Old Mission Santa Barbara Reviews

It was beautiful! My kids were too young to enjoy but nonetheless I did! The architecture is impressive.

If you are not a special church fan, you can really save yourself the USD 17 entrance fee! The sight alone is not worth the money and inside you are through in 15 minutes! Nothing special!

Tranquil and lovely setting. Did not go on paid tour. I did learn a bit from speaking with docents, who were knowledgeable and helpful.

The most beautiful of all the Spanish Missions in my opinion! The tour is wonderful and full of history in this incredible and still functioning Catholic Church. It's a must see in SoCal!

This is an interesting place with a self-guided walking tour of gardens, chapel etc. Only issue is that there are lots of other good places to see, so I would only go if had time to fill.

We managed to get the guided tour, which was interesting. it added context to the buildings. I will advise the tours are done by volunteers and our tour guide gave (some) information about the building. He was a charming man, but i was looking for more information about the building itself.

A beautiful historic California Mission with excellent historical documentation on the tour. The surrounding area is also spectacular with amazing views of the Pacific Ocean.

We had a nice walk to the mission. The neighborhood is beautiful. We enjoyed the gardens and the houses. With Covid seemed the Mission was closed but we enjoyed the surroundings plants and such. Beautiful building

Be sure to get the docent tour. It is well worth the cost. The information from the docent is wonderful. The mission here is beautiful and you really get a sense of the development of California from the missions. Very reasonable gift shop.

Probably the most beautiful of the Missions up and down the California Coast. Worth a tour inside, but also the grounds are beautiful and you could enjoy a short trip just to enjoy the architecture and a little bit of history.

This was another of the stops on the SB Trolley Tour where we got off and enjoyed some of the early California mission history

Mission Santa Barbara is called the "Queen of the Missions" for a reason, it is very pretty. The twin bell towers make is distinct from the other missions in California. We took the self guided tour and learned a lot, I'm sure the guided tour would give any history buff much more information and inside stories. Allow a few hours to explore the grounds, the video about the mission, and the museum, which is at the end of the tour. They have clean bathrooms outside the entrance. I would suggest going early or later in the day because as we were leaving, a tour bus arrived and tourist poured in.

This is a very nice historic building where you can go and see it’s very pretty and wonderful coloured outside. There’s a little shop where you come by knickknack and relevant items from Santa Barbara and representing the building. Unfortunately, when we visited the building was closed due to some restrictions of some kind so I suggest you check beforehand if you want to visit this.

There is ample parking so it’s very easy to drive very close and to get into the building.

It’s also very nice to take photographs from the front. There is a nice green area where you can sit down and have drinks and look at the front of the mission building.

This place evokes the most positive emotions and memories of old times. In particular, this place is notable for its pedestrian gallery, which has become one of the symbols of both the city and the famous series of the 80s.
Must visit!

The tour here is quite impressive as is the site. This is one of the biggest missions in California and has a lot to see, classic architecture and lots of artifacts from the Mission era.

It was small with many details to check out; although, some parts were closed, it is a beautiful place to visit but the entrance fees are a bit expensive, and AAA discount does not apply.

Called ahead to inquire about booking tour for party of five. Should have been advised to arrive super early, as each tour only accommodates 10. When we went to buy tickets 10 minutes before start of tour we were told it was full. Disappointing.

Paid for the self-guided tour, which was a bit pricey at $15. The audio worked about half the time depending upon where you were in the complex. The information was interesting and helped give context for the sites. Interesting that learn about connections with the children’s book “Island of the Blue Dolphins”

the building is extremely well kept, there are sculptures and other artifacts that belong to the Spanish colonization period

Nice to see.
Can also be visited.
Beautiful plants, cacti so big.
Relaxing environment.
In Solvang there is the smaller Mission Santa Ines, also relaxing.

Driving south on the Pacific Coast Highway starts pretty challenging. By the time you get this far south the Highway is pretty much oceanfront and at sea level. This historic Mission is still an active church. You can take a tour or just walk the grounds. If you have an interest in California Missions this is a must see location.

It is a large church that is still in use. We heard parishioners singing hymns while we were there. The place is rich in history. But self guided tour with a pamphlet seems too bland and the interior can benefit from restoration and up keeping.

It was originally a Spanish mission founded in 1786 by Franciscan friars to convert the native Indians to Christianity.

