The South Coast Railroad Museum features a historic train depot and exhibits highlighting the history and technology of railroading. Visitors can enjoy short rides on a miniature train, explore garden paths, a petting zoo, and interactive displays that captivate both children and adults.

What to Expect:

🚂 Mini train rides around the museum grounds

📚 Rich railroad history exhibits and displays

🐐 Petting zoo and picnic areas nearby

🎁 Gift shop and onsite tours available

Important Information:

– Admission fee applies for train rides, children often free

– Open Saturdays and Sundays from 12 PM to 4 PM

– Wheelchair accessible entrance, parking, and restrooms

– Friendly volunteer staff and family-friendly environment

MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation, invites visitors to dive into immersive, interactive exhibits blending science, technology, arts, and creativity. With dedicated areas for toddlers, a maker’s space, and a rooftop with panoramic views, it’s a dynamic destination for families and curious minds.

What to Expect:

🧪 Hands-on interactive exhibits for all ages

🎨 Creative maker’s space and craft rooms

👶 Toddler-friendly areas and programs

🌊 Water play and rooftop exploration

Important Information:

– Admission fee required

– Wheelchair-accessible facilities

– Closed Wednesdays and Thursdays

– Reservations recommended for weekends and special events

The Santa Barbara Museum Of Art features a curated collection of 20th-century Western American paintings paired with modern Asian ceramics. Visitors can explore well-maintained galleries with rotating world-class exhibits and enjoy live performances and guided tours.

What to Expect:

🎨 Rich Western American and Asian art collections

🎭 Live performances and special exhibits

🛍 Gift shop on site

♿ Fully wheelchair accessible with assistive hearing loop

Important Information:

– Admission fee required

– Closed Mondays

– Active military discounts available

– Paid parking garage nearby

The Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History offers visitors engaging exhibits spanning regional history, art, and natural science, including a planetarium and vibrant butterfly garden. Outdoor areas feature animatronic dinosaurs, picnic spots, and educational displays, making it ideal for families and kids.

What to Expect:

🦕 Interactive dinosaur exhibits including animatronics

🦋 Seasonal butterfly pavilion and garden

🌌 Immersive planetarium shows

🎭 Live performances and educational tours

♿ Fully wheelchair accessible including restrooms and parking

Important Information:

– Admission fee applies; discounts available for active military

– Closed Thursday

– Butterfly pavilion open seasonally; check website for dates

– Gift shop and theater onsite

Explore marine life up close at this interactive sea center perched on Santa Barbara's Stearns Wharf. Visitors can touch live sharks, starfish, and sea creatures while enjoying unique exhibits like tide pools and magnified specimens.

What to Expect:

🦈 Live shark touch pools and stingray encounters

🌊 Tidepool tank with diverse sea life

🔬 Interactive microscopes to study specimens

👨‍👩‍👧 Family-focused exhibits ideal for children

Important Information:

– Opening days: Closed Thursdays

– Ticket prices vary; discounts for children and low-income households

– Wheelchair accessible facilities

– No reservations required