Maritime museums in Santa Barbara, California

The Santa Barbara Maritime Museum, located at 113 Harbor Way in Santa Barbara, California, is a must-visit tourist attraction and museum. Offering the best views in Santa Barbara, this institution is free to visit seven days a week. Explore two floors of historical and maritime art exhibits, take guided virtual museum tours with the Executive Director, and download a printable map of the museum in PDF format. The Maritime Museum is available for private and corporate events, and visitors can join the Navigators Circle to support the museum. Celebrate the deep sea pioneers of Santa Barbara and their contributions to commercial diving by donating or becoming a member of the museum. The institution is known as the birthplace of deepwater commercial diving and offers education, information, and lectures on the Santa Barbara Channel, Channel Islands National Park, and human interaction with the sea over 13,000 years.

The Outdoors Santa Barbara Visitor Center is a must-visit tourist attraction and travel agency located at 113 Harbor Way in Santa Barbara, California. Offering the best views in Santa Barbara seven days a week, this center is free to visit and explore. Visitors can enjoy two floors of historical and maritime art exhibits, as well as guided virtual museum tours with SBMM's Executive Director Greg Gorga. Additionally, visitors can download a printable map of the Maritime Museum and exhibits, and the museum is available for private and corporate events for Navigators Circle members. The center is a partnership between NOAA, CINP, SBMM, and the City of Santa Barbara, providing information about the Channel Islands National Park, the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary, and the Los Padres National Forest.

Western Gate Maritime is a premier tourist attraction and travel agency located at 3508 Madrona Drive in Santa Barbara, California. Specializing in diving and whale watching trips, we offer a variety of services to ensure a unique and intimate experience for all our guests. Owned and operated by Conrad, who holds a 1600 ton USCG Masters License, Western Gate Maritime is dedicated to sharing the beauty of the local waters with visitors. With over 20 years of experience exploring these waters for work and pleasure, Conrad is passionate about providing unforgettable experiences for all who charter with Western Gate Maritime.

The Santa Cruz Island Visitor Contact Center is a travel agency located in Ventura, California, United States. This center is part of the Robert J. Lagomarsino Visitor Center at Channel Islands National Park, offering a bookstore, displays of marine aquatic life, and exhibits showcasing the unique character of each park island. Visitors can also enjoy the 25-minute park movie, “A Treasure in the Sea,” shown in the auditorium throughout the day. The fully accessible visitor center is open daily from 8:30 am to 5 pm, except on Thanksgiving and December 25th. On weekends and holidays, rangers offer free public programs about the park's resources at 11 am and 3 pm. The center in Santa Barbara, located at 113 Harbor Way 4th Floor, also provides information about Channel Islands National Park, Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary, Santa Barbara Maritime Museum, and the City of Santa Barbara. Open daily from 10:30 am to 4:30 pm, it is closed on Thanksgiving Day, December 25, January 1, and the first Friday in August for Fiesta. Visit the Santa Cruz Island Visitor Contact Center for information on visiting the islands and enjoy the stunning views of Santa Barbara.

Shipwreck Playground is a unique tourist attraction located at 323 East Cabrillo Boulevard in Santa Barbara, California. This playground is inspired by the theme of a shipwreck, offering a fun and adventurous play experience for children and families. With interactive play structures, slides, and climbing areas designed to resemble a sunken ship, visitors can let their imaginations run wild as they explore this one-of-a-kind playground. The Shipwreck Playground is a must-visit destination for those looking for a memorable and exciting experience in Santa Barbara.

The Robert J. Lagomarsino Visitor Center at Channel Islands National Park, located at 1901 Spinnaker Drive in Ventura, California, is a popular tourist attraction and travel agency. The center features a bookstore, displays of marine aquatic life, and exhibits showcasing the unique characteristics of each park island. Visitors can also enjoy the 25-minute park movie, “A Treasure in the Sea,” shown throughout the day in the auditorium (closed-caption film available upon request). The fully accessible visitor center is open daily from 8:30 am to 5 pm, with closures on Thanksgiving and December 25th. On weekends and holidays, rangers offer free public programs at 11 am and 3 pm, providing insights into the resources of the park. The center also hosts various events and programs, which can be found on their website.

