India17 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020
1) Plan your visit to ensure you can avail of the free tour - our docent Mary was very knowledgeable and helped get us proper perspective of the place. You can easily spend 1 hour tour + 1 more hour exploring yourself

2) Dont miss the clock tower (5th floor) and clock room (4th floor) if possible

3) Ample parking available right opposite the main entrance in the parking lot. And we went on a holiday when the parking was free - yay (otherwise, first 75 minutes are free)
Written January 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Edgy01
7 contributions
2.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2020
When tourists come to Santa Barbara they do not expect to find a bunch of homeless people living beneath your feet as you tour the building. What are they thinking? Maybe the MAYOR Cathy Murillo would take a little pride in cleaning up the place. It looks terrible. Tourists come to Santa Barbara for its beautiful climate and scenery. They don't come to see the junk they have to deal with at home.

I'm a local and this is a disappointment, considering that I have guest property in town and this doesn't speak well for the city.
Written April 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Yes, it's a big problem that the Courthouse Docent Council has tried to communicate with the City and County about, without success. Local ordinances don't deal adequately with this serious problem. I am sorry that you are placing blame where there aren't good answers. We take great pride in the building and it's history and hope that visitors can take away this positive experience. Virtually all do!
Written April 6, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

SueSuitecase
Salt Lake City, UT107 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020
If you only have time for one, choose the courthouse over the mission. It was so much more interesting! The architecture was stunning! Spanish style colorful tiles line the staircases, and walls. The court room is accessible to view its murals and see the luxurious draperies that are over 100 years old. You can go up in the tower and see view the entire landscape of Santa Barbara. The grounds are well kept and lush and beautiful! Don't miss the Records room, with its amazing lamps and tilework. The door itself is a work of art.
Written January 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Santa Barbara County Courthouse (CA): Hours, Address, Attraction Reviews - Tripadvisor

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