Experts' Choice Award Santa Barbara County Courthouse
What the experts agree on
This 1929 Spanish-Moorish masterpiece wows with hand-painted tiles, ornate chandeliers, and lush gardens. Don't miss the clock tower's panoramic views stretching to the Channel Islands and ocean—it's a working courthouse that feels like a palace.
Concierge "Working courthouse with Spanish-Moorish architecture, hand-painted ceilings, wrought-iron chandeliers, imported tiles, painted murals, and a sunken tropical garden."
Lonely PlanetTop choice
"Panoramic views from the 85ft clock tower of the courthouse are not to be missed." Full review
Travel + Leisure "The elaborate architecture is equal parts alcazar and Palazzo Vecchio. The view from the clocktower stretches from the Channel Islands to the Santa Barbara Mission." Full review
Fodor's "Hand-painted tiles and a spiral staircase infuse the courthouse, a national historic landmark, with the grandeur of a Moorish palace." Full review
Michelin Guide 1 Star
"Shining star of Santa Barbara's architectural renaissance, the L-shaped Moorish courthouse (1929) surrounds a verdant sunken courtyard and garden." Full review
U.S. News & World Report5.0
"Epitomizes the Spanish-Moorish architecture that is found across the city...impresses visitors with its intricate tile mosaics, colorful gardens and jaw-dropping view of the city and ocean below." Full review
Frommer's "Built in 1929, this grand "palace" is considered the local flagship of Spanish colonial revival architecture (you undoubtedly saw its facade on TV during the Michael Jackson trial)." Full review
Travel + Leisure "Once you walk around the grounds, head inside to the Mural Room, which features wrought-iron chandeliers and four hand-painted murals. Then, climb the clock tower for 360-degree views of Santa Barbara"
"One of California's best examples of Spanish Colonial-Revival is the fabulously Moorish Santa Barbara Courthouse, which does triple duty as a historical monument, art museum and romantic..."
New York Times "At the Spanish Colonial Santa Barbara County Courthouse, visit the sunken gardens, the gilded Mural Room, and for spectacular views, the clocktower. Continue to the Spanish Colonial Santa..."
