What’s the best way to experience the Santa Barbara County Courthouse?

There are plenty of ways to experience the Santa Barbara County Courthouse. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:<ul><li><a href="/tours/Santa-Barbara/Santa-Barbara-Trolley-Tour/d4372-163975P1" class="markdown_inline_link" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Santa Barbara Trolley Tour</a></li><li><a href="/tours/Santa-Barbara/Downtown-Santa-Barbara-Food-Tour/d4372-7606P1" class="markdown_inline_link" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">The Original Downtown Santa Barbara Walking Food & Drink Tour</a></li><li><a href="/tours/Santa-Barbara/Santa-Barbara-Electric-Bike-Tour/d4372-5753EBT" class="markdown_inline_link" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Santa Barbara Electric Bike Tour</a></li><li><a href="/tours/Santa-Barbara/Santa-Barbara-Walking-Tours-History-Architecture/d4372-311289P1" class="markdown_inline_link" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Private Santa Barbara History and Architecture Walking Tour</a></li><li><a href="/tours/Santa-Barbara/Guided-Bike-Tour-of-Santa-Barbara-on-Electric-Bikes/d4372-455403P1" class="markdown_inline_link" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Private Guided Tour in Santa Barbara on Electric Bikes</a></li></ul>

How much does it cost to visit the Santa Barbara County Courthouse?

Visiting the Santa Barbara County Courthouse is free to the public. This includes access to the building, its grounds, and the clock tower. However, if you’d like to join a city tour, which often includes a stop at the courthouse, those start around US$35, depending on the tour’s scope and duration.

What is the history of the Santa Barbara County Courthouse?

The Santa Barbara County Courthouse was completed in 1929. Designed by architect William Mooser III after the original courthouse was severely damaged by an earthquake, it’s a prime example of Spanish Colonial Revival architecture. Today, it’s both a judicial building and a cultural landmark, featuring mural rooms, hand-painted ceilings, and landscaped gardens.

What are the opening hours of the Santa Barbara County Courthouse?

Santa Barbara County Courthouse is typically open from 8am to 5pm on weekdays, but visitors aren’t allowed in after 4:30pm. The grounds are typically open 24 hours a day, so you can explore at sunrise or sunset. The courthouse is a popular spot for weddings and events, so be prepared for closures.

Can the public tour the Santa Barbara County Courthouse?

Yes, you can take self-guided tours of the Santa Barbara County Courthouse; free docent-led tours are often also available, offering deeper insights into the courthouse’s history, architecture, and art. These 1-hour tours tend to take place once in the morning and afternoon, and provide details about the building's construction and murals.

Can you visit the clock tower of the Santa Barbara County Courthouse?

Yes, you can go up to the clock tower of the Santa Barbara County Courthouse. The tower offers fabulous 360-degree views of Santa Barbara, including the surrounding mountains, city, and ocean. Access to the clock tower is free, and you can reach the top via stairs or elevator.

Santa Barbara County Courthouse Tours and Tickets

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Santa Barbara Trolley Tour

Member Pricing

Cover more of Santa Barbara than you ever could on foot on an electric bike tour. Ride your easy-to-use beach cruiser to landmarks such as State Street and the Santa Barbara Mission as your guide shares stories you won't find in the guidebook. Have your camera ready as you glide along the renowned Pacific coastline. Group numbers are capped, ensuring personalized attention and a small-group experience.

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Santa Barbara Electric Bike Tour

2 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

Price varies by group size

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Sanctum Sacrifice of Santa Barbara Ghost Tours

US Ghost Adventures is the leading provider of haunted ghost tours in America — we even own some of the most haunted properties in America, like the Lizzie Borden House! Every tour is hosted by an experienced, knowledgeable local guide. You’ll hear firsthand accounts from people who have witnessed the unexplained — sometimes even a guest’s eerie encounter or the guide’s own! US Ghost Adventures offers an authentic experience that strives to make sense of the unexplainable. Our ghost tours are based on real-world portrayals of hauntings and well-documented history.

