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

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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

Bluefish Cove #1

Coastal Moments

Plein Air Paintings by Local Santa Barbara Artists

June 13, 2024 - August 18, 2024

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Maritime Distinguished Speaker Series presents Rincon Point and the California Dream

 featuring Stephen Bates and Vince Burns, co-authors of the book Rincon Point.
Thursday, July 18, 2024 at 7 P.M. 

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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

Fun at SBMM! Let Your Curiosity Set Sail at the Maritime Museum
By Maclaine Fiori | July 10, 2024

The Santa Barbara Maritime Museum (SBMM) offers a variety of summertime activities designed to provide fun and educational experiences for visitors of all ages. From engaging exhibits to special events,…

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Randall James Franciose, Ann Howard, Trevor D. Large, and Robyn Parker Join Santa Barbara Maritime Museum’s Board of Directors
By Maclaine Fiori | July 8, 2024

The Santa Barbara Maritime Museum is pleased to announce the appointment of four new board members – Randall James Franciose, Ann Howard, Trevor D. Large, and Robyn Parker. Additionally, longtime…

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Create a Lasting Legacy: Support SBMM with a Planned Gift
By Maclaine Fiori | July 3, 2024

Create a promising future and legacy by making a bequest or other planned gift to the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum. Your support allows the museum to inspire creativity through engaging…

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The Wreck of Yankee Blade
By Maclaine Fiori | June 24, 2024

Over the past two centuries, many ships have wrecked along our local California coastline just north of Point Conception including at Arguello Point and Honda Point. One of the first…

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Haida’s Voyages, Then and Now
By Maclaine Fiori | June 5, 2024

by Lydia Rao Previous Curator’s Logs cover Haida’s construction here and her world travels over the past century here. In five years, Haida will celebrate her centennial. Originally commissioned by…

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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.