Mission Santa Barbara

Mission Santa Barbara tops the list of best things to do in Santa Barbara. The city's most recognizable landmark is the Mission Santa Barbara. This distinctive building, known as the "Queen of the Missions" for its graceful beauty and picturesque setting, shaped the look of the entire city. After a major earthquake destroyed much of Santa Barbara in 1925, the city was rebuilt in the Spanish Colonial Revival style, which was inspired by Mission Santa Barbara. Since its founding in 1786, this is the only California mission that has remained with the Franciscans, and a community of Franciscan friars still lives here today.

The majority of visitors spend an hour or two on a self-guided tour, and docent-led tours are available on certain days. The church is a popular tourist attraction. It was finished in 1820 by Chumash Indians led by Father Antonio Ripoli after an earthquake in 1812 destroyed the original chapel and surrounding buildings. The Roman temple facade, the twin towers (which are unique among the missions), and colonial-era art and sculptures are among the highlights. Today, the mission serves as a parish church, providing an evocative setting for a Sunday service.

Within the complex is also a museum with colonial-era art and many interesting artifacts. The beautiful La Huerta Historical Garden, with mission-era plants like citrus, grapes, pomegranates, and prickly pear, is especially worth seeing. The cemetery is another stop on a self-guided tour. Many prominent early Spaniards, as well as 4,000 Chumash Indians, were laid to rest here. After visiting the mission, walk across the street to explore the ruins of the old mission aqueduct, which was built in 1806 by the Chumash Indians. Make time to visit the fragrant Mission Rose Garden as well. One of the best things to do in Santa Barbara for couples is a romantic picnic.

Address: 2201 Laguna Street, Santa Barbara, California