It is preserved and includes a functioning church, gardens and a cemetery. The church is very beautiful! A very atmospheric place. You'll be in California - I sincerely recommend 👍

Started our three days in Santa Barbara by driving to Old Mission to see these artworks. Was the Monday, of the three day weekend, and so most pictures were nearly complete. A real buzz in the air, lots of food, ice-cream, sunshine, music and stalls. A really good visit. The Old Mission is lovely too, however we didn't have time for a tour

It was a nice visit. We simply just walked in the gardens and went into the chapel. Kids were curious about cacti.

Do the self guided tour it’s easy to follow they give you a pamphlet and there’s signs that say tour with arrows to tell you which way to go. Tour is $9 you can get done under and hour unless you’re really interested in the history and want read and take pictures at every nook. It gets hot inside not much shelter from the outside heat. But it’s a Santa Barbara historic building, it’s one of the smaller missions. Didn’t post any pictures because the ones that are posted are basically what you see.

Beautiful 250 year old mission on the outskirts of Santa Barbara, with pleasant grounds and wonderful scenic backdrop of the surrounding hills. Parking is free, and we missed the tour, but would recommend a visit however short. Well worth it.

The mission has free parking. You pay your admission and can go on a self guided tour or wait for a guided tour. You can tour the grounds and the museum and, usually, the church. Unfortunately I visited on a Sunday morning and mass was in session which precluded my visiting the church until mass was completed. It is a very nice facility as are all the California missions (I have been to 9 of the 21 and they all have been beautiful, especially the churches). The tour ends at the gift shop which is quite large. By the way, if you are over 6 feet tall, watch your head as you go through doorways in the buildings.

Great place to visit and know the history of the mission. Beautiful garden to walk and ponder . Entrance fee $15 for adult. Wear comfortable shoes for walking. Parking space is limited.

We visited on a bike tour, and did not go in. The grounds are very nice, and there was a wedding going on while we were there. The Mission, itself, is very pretty.

If you have been to a mission, I don't think a guided tour is required. I believe it is about $4 more expensive than self-guided tour. It is in a beautiful location. Guests don't have access to many spaces, compared to the San Fernando Mission. I love learning about history, even if I don't like the fact that spaniards came and 'conquered' the Natives. Loved learning about the Chumash.

Barbara & I really enjoyed the self-tour that we took of the Old Mission.A lot of information and historical facts were very interesting. We especially enjoyed the story of the "Lone Woman." And the giant Fig Tree from Australia that was on the grounds. The gift shop was lovely and prices were of a good value.

$17 for not that much. Santa Barbara Mission is an important landmark, but the price is excessive.

Given that SB is a prime tourist destination, as well as a college town always filled with parents, this place is a perfect example of jacked up price. You will see rather small museum, access the church and the cemetery. In reality, all would take about 30 minutes to see (perhaps slightly longer if you come at the time of the mass and would force to wait until the service is over to see the church)

There is big discrepancy in admission prices for each mission. Some are free; others charge rather symbolic small fee. IMHO, all entrance fees should be standarized.

Mission itself is extremely photogenic. If you are interested in California's/Spanish colonization history, this is a good stop. Otherwise, just hang out on the lawn in front of the mission and snap some photos.

A cathedral-style church still belonging to the Franciscans. Beautifully landscaped grounds with the historic mission and the Santa Ynez Mountains as a backdrop. Whether you go into the mission or not, walk the grounds, soak in the beauty, smell the flowers, gaze at the surprisingly steep mountains, and remember old California.

It was good for me to visit this mission, especially since I was scarred from our 3 childrens' mission studies in the 4th grade in Cali. Once I walked in, I realized I had been there before! The focus of the mission is obviously on the missionaries and their work, but there was some information on the California Indians whom they had converted, and the Indian traditions that had been replaced by the missionaries, which I appreciated.

This is truly a tourist trap, an absolut minor attraction and very little to see. The mission looks nice from the outside, but once inside you realize very fast that this is a rip-off. All the inside gardens/grounds are unkept, no greens are planted. Shame on them to charge this steep price and not even be able to have nice gardens.
The worst is when you realize what the mission actually did to the Chumash people,
I can only agree with the contribution of Julia: "I was devastated to read the revisionist history provided by the mission of what they perpetrated upon the Chumash people and the white-washed history they promote in reference to their actions. At one point, the information boards even had the audacity to say they only 'bought' the mission with the intent of giving it back to the indigenous people. Of course They don't address the accusations that the Spanish forcibly invaded the Indigenous lands and forced the Chumash to convert to Christianity, becoming slave-like 'Mission Indians', and instead pretend they were doing the indigenous a service by converting them!"

