Best Historical Santa Barbara Attractions

Best Historical Santa Barbara Attractions

Santa Barbara is famous for its amazing weather and unbeatable beaches. But the history of this city is equally beautiful and interesting. Over hundreds of years, the city has been shaped into one of the most vibrant and unique communities in the country. Here are some of the most exciting Santa Barbara historical attractions in the city.

Stearns Wharf

This wharf traces its history back to 1872 when Santa Barbara was a very young and a touch less glamorous city. It was extremely important during the early part of the city's history because it was huge part of the area's economy. It served as a place for shipping goods and passengers to and from the city. This is when Santa Barbara was the largest port for shipping on California's central coast. Today, it serves as a reminder of Santa Barbara's origins as a maritime city. There is a museum, a couple places to get a bit to eat, and a few other fun attractions.

The Mission

With a visit to the mission in Santa Barbara, you are visiting the start of the entire city. It was founded in 1786 and has gone through many changes since, but it has always been a strong focal point for the people of the city. While some of the buildings have been destroyed or renovated, many of the structures here serve as incredible reminders of the beauty of Spanish Colonial architecture. White Adobe structures with red roofing are the mark of the Mission. If you want to really experience all that the Mission has to offer, you should consider a self-guided or docent-led tour. Each of these provides an unforgettable experience.

The Moreton Bay Fig Tree

This amazing tree in the heart of Santa Barbara is the result of one of the most charming stories of the history of the city. According to the story, in 1876, a seaman visited Santa Barbara and gifted a seedling of Australian fig tree to a local girl who then planted it. After over 100 years, the tree has been moved to an area more central to the city and it now extends almost 200 feet wide with a trunk circumference of 41.5 feet. It is truly an amazing site to behold. Not only is the tree amazing, but it sits in a lovely little park that provides the perfect place to grab some shade and enjoy a picnic in the beautiful Santa Barbara weather.

It is impossible to spend time in Santa Barbara and to enjoy Santa Barbara historical attractions, without being immersed in the history of the city. Make sure you make your next vacation to Santa Barbara and enjoy some of the fascinating pieces of history that are sprinkled throughout the city. Contact us today to learn more, or click here to find out more about our property management services!