This quick nine-hole round takes place on the real streets of Santa Barbara. The map follows the actual city layout, using attractions like the Lobero Theatre as the basis for the holes. Skip knows these sidewalks well and will lead the way across the 3.7 mi walk. A few stray crumbs are the only things left behind as the ball rolls through the city.
You might expect a museum to be tucked away in a quiet neighborhood, but this natural history museum is located right on Stearns Wharf. The Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center focuses on the marine life of the Santa Barbara Channel and the conservation efforts related to those waters. It is owned and operated by the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History. I've found that the salt air always makes the exhibits feel a bit more authentic. Whether you are interested in the local ecology or just want to see what lives beneath the waves of the channel, it is a great spot to stop while you are walking the pier.
You might expect another quiet gallery or a traditional art space when walking through the neighborhood, but MOXI is actually a non-profit science and children's museum. Located in Santa Barbara, it provides an interactive environment for visitors to learn and explore through various exhibits. The museum opened its doors to the public on February 25, 2017, and it operates as a 501(c)(3) non-profit. Whether you are visiting with a family or you are just looking for some hands-on discovery for yourself, it is a standout spot in the city. I have seen plenty of curious faces heading inside to see what is new, and the energy around the building is always quite lively. It is a great place to stop and see how science can be fun for people of all ages.
Founded in 1976, the Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara is a contemporary art museum. It has spent decades bringing modern creativity to the local community in California. When you visit, you can see how the museum has evolved since its early years to become a staple of the art scene in the United States. It is located right here in Santa Barbara. I've noticed that the vibe here is always fresh, which makes sense for a place dedicated to the art of our own time. Whether you are a seasoned collector or just someone who likes interesting shapes and colors, there is plenty to see inside these walls. It is a wonderful spot to pause and think about where art is heading next while you explore the city.
Let me show you the Santa Barbara Museum of Art. This art museum is located in downtown Santa Barbara, California, United States. It is a nonprofit organization that had its inception in 1941. Whether you are visiting for the first time or just passing through the city center, it is a prominent fixture of the local area. I usually find the downtown bustle quite energizing, and this museum is right in the thick of it. You can pick out the building easily as you move through the heart of the city. Since it is situated right in the downtown district, it is a convenient stop for anyone exploring the surrounding neighborhood on foot. It remains a key destination for those interested in the arts within the region.
You will likely notice the traditional architecture first at Casa de la Guerra. This building is a National Register of Historic Places listed place that now operates as a historic house museum. It is owned and operated by the Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation. The home has a long family history, as descendants of José de la Guerra y Noriega lived in the residence until 1943. I find the layout of these old homes always interesting to peek into. You can find this site at 15 East De la Guerra Street, Santa Barbara, California. It is a great spot to pause and see how the city looked in a different era before you move on to your next shot.
You can find the Santa Barbara Historical Museum right here in Santa Barbara, California. Founded in 1932, this nonprofit organization is a museum that welcomes 40,000 annual visitors every year. It is a great spot to see how the region changed over time, as the exhibits feature relics from Chumash, Spanish, Mexican, Yankee, and Chinese cultures. I always think it is impressive how much history is packed into one building for people to see. You will find a wide variety of items on display throughout the galleries, including photographs, textiles, furnishings, and artifacts. Some of these pieces date as far back as the 15th century, giving you a glimpse into the very early days of the area. It is a wonderful way to spend an afternoon getting to know the local roots.
You can find the Lobero Theatre in Santa Barbara, California. It is a theatre building and concert hall designed in the Spanish Colonial Revival style. This site holds a special place in the region as California's oldest continuously operating theater. José Lobero founded the venue in 1873, though the original opera house was replaced in 1924 by the theater you see today. This present version was designed by George Washington Smith and Lutah Maria Riggs. I always think it is a great spot to pause and admire the architecture before your next shot. Whether you are visiting for a show or just passing through the neighborhood, the facade is one of the most recognizable sights in the city. It is the kind of place where you can really feel the history of the local arts scene just by standing in front of the doors.
Let me show you Alameda Park. This is one of the oldest parks in Santa Barbara, California, and it had its inception in 1853. Because of its age and location, it has become a primary site for the community to gather and celebrate. You can pick out the open spaces used for many citywide celebrations, including the Summer Solstice. As you explore the grounds, you will notice that Alameda Park adjoins Alice Keck Park Memorial Gardens. It is a wonderful place to see how the city balances its historic roots with modern festivities. I often see folks gathering here during the big events, and it is always a sight to see the crowds filling the grass. Whether you are here for a holiday or just a stroll, there is plenty of history to appreciate in this quiet corner of the city.
Let me show you El Presidio de Santa Barbara State Historic Park. This presidio was built by Spain in 1782, and it is also known as the Royal Presidio of Santa Barbara. Its mission was defending the Second Military District in California. Today, you can visit the site as a museum, a tourist attraction, and an active archaeological site. It is recognized as a California Historical Landmark and is a National Register of Historic Places listed place. I've noticed that the open layout makes it a great spot to imagine the old military defenses while you walk the grounds. It is a fascinating place to see the remains of the original structures and learn about the early military presence in the region. You can pick out various details that tell the story of its inception in 1782.
Alice Keck Park Memorial Garden is a park in Santa Barbara, California. It is a dedicated green space designed by landscape architect Grant Castleberg ASLA. The park consists of one entire city block, which is bounded by Santa Barbara, Micheltorena, Garden and Arrellaga Streets. When you are visiting, you can pick out the Unitarian Society of Santa Barbara located across Santa Barbara Street. If you look across Micheltorena Street, you will see Alameda Park. I find that the layout makes it a great spot to pause and breathe before moving on to the next part of your trip. It is the kind of place where you can forget about the traffic for a few minutes while you enjoy the greenery and the careful design of the gardens.