It is a peaceful place, with its old cloister transformed into a garden. The visit is a little expensive ($15) and goes quickly. But the church rebuilt following 2 earthquakes is interesting because the original colors and decorations have been respected. A magnificent tree in the middle of the cemetery, behind the church. Too bad it was gray when we visited.

My son encouraged me to visit The Old Mission and I'm glad I did, although not huge it was lovely strolling through the gardens, old buildings and the very peaceful, beauitful church..The cemetary was also interesting to wonder through.

We ended up here quite by accident, but it was all meant to be as our group thoroughly enjoyed the visit. Very beautiful buildings and grounds and such rich history. We learned a lot about the history of California's west coast, that we never would have known otherwise. We did the self tour which worked well for us and there were several areas that we definitely spent more time in. It was a pleasant and peaceful afternoon.

A favorite place for Mother's Day is the Mission Rose Garden which is free to visit and offers beautiful fragrant roses including many old as well as newer varieties. There's a large expanse of grass, and a limited amount of shade. The roses are usually at their height around mid-May, perfect timing for a Mother's Day picnic which has been our tradition on many years. Many photo opps, some with the Old Mission in the background. We have visited the outside of the Mission and enjoyed the bells but never been inside.

Mission Santa Barbara is definitely worth a visit if you are in Santa Barbara. Admission includes a self-guided walking tour through gardens, the old mission church and a museum. There are markers to explain the historical significance of artifacts and artwork. I found the experience to be very interesting, informative and spiritual.

A very beautiful building on the hill with fantastic views of the city, the sea and the mountains. Bus lines 6 and 11 take you to your destination fairly close and, above all, inexpensively.

Beautiful location and so peaceful. Really enjoyed walking around the gardens and museum. Great gift shop with good prices too. Well worth a visit.

Visited on a Saturday afternoon. Didn't go inside but the outside was interesting. Nice area outside for picnincs.

Classic Santa Barbara attraction. Almost a must see. Free parking is easy and accessible. Recommend.

Tons of history & artifacts! Wonderful that the Missions are being preserved. Everyone should visit at least one no matter their beliefs.

I really don’t think mission entrance fee is so high ... not really that nice. View from steps is great - the oil rigs out in the ocean look like old Spanish Galleons.

We visited early Sunday morning, wrong time as a mass was on. We did an external view of the Mission and the gift shop, but clearly missed the internal view, hence the 4 rating. Well worth a drive, but just get your timing correct to fully appreciate this building.

This is a fun place to visit in Santa Barbara. You can learn the history of the town. My favorite part however is the free rose garden out front. We love to picnic here with friends.

$25 to see 2 gardens and a cemetery seems excessive to me, the actual value of the visit which lasts a maximum of 30 minutes would be half. The 2 gardens are well looked after but spend this money elsewhere. To be avoided.

Stopped here on a whim after looking up things to do in Santa Barbara and was not disappointed. Wasn’t sure what to expect but the place was beautiful. Great history and learned a lot on the tour.

We had an informative tour here, and learned much about the local Chumash Indian tribe. The Mission buildings, still inhabited by Franciscan monks, are very beautiful and wonderfully kept up.

Very interesting history and a very relaxing place to visit especially the gardens -well worth a visit.

The Mission is currently closed due to COVID (August visit) but still worth driving up there for a walk around the grounds, photos of the exterior.

For folks interested in California history, this mission encapsulates it all - and from the the very beginning. The structure, with its two bell towers, its chapel, the gardens, the massive library and views to the ocean are all spectacular - and is one of the few that still conducts on-site services. Its a place you could spend the day, so allow at least two hours for your visit. For California visitors, it is a must-see venue!

Was worth the drive up there. Really enjoyed our time there and was very peaceful. There was a service going on so we couldn’t take the self guided tour. We did however walk around the grounds and take some beautiful pics

A must-see when visiting Santa Barbara. The building is incredible, the gardens, the setting - all top-notch. Just don't go on a weekend.

Walked around the stations of the cross completely unimpressed and it only improved when we paid the entrance to see the exhibits inside and the courtyard, etc. We have been to nearly all of the missions so perhaps it is starting to run together.