The Castillo Inn is a charming boutique lodging located at 22 Castillo Street in Santa Barbara, California. With its distinctive Mediterranean architecture, this 20 room inn offers a cozy and inviting atmosphere for guests. Just a short stroll away from Stearn’s Wharf and the Marina breakwater, guests can easily explore the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum and enjoy waterfront dining options. Conveniently situated near Santa Barbara’s Marina, West Beach, and Santa Barbara City College, the Castillo Inn is the ideal base for exploring the city. Guests can easily access Santa Barbara’s famous State Street, known for its shopping, dining, and entertainment options.

The Visitor Center Anacapa Island, located in California, United States, is part of the Robert J. Lagomarsino Visitor Center at Channel Islands National Park. This center is a travel agency that offers a variety of resources for visitors to learn about the unique character of each park island. The center features a bookstore, displays of marine aquatic life, and exhibits showcasing the beauty of the islands. Visitors can also enjoy the 25-minute park movie, “A Treasure in the Sea,” shown throughout the day in the auditorium. The fully accessible visitor center is open daily from 8:30 am until 5 pm, with the exception of Thanksgiving and December 25th. On weekends and holidays, rangers offer free public programs at 11 am and 3 pm, providing valuable information about the resources of the park. The center is a great resource for those looking to explore Channel Islands National Park, Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary, Santa Barbara Maritime Museum, and the City of Santa Barbara.

Welcome to Fisherman's Wharf, a charming and vibrant tourist attraction nestled in the heart of Oxnard, California. Located at 2741 Victoria Avenue, our destination offers a delightful escape into the rich maritime heritage of the region. Immerse yourself in the scenic beauty of the waterfront, where picturesque views and a lively atmosphere await. Fisherman's Wharf is the perfect spot for a leisurely stroll, with its inviting boardwalks and quaint shops offering unique souvenirs and local crafts. Indulge your taste buds at one of our delightful seafood restaurants, where you can savor the freshest catches of the day, or grab a quick bite from one of the charming cafes.

Welcome to Winfield Scott Wreck, a unique historical attraction nestled in the picturesque coastal town of Ventura, California. Our site offers an intriguing glimpse into the maritime history of the 19th century, when the rush for gold in California brought about a surge in shipping and travel along the Pacific coast. The Winfield Scott, a majestic steamship owned by the Pacific Mail Steamship Company, met its tragic fate in 1853 off the shores of Anacapa Island, within the Channel Islands National Park. Embark on a journey through time as you explore the story of this grand vessel, which carried over 300 passengers, vital mail, and $1 million in gold. Despite the dense fog and treacherous currents, the ship's captain made a fateful decision to navigate the narrow Santa Barbara Channel, leading to its untimely demise on the rocky shores.

Welcome to The Colony, your premier destination for lodging and RV parking in the scenic seaside city of Oxnard, California. Nestled at 2400 East Pleasant Valley Road, our location offers the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure, conveniently situated between Santa Barbara and Los Angeles on the beautiful Southern California coast. At The Colony, we pride ourselves on providing exceptional amenities and a welcoming atmosphere. Take a refreshing dip in our heated pool and spa, or enjoy a friendly game of cards or billiards in our stunning clubhouse. Our family-friendly environment features a playground where kids can enjoy hours of outdoor fun, while adults can stay active in our well-equipped fitness center.

Discover "The Hide Drogher" in Dana Point, California Nestled in the picturesque coastal town of Dana Point, California, "The Hide Drogher" is a captivating sculpture that brings to life a unique slice of 19th-century history. Crafted by renowned artist F. Benedict Coleman in 1990, this striking statue depicts a sailor in the act of hurling a cowhide over the cliff—a nod to the historical practice where rancheros transported cow hides to the cliff's edge, from where droghers (draggers) would send them down to ships waiting in the harbor below.