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Sanctum Sacrifice of Santa Barbara Ghost Tours

1 hourFree Cancellation

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Come join us for the unique experience of exploring Santa Barbara on an Ebike. One of the most bike friendly cities in the nation. We're proud to be the original electric bike tour of Santa Barbara. After decades of designing the perfect tour we've found the best spots in town to show you. Other bike tours look similar for a reason, they've learned from the best! We're confident that our experience will make your bike tour the highlight of your trip. Unlike other tours our guides curate the tour to be customized to your interests and ability. The quality of our e-bikes is unmatched. We proudly offer the largest high-end electric bike fleet in California. After parking in our free parking lot your guide will greet you and provide an opening safety tutorial. If you don't love your ebike just let your guide know and we have many other brands you can try. We typically choose the easiest and most comfortable pedal assist ebikes but if you'd like a throttle we can switch that in easily.

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The Original Group Electric Bike Tour of Santa Barbara

2 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

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Tours of Santa Barbara offers the most comprehensive tour of, Santa Barbara in the World offering one and two day tours of, Santa Barbara . In this journey you'll see the region's finest places while discovering a portfolio of local and hidden attractions taking you to hot spots combined with unique landscapes and near breath taking panoramic views from all around in this tour . AGE RESTRICTED FROM 1 to 65 YEARS because of ext. walking, stairways and you could be climbing up a hillside . Identification may be requested . Sorry, but people try tricking us and are much older and can't climb stairs, hillsides or walk more then 15 minutes .

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Private 6 hour Tour of Santa Barbara

6 hoursFree Cancellation

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Our tour guides are locals and we know lots of fun facts and history of the sights we show. We do research on each point of interest in order to give you interesting stories. Because our tour is on bikes we can show you Channel Drive and State Street Promenade which can't be accessed by car. Our comfortable and fun electric bikes let you see more in less time. You'll love the 360 degree view of downtown and the coastline from the Courthouse tower and the story of how it was built. We'll tell you the story behind the sights including the interesting people involved. We love telling you about our favorite restaurants and ice cream stores. Some of them are off State Street and don't even have any signs. We ride right through the neighborhood our owner grew up in. Many people say our tours are the highlight of their trip to Santa Barbara.

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Private Guided Tour in Santa Barbara on Electric Bikes

2 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

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The ORIGINAL Downtown Santa Barbara Walking Food & Drink Tour

3 to 4 hoursFree Cancellation

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Enjoy a world class private tour with narration by Laure Spiers, a legendary tour guide specializing in the American West. You'll use the Pintours app to control the tour to play exactly on your schedule. If you want to skip, or need more time at a location, you have control. You'll visit Santa Barbara's County Courthouse, Old Mission, Funk Zone, and East Beach, with informative commentary at every stop along the way.

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Santa Barbara Highlights Private 2-Hour Driving Tour

1 to 2 hoursFree Cancellation

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Santa Barbara offers a wealth of history and architectural splendor—and this private walking tour is the perfect way to discover the city’s highlights and lesser-known attractions alike. Set off with your guide at a time that works best for you, and visit landmarks like El Presidio de Santa Barbara State Historic Park, City Hall, and the Granada Theatre. Learn about everything from the city’s origins to adobe construction as you go.

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Private Santa Barbara History and Architecture Walking Tour

2 to 3 hoursFree Cancellation

Price varies by group size

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All California Self Guided Audio Tours, from SF to LA

Explore iconic sites like the Golden Gate Bridge and the Hollywood Walk of Fame—or dive deep into rugged sea caves and hidden redwood groves. Ask about literally anything that catches your eye—from a historic Spanish mission to a secret coastal overlook or a towering Art Deco observatory. The Golden State's secrets are entirely yours to uncover. Point & Discover: Snap a photo of any monument or museum masterpiece to instantly receive a captivating and accurate story. It’s like having a historian in your pocket! Ultimate Freedom: Navigate seamlessly with interactive map-based audio tours. Your schedule, your pace, your rules. Choose Your Vibe: Select a narrator persona that matches your style—from a deep-diving scholar to a fun companion for the kids. Get Started: 7 Days of Premium Access available instantly for iPhone and Android.

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All California Self Guided Audio Tours, from SF to LA

7 daysFree Cancellation

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For a foodie-friendly outing combining local history with California wine culture, you can enjoy the best of both with this Santa Barbara small-group tour. Start your midday adventure with convenient meet-up in the downtown area. With your guide leading the way, you can sip wine at two boutique tasting rooms, sample artisanal chocolates, and learn about the region's famed wine industry and top winemakers.