Excellent display of historic materials in beautiful surroundings. A charming hour spent learning about contact between American Indians and early missionaries

Probably one of my favorite missions. There something very tranquil about this place even if it's full of yelling ten-year-olds. Great restoration, sumptuous grounds, and a wonderful place for Mass.

My family of five stopped here while on vacation in CA. We did not take the tour but enjoyed the outside view. There were clean bathrooms and a gift shop . They also had a coffee truck in the parking lot. Out favorite this was the rose gardens which were unexpected. We spent quite a bit of time looking at the roses and taking pictures. It was a great detour stop and we enjoyed it.

The tour is $12 (Jan 2020) per adult and is quite short - finishing it in half an hour should be pretty comfortable for most. Going in, I was interested in the history of the missions in California, and indeed in that case it is worth visiting every mission because they all have a unique history. For example, this particular one is the only one still in use as a Catholic seminary, which adds a layer of intrigue to the place and also reminds the visitor of the importance of respect. However, it also means that certain places are closed off and sometimes the entire place may not be open. Overall, since the tour was so short and the artifacts & descriptions not particularly broad in nature (makes sense, since despite what it may seem the missions only began 250 years ago and hence the history is comparatively short), I don't think the price is completely worth it, but if one just treats it as a one-off expense (a sort of single-time tithe) then it is still more than okay.

The Old Mission is an historic and beautiful site.

Still an active church ad site of many weddings. The church itself is beautiful. The entire mission is interesting and you can self-tour the courtyard, church, cemetery and museum.

Nice gardens and picturesque fountain and grounds.

We were very disappointed in the mission. First, they were to open at 9:30 but didn’t open until after 10 am due to a “staff meeting” while many people had to wait outside. Very poor customer service. Next was the outrageous price of $25. This may have been due to a Sistine Chapel exhibit but you didn’t have a choice not to see that part and pay a more reasonable fee. (They were in separate sections and it would have been easy to split the admission). Due to the high cost we had to leave some people outside as it was too expensive for a family of six. While we’ve worked our entire lives $125 was too high a price to pay when welfare recipients were allowed to enter for only $3. We have been to the mission before and enjoyed it but with the change of exhibits, not much on the original mission, we will not plan on going again. We will enjoy the other missions in California instead.

This was a stunningly beautiful attraction. It has a church, center courtyard, graveyard, rose garden, museum and beautiful artwork. Don't miss the small park below the church. It has an absolutely stunning collection of roses. While we were there a group of kids were practicing for the choir and it added to the beauty. Attractions that are beautiful and historical are hard to beat! I could not recommend it more! Also parking is free. When we toured the door was open and was free to tour.

Beautiful building, did not take the tour or see the museum, but the grounds were beautiful and the cemetery was particularly interesting with its' abalone shell grave decorations. It is also the burial site for Fr, Junipero Serra.

On vacation up the central coast and stopped by this mission. The mission is closed to the public as most places are but the gift shop was open. You can only walk around the front and view the outside. Beautiful place, sad that you can't go inside.

I really enjoyed the self guided tour much more than anticipated. Beautiful grounds and interesting exhibits provided a lot of history of the mission.

This gorgeous mission was one of the highlights of our recent trip to Santa Barbara. The self-guided tour is affordable ($17) and easy to follow, with audio clips you can play on your phone along the way. Definitely a must visit!

From the outside the mission is beautiful but to see any of the interior you need to pay. For a religious building I find this a bit poor. Donations should be welcomed instead.

A pleasant walk around the mission grounds, with some history of the mission, Chumelean (spelling?)people, and how the people lived. One trip was enough but I enjoyed going.

$10 entry. Very good visit. Large complex. loved the painted walls. Cemetary with large fig, nice central garden. Only one with twin bell towers.
Watch your timing if you want to go in the church to avoid services. We went on a Saturday and passed it again on the Sunday and it was obvious a service was going on and whats more lots of cars parked right in front of it which would spoil your photos.
There is a large lawn area in front of the mission which is free to use and a large planting of roses which will be glorious in the season
We got here on the trolley which stops right outside and made it on the next one an hour later.

We stopped by on our way into town for a weekend getaway. The mission and its grounds are beautiful and well kept. There's a gift shop that offers something for everyone. Due to time we were unable to take the tour, but would definitely come back to see the inside of the property.

