Experience 13,000 Years of Maritime History & Human Interaction with the Sea

Engage with the Museum through Events, Lectures, and Activities for the Whole Family

Santa Barbara is Known as the Birthplace of Deepwater Commercial Diving

santa-barbara-maritime-museum
diving helmets permanent exhibit

Welcome to the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum

The Santa Barbara Maritime Museum is one of the premier venues for education, information, and lectures about the Santa Barbara Channel, the Channel Islands National Park, and 13,000 years of human interaction with the sea. Whether you're interested in historical subjects such as the Chumash and their settlements along the Santa Barbara coast, or more contemporary nautical topics such as environmental preservation, marine life, surfing, and sustainability, we offer something interesting for everyone. We also have lots of fun and interactive exhibits for kids and families.

We're conveniently located in the beautiful Santa Barbara Harbor next to several shops, restaurants, boat rides, kayak rentals, and various activities for the whole family. Come on down and make a day of it. You'll be glad you did.

Upcoming Exhibits, Lectures, and Events

Rainbow over Stearns Wharf in Santa Barbara. Photograph taken by Dan Merkel.

Majestic California Piers

Photographs by Bill Dewey and Dan Merkel

September 5, 2024 to January 19, 2025

The top of the building at the end of Duval Street and Key West Harbor C 1870. From the DeWolfe and Wood Collection.

Santa Barbara Maritime Museum Hosts Discussion and Book Signing for Hidden Cargo

Featuring Acclaimed Author Robin Lloyd
Thursday, October 17, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. 

harbor wc extended

Women of the Santa Barbara Harbor 

A selection of 13 vignettes on women who work in and around the harbor.

 March 1, 2024 - September 30, 2024 

Latest Museum News & Updates

Emily Duncan Named Director of Development at the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum
By Heather Behrens | October 4, 2024

Santa Barbara, CA – The Santa Barbara Maritime Museum is pleased to announce the appointment of  Emily Duncan as its new Director of Development. With more than seven years of…

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Key Considerations and Reminders for Estate Planning
By Denise Stevens | October 2, 2024

Some important thoughts and reminders in regard to estate planning:

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Common Estate Planning Mistakes To Avoid
By Denise Stevens | August 30, 2024

According to a 2023 study conducted by Caring.com, nearly two-thirds of Americans do not have an estate plan in place.  And many with plans never update them in light of life…

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Stearns Wharf: From Industrial Hub to Iconic Landmark—A Journey Through Santa Barbara’s Piers and the Evolution of California’s Coastal Legacy
By Heather Behrens | August 29, 2024

In the mid-19th century, cities grew from goods carried across the ocean on massive ships. Piers were developed out of necessity, allowing vessels to dock closer to shore to load…

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SBMM Maritime Distinguished Speaker Series Unveils the Story of Stearns Wharf
By Jessica Tade | August 20, 2024

The Santa Barbara Maritime Museum is pleased to present the September offering of its Maritime Distinguished Speaker Series “Opening the Door to Santa Barbara: John Peck Stearns and his Wharf”…

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Did You Know?

Just up the coast from Santa Barbara, at Honda Point, a navigational mishap resulted almost a dozen new navy destroyers running aground on the evening of September 8, 1923. Seven ships were left on the rocks and declared a total loss.