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Santa Barbara's Ultimate Wine and Chocolate Walking Tour

3 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

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Discover many of Santa Barbara’s key historical highlights—and most scenic vistas—on this private, half-day tour. Pick a time that works best for you, and set off to explore landmarks like the Santa Barbara Courthouse and Clock Tower, Mission Santa Barbara, and the More Mesa Preserve. You’ll also hike along the city’s seaside cliffs, will learn about the local Chumash people, will discover the Santa Barbara Harbor, and more.

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5 STARS: "Where The Locals Go!" Nature-History Tour

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Enjoy a walking tour of beautiful and interesting parts of Santa Barbara while following clues on your smartphone and solving interesting puzzles along the tour. Play the game on your smartphone with your group as the game guides you through the city. Score points for correct answers and try to get the high score on the leaderboard. See major attractions as well as less-known gems of Santa Barbara on this unique scavenger hunt and walking tour. Play any time that fits your schedule! There is no in-person guide you have to wait for! Tour downtown Santa Barbara and see State Street, the Presidio, Anacapa Street, the Courthouse building, and more. Your group of 2 to 6 people works together to solve the 22 challenges on the scavenger hunt. Wear comfortable shoes! You'll walk about 2 miles along this scavenger hunt tour. Explore the city at your own pace Enjoy fun challenges with family and friends Discover Santa Barbara's hidden gems and historic sights Perfect for all ages

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Santa Barbara Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game

2 hoursFree Cancellation

Price varies by group size

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Private Family Heritage Walking Tour in Santa Barbara

Private family exploration through historic Santa Barbara reveals a coastal city shaped by Spanish heritage and cultural elegance. Walk through Old Town streets where classical architecture and Mediterranean influence reflect centuries of transformation. Historic landmarks and scenic courtyards create an inspiring atmosphere connected to a legacy older than the United States. Ancient cultural influences blend with coastal scenery and vibrant local character across every step of the journey. This walking experience is designed for families seeking cultural depth, architectural charm, and memorable discovery along California’s historic coastline. Please note: The program and attractions may vary based on booking date/time and crowd conditions, ensuring each visit is a unique experience.

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Private Family Heritage Walking Tour in Santa Barbara

3 hoursFree Cancellation

Price varies by group size

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Best of Santa Barbara Walking Tour with Ice Cream

This informative historical and cultural walking tour with a professional local guide offers something for everyone (perfect for families with children), and includes many of the the “must-see” sights in Santa Barbara. You’ll get authentic and in-depth insight into our history, culture and architecture on this two hour walking tour. You’ll visit our gorgeous waterfront and learn about the Channel Islands and natural history of our region, wander into our artsy Funk Zone Neighborhood , now the hippest art and wine neighborhood in the city. You’ll see and learn about our vibrant State Street promenade, the historic Presidio complex, La Arcada, and the beautiful Santa Barbara Courthouse and the Arts District. You’ll also be treated to a delicious gourmet ice cream tasting from a famous local creamery along the way, as well as a delicious and immersive olive oil tasting experience.

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Best of Santa Barbara Walking Tour with Ice Cream

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Make Santa Barbara your own gameboard with an interactive, app-led scavenger hunt adventure. Use a smartphone to follow a series of locally-themed clues that lead to fun challenges with your friends and family. Trace a route past historic monuments, seaside neighborhoods, and hidden gems to get an insider's look at the city. Rack up points to compete against prior scavenger hunt teams, or simply enjoy the self-guided tour at your own pace.

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Santa Barbara Scavenger Hunt Adventure

3 hoursFree Cancellation

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Explore Santa Barbara's vibrant arts district on a unique walking tour led by a comedian. Starting at the stunning Granada Theatre, wander through picturesque streets adorned with white-washed adobe buildings and palm trees. Indulge in delicious snacks like Wafflecado toast and a local beer taster, capture memorable moments at iconic spots like the Santa Barbara County Courthouse and El Presidio, and savor a glass of wine paired with classic coastal pizza. Conclude your tour with tacos, cocktails, and a token for games while your guide captures fun group photos at whimsical murals, and don't worry we never forget dessert! - Discover Santa Barbara’s arts district with a comedian as your guide - Savor local treats including Wafflecado toast and ice cream - Visit famous landmarks like the Courthouse and Lobero Theatre - Enjoy sweet treats, savory bites, tasty tacos, drinks, and fun photo ops along the way

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Santa Barbara Comedian-Led Walking Tour with Snacks and Drinks

2 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

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From Los Angeles, enjoy four of Santa Barbara's most popular destinations on a private tour. We'll transport your party (up to 13) in a Mercedes Sprinter van up the beautiful Pacific Coast Highway to the "American Riviera." Your guide will answer questions and share local insights along the way. If English is not your best language, we offer several the tour in several other languages, just ask!