Worth a trip, as it’s only a short drive away from the main town, and you’ll get some amazing views! We didn’t go inside, but had a little picnic in the gardens and took the scenic route back down to the beach.

This is a beautiful place to visit if you are in Santa Barbara. A little tricky to get their from the crisscross streets, but quite a reward. Really nice gardens and lawn area, where we had a wonderful picnic on a beautiful day.

We took a brief trip to the Mission for a walk around the property. They do an amazing job of keeping the plants on the property maintained with some of the most beautiful succulents and other shrubs and trees. We also happened upon the chalk art on the pavement from the weekend before. Such an amazing thing to see.

Well worth the visit, and very charming and tranquil. Wonderful to see a historical building still being an active part of the local community.

This mission is beautiful and the surrounding grounds are fun to explore.
Pick up some great souvenirs and enjoy the beautiful architecture then relax in the grass.
Kid friendly

I love this mission. It holds a special place in my heart as my wife and I were married in the rose garden over 17 years ago.

The story of this mission is intertwined with the Chumash People who were the object of Spanish efforts to extend Spanish influence through this area. Of course there are multiple perspectives to share on that era of history and I thought that the placards did a reasonable job of conveying both the intention and reality of that collision of cultures. I found that our ability to appreciate that part of the story was enhanced by having earlier spent time with the Chumash exhibit at the Maritime Museum.

For those with any background in liturgical art, the small museum has some fine pieces that have clear context and commentary. Tours with a docent are available any day except Monday and unfortunately that was the day we had to make a visit. The self guided visit was good but I think a docent lead tour would have been still more meaningful. The place is stuffed with history and delightfully calming to the spirit.

Beautiful building in a wonderful setting. Church is a little smaller than expected. Parking free and close. Work th a 15 minute visit

Worth a visit for those interested in early California mission life and history. If you balk at the $9 fee you can visit the church itself during 'open door' hours or church service, but the fee is reasonable to keep this treasure maintained.

It is located in a prominent position and the building is well maintained. If you want to avoid paying tour you Can visit the gift shop and take photos for exterior. You can also attend church services but check the times. However we did preferred mission in San Capistrano.

We just drove by and checked it out, didn’t go in. If your into that kind of thing, you might want to go in and check it out. It’s high in the hills in Santa Barbara.

We only had a short one night stay in Santa Barbara, to see as much of the city as we could in a short space of time we took the trolley bus tour from our hotel. We spent an hour at the Mission exploring this wonderful piece of history. The exhibits in the museum were very interesting and informative. The garden was our favourite spot, a quiet and reflective space. Well worth a visit.

Bit of a hike from town but through some nice SB residential areas. Fairly small historic site but quite interesting in its own right

We were very honored to visit the mission in santa barbara abd being invited to attend the service - indeed a very unique experience, the rituals and passion of the members of that community, were something I never seen before and I am so glad we did it, an unmissible historic site full of history and stories to be told

Access is easy, and parking in an adjacent lot is free. We were happy to see that Mission Santa Barbara received a tasteful new coat of paint since the last time we visited. The mission building looks much prettier next to the Spanish fountain on the well-tended property, and it is one of the most beautiful of the California missions. We tried to picture how magnificent it must have looked to children of the indigenous Chumash tribe when it was first completed, but our imagining was foiled by a prominent big white coffee van squatting directly in front. We enjoyed browsing the well-stocked gift shop and seeing the display of candles with a nice view of the sliver of ocean in the background--pretty much the way the vista must have looked to the Franciscan padres in the late 1700s, except perhaps for the prominent big white coffee van.

Not the prettiest of the California Missions but definitely a piece of history. Beautiful grounds, nice setting...you shoud go to see it if you're in Santa Barbara.

This place is so wonderful to visit. The spiritual feelings that you get was well worth it. The place is beautiful and has a fantastic history.

If you like mission visits, you already know the drill. Lots of history, a church, interesting artifacts. If you have not visited a mission, this is a good one to start with.

It's the same with lots of history and really love the grounds. I'll wait for another 30 years to go back.

We made a stop here to visit the old mission. All I can say is wow it was so beautiful. Lots of history here definitely recommend it.

