Old Mission Santa Barbara: The Queen of the Missions
Discover California's rich history and beauty at Old Mission Santa Barbara, the 'Queen of the Missions,' with its stunning architecture and cultural treasures.
Founded in 1786 by Spanish Franciscans, Old Mission Santa Barbara is the tenth of California's 21 missions and is known as the 'Queen of the Missions' for its exceptional beauty. Still an active parish church, it offers a glimpse into California's past with its stunning architecture, museum, gardens, and historical cemetery.
A brief summary to Old Mission Santa Barbara 1786
- 2201 Laguna St, Santa Barbara, Upper East, California, 93105, US
- +1805-682-4713
- Visit website
Local tips
- Visit during the annual I Madonnari Street Painting Festival over Memorial Day weekend to see stunning outdoor artwork.
- Explore the Mission's cemetery to see the burial site of the 'Lone Woman of San Nicolas Island,' who inspired the novel 'Island of the Blue Dolphins'.
- Stroll across the street to the A.C. Postel Memorial Rose Garden, especially beautiful in spring.
Getting There
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Walking
From downtown Santa Barbara, the Mission is approximately a 1.7-mile walk. Head north on State Street, then turn left onto Los Olivos Street. Continue uphill for about five blocks until you reach the Mission. Note that the Mission is on top of a hill, so it's an uphill walk.
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Public Transport
From downtown Santa Barbara, take MTD bus line 6 or 11. Get off at the corner of State Street and Pueblo Street, then walk back one block and up the hill on Los Olivos Street for five blocks to reach the Mission. Bus fare is $1.75 for adults and $0.85 for seniors/disabled.
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Taxi/Ride-share
A taxi or ride-share from downtown Santa Barbara to the Mission takes approximately 5-10 minutes and costs between $8 and $15. Be sure to specify 'Old Mission Santa Barbara' as your destination.
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Parking
Free parking is available in the Mission's front parking lot off Los Olivos Street on a first-come, first-served basis. During special events, parking may be limited.
Discover more about Old Mission Santa Barbara 1786
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Mission Creek Bridge
0.3 km
Discover the historic Mission Creek Bridge in Santa Barbara, a picturesque landmark connecting the city's rich past with its vibrant present, nestled near iconic cultural and natural attractions.
Historic Riviera Streetcar Stop Shelter
0.8 km
Step back in time at Santa Barbara's Historic Riviera Streetcar Stop Shelter, a beautifully preserved landmark offering stunning views and a glimpse into the city's early transit history.
Trinity Episcopal Church
1.4 km
Discover a Santa Barbara landmark: Trinity Episcopal Church, a historic sanctuary with stunning Gothic architecture, vibrant community programs, and a welcoming spirit for all.
Janssens-Orella-Birk Building
2.1 km
Explore the Janssens-Orella-Birk Building in Santa Barbara, a historic landmark showcasing enchanting Spanish Colonial Revival architecture and a captivating glimpse into the city's past.
Rafael González House
2.3 km
Explore the historical charm of Rafael González House, a stunning example of Spanish-Moorish architecture in Santa Barbara's Laguna neighborhood.
Santa Barbara Old Japantown Plaque
2.3 km
Explore Santa Barbara's rich cultural tapestry at the Old Japantown Plaque, honoring the legacy of the Japanese community that once thrived in this historic city.
El Paseo "Street in Spain"
2.4 km
Discover the charm and history of El Paseo Street in Santa Barbara, Spain, where vibrant culture meets stunning architecture for an unforgettable experience.
The Orena Adobe
2.4 km
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Paseo de la Guerra
2.4 km
Explore the historic Paseo de la Guerra in Santa Barbara, a landmark that embodies the rich cultural heritage of California's coastal history.
De La Guerra Plaza
2.5 km
Experience the vibrant heart of Santa Barbara at De la Guerra Plaza, a historic public square surrounded by iconic architecture, where community and culture come alive.
Casa Covarrubias
2.5 km
Step back in time at Casa Covarrubias, a beautifully preserved 1817 adobe offering a glimpse into Santa Barbara's rich history and the lives of its prominent early families.
Andalucia Building
3.2 km
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Fess Parker Funk Zone
3.4 km
Experience the acclaimed wines of Fess Parker Winery in the heart of Santa Barbara's Funk Zone, a vibrant arts district offering a modern tasting experience and a taste of local wine heritage.
Area 5.1 Winery
3.4 km
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Hastings Adobe
3.4 km
Discover the Hastings Adobe in Santa Barbara, a historic landmark built in 1854, blending New England charm with California history, offering a glimpse into the past.
Unmissable attractions to see
Mission Historical Park
0.2 km
Explore the serene Mission Historical Park in Santa Barbara, where nature meets history in a captivating landscape.
Mission Rose Garden
0.2 km
Experience the enchanting beauty of the Mission Rose Garden in Santa Barbara, a floral paradise showcasing over 1,500 stunning rose varieties.
Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History
0.3 km
Discover the rich natural history of California at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, an engaging destination for all ages.
Rocky Nook Park
0.3 km
Explore the serene landscapes and hiking trails of Rocky Nook Park, a hidden gem in Santa Barbara perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.
Alice Keck Park Memorial Garden
1.2 km
Explore the serene beauty of Alice Keck Park Memorial Garden, a lush oasis in Santa Barbara perfect for relaxation, picnics, and romantic strolls.
Kids World
1.3 km
Experience the joy of play at Kids World in Santa Barbara, a delightful playground designed for family fun and adventure.
Alameda Park
1.3 km
Experience the beauty of Alameda Park in Santa Barbara, where lush landscapes, recreational facilities, and a family-friendly environment await every visitor.
Our Lady of Sorrows Roman Catholic Church
1.5 km
Discover Santa Barbara's historic Our Lady of Sorrows Church, a beautiful landmark with Spanish Colonial Revival architecture and a rich spiritual heritage.
Arlington Theatre
1.7 km
Discover the enchanting Arlington Theatre in Santa Barbara, where performing arts, cocktails, and cinematic magic come to life.
The Granada Theatre
1.8 km
Experience the rich cultural heritage and vibrant performances at The Granada Theatre, a historic landmark in Santa Barbara, California.
Franceschi Park
1.8 km
Experience the tranquility and stunning views at Franceschi Park, a must-visit destination in Santa Barbara's beautiful Riviera neighborhood.
Santa Barbara Public Library
1.9 km
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Santa Barbara County Courthouse Gardens
1.9 km
Discover the stunning gardens of Santa Barbara County Courthouse, a historical landmark blending nature and culture in California's beautiful coastal city.
Santa Barbara Museum Of Art
1.9 km
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Superior Court Of California County Of Santa Barbara
1.9 km
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Essential places to dine
Garrett's Old Fashioned Restaurant
0.8 km
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Crocodile Restaurant & Bar
1.0 km
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Opal
1.6 km
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Ca' Dario Santa Barbara
1.7 km
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Jane
1.7 km
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Louie's California Bistro
1.7 km
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bouchon Santa Barbara
1.8 km
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Olio e Limone Ristorante
1.8 km
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Sama Sama Kitchen
1.8 km
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Benchmark Eatery
1.9 km
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milk & honey
1.9 km
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State & Fig
1.9 km
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Mizza
2.0 km
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Petit Valentien
2.0 km
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Chase Restaurant and Lounge
2.1 km
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Serra Shop
0.0 km
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Westward General
1.0 km
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Folly
1.6 km
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Sirena
1.6 km
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Adornment
1.8 km
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Paradise Found
1.8 km
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Santa Barbara Museum of Art Store
1.9 km
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Lewis & Clark
2.0 km
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Anthropologie
2.0 km
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The Yes Store
2.0 km
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Barefoot Boutique
2.2 km
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Sands Boutique
2.3 km
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Marshalls
2.3 km
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Salt Boutique
2.4 km
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Creations Boutique
2.4 km
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
De la Vina lounge
1.1 km
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Uptown Lounge
1.7 km
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Sportsman Lounge
1.8 km
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The Good Lion
1.8 km
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Odessa Lounge
2.0 km
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The Pickle Room
2.3 km
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Mel's Lounge
2.3 km
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Elsies Tavern
2.6 km
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Press Room
2.6 km
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Dargan's
2.6 km
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The Bobcat Room
2.7 km
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Old Kings Road
2.8 km
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Dusk Bar
2.8 km
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O'Malleys Bar
2.8 km
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Unbearable Skee Lodge
2.9 km
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
SOhO Restaurant & Music Club
1.8 km
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Wildcat Lounge
2.7 km
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The Red Piano
2.9 km
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EOS Lounge
2.9 km
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Sandbar
2.9 km
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La Pachanga
2.9 km
Experience the electrifying atmosphere at La Pachanga, Santa Barbara's premier night club featuring vibrant music, delicious drinks, and unforgettable dance nights.
Indochine
3.0 km
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The vip
3.0 km
Experience the heartbeat of Santa Barbara's nightlife at The VIP, where unforgettable nights and vibrant energy await.
Backstage Santa Barbara
3.1 km
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MLounge
3.1 km
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Emerson Lower Rooms
5.0 km
Discover the energetic nightlife of Emerson Lower Rooms in Montecito, California, where music and camaraderie create unforgettable memories.
The Tower Club, Oxnard
54.8 km
Experience the elegance of The Tower Club in Oxnard, where stunning views, exquisite cocktails, and vibrant nightlife await.
Ruby's Cafe
56.0 km
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VidaLive!
56.2 km
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Spearmint Rhino Gentlemen's Club Oxnard
58.3 km
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