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Old Mission Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara

4.4

#3 of 109 in Things to do in Santa Barbara

A Spanish mission founded in 1786, Old Mission Santa Barbara provides an insight into the colonization of southern California. Franciscan friars created the mission so they could convert the indigenous Chumash tribe to Catholicism. Embark on self-guided tour through the sacred garden, historical cemetery, church, and museum, or take one of the docent-led tours. Don't miss the fountain, aqueduct, and lavandaria in the Mission's front yard, all original fixtures built by the Chumash. The museum is home to a Chumash prayer board, the first written Chumash ever attempted. See Old Mission Santa Barbara and all Santa Barbara has to offer by arranging your trip with our Santa Barbara travel itinerary maker.

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Reviews

TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

2,171 reviews

Google

4.5

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4.7

3,265 likes

Pee42

August 13, 2017

Great place to lean about the early history of Santa Barbara with good views and an interesting self walk tour more »
Lesusa P

August 13, 2017

On of my favorite missions, we got 21 missions on El Camino real, Mission Santa Barbara, also known as Santa Barbara Mission, is a Spanish mission founded by the Franciscan order near present-day Sant... more »
C. S

August 11, 2017

Für etwa zehn Dollar bekommt man hier einen Einblick in die Santa Barbara Mission und taucht ein in sehr schön aufgearbeitete Arbeits- und Lebensräume der Missionare. In den innenliegenden Räumen sieh... more »

For about ten bucks here get an insight into the Santa Barbara mission and immerse yourself in beautifully crafted work and habitats of the missionaries. In the inner rooms, see also many historical artifacts and receives much information about this place and the history of Santa Barbara. There is a beautiful garden and a still active cemetery, followed by Church in the courtyard.

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Stephen McKenry

June 8, 2017

Of all the California Missions, Mission Santa Barbara certainly is one of the best preserved and features the most detailed and best curated museum. It doesn't hurt that it's the only Mission still operating as a monetary. Be sure to spend some time in the Adobe museum towards the end of the tour exploring the artifacts. Also, when walking through the graveyard pay attention to the plaques noting American Indian history.

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Andrew Dickinson

April 11, 2017

This was just the right place to get out and stretch my legs on a beautiful Sunday as we drove up the California coast. My two teenagers and I had a nice time looking around and taking in the sites of this historic facility. Mass was happening when we arrived so we did not make it inside the church itself but that was okay. Cannot remember exact cost but remember it being minimal. Beautiful stop worth a visit.

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Robbie Backpacking

June 30, 2017

The Queen of the Missions got it's name "Queen" because it was the only Spanish mission to be built with two bells. The church is a quick stop, but none-the-less quite beautiful, especially the elegantly designed chapel.

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Fernando Islas

July 1, 2017

it's a beautiful mission and very easy to get to. there is a little patch of grass in the front where many locals and travelers tend to gather.

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Anton Radalov

July 10, 2017

A bit boring but its small so you would not get really bored. Although its a nice, old place

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Old Mission Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara

Pee42

Lesusa P

C. S

Stephen McKenry

Andrew Dickinson

Robbie Backpacking

Fernando Islas

Anton Radalov

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