Explore + Learn

Explore the Museum

When you walk through the doors of the museum, you embark on a journey of discovery, interacting with exhibits that engage your curiosity around local maritime history and human interactions with the sea. Serving as a hub for Santa Barbara’s coastal heritage, the museum highlights 13,000 years of maritime history – from Chumash culture to today’s surfing and environmental movements.

Interior view of first floor of the museum.
SBMM staff member leading a youth tour.

Educational Opportunities

SBMM provides educational programming that incorporates experiential learning outside the traditional classroom. Programs encourage curiosity and community outreach with special emphasis on California’s maritime history and human interactions with the sea.

SBMM programs are customizable based on age, grade, and skill level, with diverse excursions offered in a variety of locations as students are immersed in maritime history, coastal ecology, and marine science.

Learn more about SBMM’s educational programs.