A Spanish mission founded in 1786, Old Mission Santa Barbara provides an insight into the colonization of southern California. Franciscan friars created the mission so they could convert the indigenous Chumash tribe to Catholicism. Embark on self-guided tour through the sacred garden, historical cemetery, church, and museum, or take one of the docent-led tours. Don't miss the fountain, aqueduct, and lavandaria in the Mission's front yard, all original fixtures built by the Chumash. The museum is home to a Chumash prayer board, the first written Chumash ever attempted. Our Santa Barbara day trip planner makes visiting Old Mission Santa Barbara and other Santa Barbara attractions simple, and helps you make a travel plan personal to you.
Create an itinerary including Old Mission Santa Barbara

Unable to display map at this time. Please try again later.
© OpenMapTiles © OpenStreetMap contributors
Old Mission Santa Barbara Reviews
-
We stayed at the Simpson House which was delightful. They give you a lovely walking tour which swings you right by the mission. It has been restored but still is charming. It has lovely gardens to wan... more »
-
The SB Mission is worth a visit as it is a SB landmark. If you don't want to tour the mission, you can at least walk around it and especially in the wonderful role garden just below the mission. more »
-
Fiesta at the Old Mission has been a Santa Barbara tradition for many years. The dancers are very entertaining and kick off the week of fiesta each year. The grounds are beautiful and the rose garden across the street is a nice spot for walking or having a picnic. for lunch
-
Beautiful architecture and it's well taken care of! We loved seeing the cemetary. Once inside the chapel, it just hit us-we needed to take a moment of silence and self-reflection. So peaceful. My husband and I highly recommend it!
Plan your trip to Santa Barbara
Get a personalized plan
A complete day-by-day itinerary
based on your preferencesCustomize it
Refine your plan. We'll find the
best routes and schedulesManage it
Everything in one place.
Everyone on the same page.
Popular things to do in Santa Barbara
View all >Duration: 8h
Duration: 1h
Duration: 1h 30min
Duration: 2h 30min
Side trips from Santa Barbara
Hidden gems in Santa Barbara
Duration: 2h 30min
Duration: 1h 30min
Duration: 2h 30min
Duration: 1h 30min
Kids friendly things to do in Santa Barbara
Duration: 1h 30min
Duration: 1h 30min
Duration: 2h 30min
Duration: 2h 30min
Wineries in Santa Barbara
Duration: 1h 30min
Duration: 1h
Duration: 1h 30min
Duration: 30min
Nearby attractions in Santa Barbara
Duration: 3h
Duration: 1h 30min
Duration: 4h
Duration: 2h 30min
Featured attractions
Duration: 1h 30min
Duration: 1h 30min
Duration: 1h 30min
Duration: 30min
Plans to Old Mission Santa Barbara by other users
22 days in United States
BY A USER FROM UNITED KINGDOM
May, culture, outdoors, historic sites, museums, popular & hidden gems
PREFERENCES: May, culture, outdoors, historic sites, museums
ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular & hidden gems
PACE: Medium
47 days in Continental USA
BY A USER FROM AUSTRALIA
September, popular sights
PREFERENCES: September
ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular sights
PACE: Medium
18 days in California
BY A USER FROM BRAZIL
April, beaches, historic sites, museums, shopping, wildlife, popular & hidden gems
PREFERENCES: April, beaches, historic sites, museums, shopping, wildlife
ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular & hidden gems
PACE: Medium
5 days in Santa Barbara & Pismo Beach
BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES
February, teens, popular sights
PREFERENCES: February, teens
ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular sights
PACE: Medium
11 days in California’s Central Coast
BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES
June, slow & easy, popular sights
PREFERENCES: June
ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular sights
PACE: Slow & easy
16 days in Santa Monica & Chicago
BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES
May, popular sights
PREFERENCES: May
ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular sights
PACE: Medium
View more plans