Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History

Founded in 1916 as the Museum of Comparative Oology, the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History has grown to include more than 3.5 million specimens covering every aspect of natural history—from mammals, birds, and marine life to geology, astronomy, paleontology, and anthropology. The Museum’s constantly evolving, interactive exhibits include the newly-renovated Gladwin Planetarium. Guests learn about the Santa Barbara region’s unique and diverse natural history, and then go outside to explore nature on 17 acres of oak woodland along Mission Creek. Museum education programs serve all ages to promote scientific literacy and instill a passion for nature and learning.