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.
Maritime Museum Exhibits on View Now
Below is a partial list of exhibits on view now at the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum. We have new exhibits being featured all the time, so be sure to stop by and see what's new.
Click on any of the exhibits below and do a deeper dive.
Watch Virtual Museum Tours
Unable to visit the museum? Watch this series of virtual tours conducted by former SBMM Executive Director Greg Gorga.
Just for Kids - The Gail & Barry Burkus Children's Gallery
During your visit, stop by the children’s gallery, which offers fun games and activities for the whole family. Explore the kelp forest and learn about the many different species of fish that live among the kelp, or raise the sail on a sailboat and learn how block and tackle are used. Try your hand at some arts and crafts, or take a closer look at how sorting your trash helps keep the oceans clean.
A beautiful mural by local artist Patti Jaquemain lines the wall and brings great enjoyment to those with an artistic eye. See how many different species of sea life you can identify!
Bring the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum to Your Community With Our Traveling Art Exhibits
The Santa Barbara Maritime Museum is pleased to provide traveling exhibitions to enhance and support your museum’s community offerings. Nine exhibits are available, covering everything from Santa Barbara harbor history to ocean life, and even mermaids.