Syuxtun Story Circle: A Chumash Legacy

Discover the Syuxtun Story Circle on Santa Barbara's West Beach: a vibrant mosaic celebrating the Chumash people's history, culture, and enduring connection to the land.

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Syuxtun Story Circle

The Syuxtun Story Circle, a vibrant mosaic located on Santa Barbara's West Beach, marks the site of Syuxtun, the largest Chumash village. Created by the Chumash community, the 20-foot wide circle features intricate panels depicting Chumash history, mythology, and culture. More than just a beautiful piece of public art, it serves as a powerful reminder of the Chumash people's enduring presence and their deep connection to the land and sea. The Story Circle offers a unique opportunity to learn about the rich heritage of the area's first inhabitants and appreciate their contributions to the region's cultural landscape. It's a place for reflection, education, and celebration of Chumash traditions, easily accessible and free to visit.

A brief summary to Syuxtun Story Circle

183 W Cabrillo Blvd, Santa Barbara, West Beach, California, 93101, US

Local tips

Take time to walk around the entire circle and observe each of the 21 panels, as each tells a different story about Chumash history and culture.
Visit during daylight hours to fully appreciate the vibrant colors and intricate details of the mosaic.
Combine your visit with a walk along West Beach and a visit to the nearby Santa Barbara Harbor for a complete Santa Barbara experience.

Getting There

Walking

The Syuxtun Story Circle is located at 183 W Cabrillo Blvd, directly across from Ambassador Park on the oceanfront walkway of West Beach. If you are already on West Beach or near the Santa Barbara Harbor, simply walk along Cabrillo Boulevard until you reach the mosaic embedded in the sidewalk. It's situated midway between Stearns Wharf and the harbor, making it easily accessible from either location.
Public Transport

Santa Barbara Metropolitan Transit District (MTD) buses serve the Cabrillo Boulevard area. Check the MTD website or app for the most up-to-date routes and schedules. Several bus lines stop near the waterfront. From the nearest bus stop on Cabrillo Blvd, walk towards Ambassador Park; the Story Circle is directly across the street, embedded in the sidewalk. A single ride fare is $1.75.
Driving

If driving, navigate to 183 W Cabrillo Blvd, Santa Barbara, CA 93101. Limited street parking is available along Cabrillo Boulevard, but it can be challenging to find during peak season. Several public parking lots are located near the waterfront, including the Cabrillo East and West lots. Parking fees at these lots are typically $3.50 per hour. Be aware of parking time limits. Alternatively, parking is available at Stearns Wharf for $3.00 per hour (first 90 minutes free with purchase), or at the Harbor Main Parking Lot for $3.50 per hour.

Discover more about Syuxtun Story Circle

The Syuxtun Story Circle, a captivating mosaic embedded in the sidewalk along Cabrillo Boulevard in Santa Barbara, stands as a vibrant testament to the Chumash people and their ancestral connection to this land. Located on West Beach, near Ambassador Park, the Story Circle marks the site of Syuxtun, once the largest and most significant Chumash village spanning the region from Malibu to Paso Robles and encompassing the Channel Islands. The name 'Syuxtun,' meaning 'it forks' or 'where the two trails run,' reflects the village's importance as a central hub and meeting place. Created through a collaborative effort involving over 200 members of the Chumash community, the Story Circle is more than just a visually stunning work of art; it is a powerful narrative etched in ceramic tile. The 20-foot wide mosaic comprises over 200,000 individual, unglazed ceramic tiles, each carefully placed to depict aspects of Chumash history, mythology, cosmology, and daily life. The project, completed in 2009, represents over 5,000 collective hours of dedication and serves as a lasting tribute to the Chumash people's resilience and cultural heritage. The Story Circle features 21 distinct panels, each telling a different story or conveying a specific message. The designs incorporate traditional Chumash symbols, motifs, and narratives passed down through generations via oral tradition. Visitors can observe depictions of tomols (traditional Chumash canoes) laden with fish, representing the abundance of resources and the Chumash people's maritime skills. Other panels showcase the Chumash understanding of the cosmos, their relationship with animals and nature, and their spiritual beliefs. One prominent symbol within the Story Circle is the sun, central to Chumash cosmology and representing the source of life and energy. The three worlds of the Chumash universe – the World Above, the Middle World, and the World Below – are also represented, reflecting their complex understanding of the interconnectedness of all things. The mosaic also incorporates depictions of animals significant to the Chumash, such as eagles, swordfish and lizards, each carrying symbolic meaning within their culture. The Story Circle serves as a reminder that the Chumash people are not just figures of the past but a living, breathing community with a vibrant culture that continues to thrive in the region. It offers an opportunity for visitors to learn about the Chumash perspective on history, their deep respect for the environment, and their ongoing efforts to preserve their traditions for future generations. Visiting the Syuxtun Story Circle is a free and accessible experience. Located along the bustling Cabrillo Boulevard, it's easily incorporated into a walk along the beach or a visit to the nearby Santa Barbara Harbor. Take time to examine the intricate details of the mosaic, reflect on the stories it tells, and appreciate the rich cultural heritage it represents. The Story Circle is a place for quiet contemplation, education, and celebration of the Chumash people's enduring legacy. While at the Story Circle, consider visiting nearby Ambassador Park, located directly across Cabrillo Boulevard. This park is slated for redevelopment into a space that further celebrates Chumash cultural heritage, offering an even more immersive experience for visitors. The Story Circle and the future Ambassador Park represent a commitment to honoring the Chumash people and ensuring their stories are told for generations to come. The Syuxtun Story Circle is a must-see destination for anyone interested in learning about the history and culture of Santa Barbara and the Chumash people. It is a place where the past meets the present, where art tells a story, and where the legacy of the Chumash people is celebrated for all to see.

