Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History vs Old Mission Santa Barbara
Both are recommended by professional travelers. Overall, Old Mission Santa Barbara scores slightly higher than Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History. Old Mission Santa Barbara has a TripExpert Score of 91 with endorsements from 7 sources including Afar Magazine, Travel + Leisure and Frommer's.
Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History
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2559 Puesta del Sol Road, Santa Barbara, CA 93105
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Concierge
"Exhibits on local birdlife, insects, mammals, and marine life, plus Chumash Indian artifacts, planetarium shows, and nature trails."
i
The maze of galleries can be difficult to navigate, so make sure to pick up the map.
Fodor's
"The gigantic skeleton of a blue whale greets you at the entrance of this complex."
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Michelin Guide
1 Star
"Exhibits in this complex of Spanish-style stucco buildings, which sits on 11 acres in a wooded canyon, display the flora, fauna, geology and ethnography of the West Coast."
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Afar Magazine
"It doesn't look like much but a big house with a peaceful courtyard, but each room contains a large and expertly put together exhibit."
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goop
"Housed in Spanish Revival-style buildings on an extensive property with lush gardens, the museum is the home of an extensive collection of artifacts including a fantastic bird collection."
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Old Mission Santa Barbara
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2201 Laguna Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93105
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Concierge
"Even if you avoid church tours like the plague, head for this hilltop landmarkthe view and historical experience are worth it."
Lonely Planet
Top Choice
"Called the ‘Queen of the Missions,’ Mission Santa Barbara reigns above the city on a hilltop perch about a mile northwest of downtown."
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Travel + Leisure
"Catch up on early California history at the beautiful, centuries-old Santa Barbara Mission."
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Michelin Guide
0 Stars
"Its twin pink-domed towers rising majestically against the foothills surrounding Mission Canyon, the church of California's 10th mission dominates the city both physically and spiritually."
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Afar Magazine
" The legacy of this period lives on at the Santa Barbara County Courthouse, a masterpiece of Spanish colonial revival architecture built in 1929 and just five minutes on foot from the Presidio."
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