Aim to arrive 9 am when Mission opens. Check out the fountain in the front and the trough used in early times to wsdh the clothes. View also the Mission bell outside the entrance door. ( Restrooms to the left of the entrance)
The trail to follow is clearly marked. The Cementary garden very interesting. Note the figures above the Church entrance indicating that a cemetery was close by. The Church itself us quite dark but peaceful. Candles for lighting can be purchased in the Gift Shop but are not placed in the church. There is a designated area outside the shop for the Candles.
There us a small Museum that can be visited as part of the tour. Worthwhile. There us also a 20 min Visual presentation on the Mission that can be watched time allowing. Allow yourself about 1.5 hours for your visit.
Enjoy.

Beautiful and fascinating tour . Exquisite gift shop filled with all sorts of wonderful things. Lovely grounds and views.

It’s an easy trip from downtown and has a small museum with a god insight into local and Californian history . The self tour will last no more than an hour . Not too busy . It would have been good to see more of the mission rooms and buildings .extensive free parking

I'm a local and still am in awe at the beauty of the SB Mission. This spot is just lovely on a nice day. Go inside the church, walk the grounds and have a picnic on the large lawn across the street and enjoy the rose garden.

Do to the time we had to visit, we visited the Mission briefly, but was fascinated by it's history. If we had had more time we would've taken the tour. Otherwise, it was in a beautiful setting.

You'll pay $12 to visit to do the self-guided tour and visit the church and grounds. It's beautiful and the gift shop is large compared to other missions. Plenty of free parking. If your mission is to see all 21 of the missions, then this is a must-see. Otherwise, you can enjoy the gift shop and exteriors for free.

The Mission was founded by Padre Fermín Lasuén on December 4, 1786, the feast day of Saint Barbara. It is the tenth Spanish mission and one of the most popular to visit along with San Juan Capistrano. The church altar and statues in the alcoves are exquisite. The Cemetery with all the crypts and active mausoleum is very interesting too. Be aware there may be a wedding or other service where you may not be able to enter the church until the service is over. There is ample parking adjacent to the mission and a trolly that arrives frequently.

I think I am much more interested in the Flora and fauna than what goes on with the Catholic Church. I enjoyed the roses 🌹 and the trees 🌳

Stopped by this place when we were in Santa Barbara for the day. We wandered around the outside since we had children and had just come from the museum.
Worth the stop.

Was beautiful building and grounds.the rose garden was in bloom nut I’m sure it is spectacular in the spring.

The mission is a part of California history and it is interesting but it is not what I would consider a "must see". I definitely wouldn't pay to go inside the chapel. I see it as more of an "extra" to bigger events hosted there such as I Madonnari. There is a lovely rose garden across the street that is great for picnics if you do go.

History comes alive when you tour the grounds and the buildings of this historic mission. Definitely worth a visit.

Beautiful place to visit. A lot of interesting history about the area nearby as well as the growth of the Missions in California.

Not as old as some of the other missions but well maintained building and grounds. Original view of the ocean now obstructed by houses and vegetation. Short self guided tour mainly of the gardens area and a museum that overviews life at the mission during the time of its origin. Church was not open during our visit. Worth a stop if you have some extra time and are in the area.

We went there and recommend it as a way to understand how this area transitioned from Chumash inhabitation to Spanish and then American control. They have a nice museum where you can appreciate the worksmanship of the Chumash. It is difficult to imagine how it must have felt to the native peoples to have their way of life be disrupted by folks who wanted to exploit their labor and change their belief system, but an effort is made to share the perspective of the Chumash descendants who are still part of the community. Go in the afternoon when it is less crowded and the tour buses are gone.

Overall atracks rated 7.3/10.

We went for a tour. Very inspiring what the mission is. There’s a decent amount to walk in and very beautiful interior. Cost is $17.00.

This is a DO NOT MISS when in the area. This California mission is located on one of the most beautiful pieces of property. The view from the front looks out to the Pacific Ocean and it’s just breath taking.

Worth the $9 tour fee - so much history, and such a gorgeous site. The chapel is stunning! I also love burial grounds and/or cemeteries - theirs is very peaceful, and the mausoleum is quite beautiful.

A Very Spiritual Experience! Beautiful Choir! Everyone is Welcome!

The Mission and Surroundings Grounds are truly Spectacular! History Abounds... Tours are Available... Gift Shop, too!

The Mission is on the must-see list for Santa Barbara and certainly has an impressive history. The museum element is filled with information and gives a feeling of how it was like to live during the mission beginnings. The grounds are pretty as well. The church is gorgeous. We were there Christmas Eve and it was magical.