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Syuxtun Story Circle

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Discover the Syuxtun Story Circle on Santa Barbara's West Beach: a vibrant mosaic celebrating the Chumash people's history, culture, and enduring connection to the land.

Veterans' Memorial Building

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A historic waterfront landmark honoring veterans and serving as a vibrant community hub in Santa Barbara, hosting events and offering stunning ocean views.

Burton Mound State Historical Landmark

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Discover the historical landmark of Burton Mound in Santa Barbara, the site of the ancient Chumash village of Syujtun, and reflect on the rich cultural heritage of the California coast.

Waterfront Santa Barbara

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Funk Zone Studios

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Area 5.1 Winery

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Fess Parker Funk Zone

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Santa Barbara Trolley

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Andalucia Building

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Hastings Adobe

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Faith Mission

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Residential building

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De La Guerra Plaza

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Santa Barbara Historic Lndmrk

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Casa Covarrubias

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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.

Explore the Funk Zone Art Mural in Santa Barbara – a vibrant outdoor gallery showcasing stunning murals and the city's rich artistic culture.

Experience authentic American barbecue at Shalhoob's Funk Zone Patio in Santa Barbara - where flavor meets fun!

Explore Antique Alley in Santa Barbara for a unique blend of vintage treasures, art, and local charm that captures the essence of California's rich history.

Essential bars & hidden hideouts

Rodeo Room

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Pearl Social Santa Barbara

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Test Pilot

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STUDIO Bar & Soundroom

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Brass Bear Brewing & Bistro

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Shaker Mill

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Experience innovative cocktails and a lively atmosphere at Shaker Mill, the go-to cocktail bar in Santa Barbara's Lower State neighborhood.

Whiskey Richards

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Santa Barbara Wine Therapy

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Unbearable Skee Lodge

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O'Malleys Bar

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Dusk Bar

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Old Kings Road

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The Bobcat Room

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Dargan's

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Press Room

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Syuxtun Story Circle: A Chumash Legacy

A brief summary to Syuxtun Story Circle

Local tips

Getting There

Walking

Public Transport

Driving

Unlock the Best of Syuxtun Story Circle

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Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about Syuxtun Story Circle

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Syuxtun Story Circle

Veterans' Memorial Building

Burton Mound State Historical Landmark

Waterfront Santa Barbara

Funk Zone Studios

Area 5.1 Winery

Fess Parker Funk Zone

Santa Barbara Trolley

Andalucia Building

Hastings Adobe

Faith Mission

Residential building

De La Guerra Plaza

Santa Barbara Historic Lndmrk

Casa Covarrubias

Unmissable attractions to see

West Beach

MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation

Old Spanish Days Carriage

State Street Visitor Center

Stearns Wharf

Moreton Bay Fig Tree

Pier Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center

The Funk Zone

217 Stearns Wharf

Eat This Shoot That!

Santa Barbara Carriage and Western Art Museum

Lil' Toot Santa Barbara

Fernald Mansion

Funk Zone Art Mural

Essential places to dine

Toma Restaurant & Bar

Finney's Crafthouse - Santa Barbara

Santo Mezcal

Blackbird

Bluewater Grill

Longboard's Grill

Loquita Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara FisHouse

The Lark Santa Barbara

Lucky Penny

Moby Dick Restaurant

Santa Barbara Shellfish Company

The Nook Santa Barbara

Waterline

Shalhoob's Funk Zone Patio

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

Loveworn

The Blue Door

The Shopkeepers

Dylan Star Boutique

Stabiles Boutique

Old Wharf Trading Co

Deep Blue Sea

Jules by the Sea - FUNK ZONE

Asher Market

The Vintage Fox, Antiques & Gift Shoppe

Urban Outfitters

The Lotus Boutique

Arzoo’s woVen

Only In Santa Barbara

Antique Alley

Essential bars & hidden hideouts

Rodeo Room

Pearl Social Santa Barbara

Test Pilot