Plan your visit

Plan Your Visit

The courthouse is located in downtown Santa Barbara. Review the entry rules and parking locations before you arrive.

Santa Barbara County Courthouse

1100 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

GPS 34.4244, -119.7027

Open directions

Getting there

Getting to 1100 Anacapa Street.

How	Time	Cost	Notes
Car: Drive to downtown Santa Barbara and park in downtown city garages such as Lot 6 (Granada Garage) and Lot 7 (Library Garage).	Varies by starting point	First 75 minutes free, then $3 per hour	There is also street parking available nearby, but time limits are strictly enforced.
Walk: Walk from anywhere in downtown Santa Barbara; it is a primary stop on the self-guided Red Tile Walking Tour.	10-15 minutes from the center of State Street	Free	The terrain is flat and pedestrian-friendly.
Bus: Take Santa Barbara MTD local bus lines or the downtown electric shuttles that drop off near Anapamu and Anacapa streets.	Varies depending on route	Local transit fares apply	A convenient option for visitors wanting to stay car-free.
Tour: Join a local Santa Barbara Trolley Tour or electric bike tour which stops at or passes the courthouse.	90+ minutes for a full city loop	Varies by tour operator	Provides a great overview of the city with added historical context.

When to go

QuietModerateBusyPeak

The courthouse grounds are open year-round. Visit between April and October for the best weather. The clock tower deck closes half an hour before the courthouse.

What to bring

Government-issued ID (if required for weddings or specific legal services)
Picnic lunch or snacks to enjoy on the lawn
Camera or smartphone for photography (leave selfie sticks at home)
Comfortable walking shoes for climbing the clock tower stairs and exploring downtown
Light jacket or sweater for coastal breezes, especially in the late afternoon
Sunscreen for spending time in the unshaded areas of the outdoor gardens
Reusable water bottle to stay hydrated
Small bag or purse (all bags must go through the security metal detectors)
Sunglasses for the bright Southern California sun

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Security screening is required to enter the building.

Free docent tours: weekdays 10:30 AM and 2:00 PM, weekends 2:00 PM.

How the day runs

Suggested schedules.

Explore the courthouse and nearby downtown Santa Barbara.

10:00 AM
Park and Enter
Park in a downtown city garage, such as Lot 7 (Library Garage), and clear security at the entrance.
10:30 AM
Docent Tour
Join the free 10:30 AM docent-led tour inside the building.
11:30 AM
Clock Tower
Climb to the El Mirador Clock Tower for 360-degree views.
12:00 PM
Sunken Gardens
Enjoy a picnic lunch on the lawn.

Security and Rules

All visitors must go through airport-style security with metal detectors. Bags are checked, and you cannot bring extendable tripods or selfie sticks inside.

Leashed dogs are allowed in the outdoor Sunken Gardens but not inside the buildings.

Easiest way to do it

Two women wearing hats standing in front of Santa Barbara County Courthouse.

Private Santa Barbara History and Architecture Walking Tour

2 h to 3 h 5.0 (62)

Guided Tour, historical photos

From$99per person

Viator$99 GetYourGuideCompare

Cancellation terms differ by platform and listing. Check them before you pay.

Planning questions

Where do I park?

Park in downtown city garages such as Lot 6 (Granada Garage) and Lot 7 (Library Garage). The first 75 minutes are free.

When does it close?

Hours vary; the clock tower deck closes half an hour before the courthouse. Confirm with the Docent Council (805-962-6464).

Can I bring a dog?

Dogs are allowed on leash in the Sunken Gardens. They are not allowed inside the courthouse.