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Full Day Private Tour of Santa Barbara - 10 Hours

10 hoursFree Cancellation

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Leave the bustle of LA behind and enjoy a private, customizable day trip to Santa Barbara with hotel pickup and drop-off by a professional English-speaking driver. Travel along California’s scenic coastline to Downtown Santa Barbara, where palm-lined streets, boutique shops, and red-tiled rooftops blend sunshine and European charm. Visit the Santa Barbara Courthouse, a Spanish Colonial Revival masterpiece with panoramic views from its clocktower. Explore the historic Old Mission Santa Barbara, the “Queen of the Missions,” with its gardens, church, and rich history dating to 1786. End at Stearns Wharf, California’s oldest working wharf, to enjoy ocean views, fresh air, and a relaxed seaside atmosphere. Perfect for culture, coastline, or a peaceful escape, this journey captures the spirit of the American Riviera before returning you to your hotel.

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Explore the Coast and Charm of Santa Barbara from Los Angeles

8 hoursFree Cancellation

Price varies by group size

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Solvang and Santa Barbara 1 Day Private Tour from Los Angeles

Explore the charming Danish-inspired town of Solvang, nestled in the scenic Santa Ynez Valley, on this delightful day trip from Los Angeles. Wander through cobblestone streets, visit the historic Old Mission Santa Inés, and enjoy local delicacies like freshly baked Danish pastries. Continue your adventure in Santa Barbara, known for its Spanish-style architecture and stunning coastline. Discover the iconic Old Mission Santa Barbara, enjoy a stroll along Stearns Wharf, and soak in panoramic views from the Santa Barbara County Courthouse. This tour offers a perfect mix of culture, history, and relaxation, making it ideal for travelers seeking a unique experience. - Scenic drive to Solvang and Santa Barbara from Los Angeles - Visit cultural landmarks like Old Mission Santa Inés and Santa Barbara County Courthouse - Indulge in Danish pastries and local wine tastings in Solvang - Enjoy beautiful beaches and relaxed shopping in Santa Barbara

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Solvang and Santa Barbara 1 Day Private Tour from Los Angeles

10 to 12 hoursFree Cancellation

What are people saying about Santa Barbara County Courthouse

Santa Barbara Trolley Tour

melita_p, Sept 2026

Enjoyable

It was so Beautiful sightseeing The Driver so sorry I forgot hus name but he is so Knowledgeable all around these historical City ..he never misses anything ..I learned so much ..now we are exploring our self coz we know where to go and what place to see.the Trolley itself so clean and smooth ride 😀 😎 😉

Santa Barbara Electric Bike Tour

Karen_B, Aug 2026

E-bike tour of Santa Barbara (with a hint of Montecito)

Alex gave us a great tour! Learned about and saw several highlights in Montecito and Santa Barbara. Gorgeous views and Alex made sure everyone heard what he was saying and looked out for our safety. He took very good care of the group. Only 6 so a great size as a participant.

Santa Barbara Trolley Tour

Stephen_P, Oct 2026

Santa Barbara Trolley Ride

Great way to see Santa Barbara with a great guide and commentary. Covers a good distance with all the best landmarks

Private 6 hour Tour of Santa Barbara

Nancy_M, Sept 2026

Had a great day exploring...

Had a great day exploring the entire Santa Barbara area. The mountains are beautiful and the views up there are amazing. Jayden was knowledgeable and gave us the time we needed to explore at each stop. Lunch by the ocean was beautiful.

Santa Barbara Electric Bike Tour

Duane_L, Aug 2026

We’d definitely do this again!

Alex was a great guide, friendly and knowledgeable. The route was mostly on dedicated bikes paths and small side streets and, therefore, very safe. We stopped several times to safely view certain sites, including a giraffe. The bikes were well maintained and filled water bottles were provided. Each bike had a basket that we used to bring phones, more water bottles, and other conveniences.