This is a very beautiful mission located high a top the hills of Santa Barbara with gorgeous views of the ocean and Channel Islands . Tours are available. Well worth the visit.

Plenty of free parking. Beautiful architecture that is rustic but yet sophisticated. Not much of a view.

Was unsure what to expect but is worth the self-guided tour. Having been to Europe, much in USA doesn’t seem that old and significant but this is. Another set of stories of how Indians got messed over but seems the Missions were better friend than the Mexican and US military.

This is a great mission for taking photos. I enjoy visiting the California missions and learning about the history. I was there on a Saturday and there was plenty of free parking. You can visit the exterior of the mission and gift shop for free (without paying for the tour). Check the website for schedules of when the church is closed for mass and weddings before you go. If the church is in use, you can still take the tour but you don't get to see the inside of the church--just the museum part of the tour and the garden.

The place is near a beautiful park and all the area is amazing like Santa Barbara as a whole which is beautiful

It is pretty to see. The drive in the area is gorgeous. There was a funeral, so we didn’t take the tour.

We just admire this beautiful mission from the exterior and walked around the grounds. One can visit inside of the mission, but time did not permit us to visit inside the mission.

Do yourself a favor while in Santa Barbara and take some time to visit this historical site. The exhibits are excellent. You can also view a brief movie documenting the fascinating history while there.
The docents are very informative and really seem to enjoy giving narratives about the mission. The exterior courtyards and beautifully maintained gardens set a peaceful tone. There is a well stocked gift shop on premise as well as a famous rose garden across from the midsion buildings.
Make sure that you see the old bell just outside the entry area.
All in all well worth a visit.

While visiting Santa Barbara we found ourselves in the mountains and at the mission and decided to give it a go being the history lovers we are. It’s a fantastic spot rich with captivating tales of a life long ago in old California. We happened to be there during mass so we could not see the church up close but the hymns and ringing bells made it almost magical as we went on the self guided tour. The gift shop was awesome as well - I picked up several things there that I just had to have. Definitely something you should check out while you are in Santa Barbara if not for the religious significance but if you love history!

An interesting insight into the history of the area. Very peaceful and lovely features. Go early before he buses arrive.

Self guided tour took about thirty minutes. It was ok. We have visited several missions before so Mission Santa Barbara was comparable, noting really special.

A very interesting mission with displays which are informative and well done. It is a beautiful place and well worth a visit.

Simple amazing and breathtaking the peace you feel and get is one of a kind I just love the feeling that you can find only here forever in my heart

Had a guided tour which was informative and interesting but I was expecting to be able to explore the grounds once the tour had finished but this property was much smaller than I had assumed

Love the history of the area. Great displays and information to help you understand the past and the present.

We arrived around 10am on a Thursday. Small, but nice gift shop. Restrooms and cold drinks. Friendly staff. There was not a guided tour scheduled till 2:00, so we elected to take the self-guided tour. There are displays to read and you can also scan a QR code for both written and audio content (bring your headphones). If you like history, architecture, art, or religious studies, then this is a great spot for all of these. The tour follows a one-way path around the courtyard, including some side rooms with displays not just for the mission, but also about Santa Barbara, the Channel Islands and the native Chumash people. The tour goes into the chapel and the graveyard. The bells ring at noon each day, and we got to hear them while out in the graveyard. While we were exploring the chapel, a docent offered the folks that were in the chapel at the time some information on some of the artwork, which was interesting. Then, a Franciscan Friar came out and offered a tour to us. He took us behind the gate, up to the alter, then behind the alter into the sacristy, and then also into the room where the novices are taught. He offered history of the church itself and some of the artifacts as well as insights into life at the mission. He was so kind and we all felt so fortunate to have been able to listen to him and see some of the other areas. Outside, we explored the rose garden, the fountain, and the front of the chapel. There was a food truck selling coffee out front. Since we walked from our hotel, we did not park at the mission. Overall, we were there for 2.5 hours.

Historic and beautiful place to visit with the family, including teens. It includes a chapel, the cemetery/garden and artwork. Great way to learn about the past. Nice souvenirs at the gift shop too.

I loved how close it is to the shops & post office. It’s a small mission but very educational. I traveled with 8 children & was able to attend a 5pm Eucharist. The self tour fee was pretty reasonable $4 per adult & children under the age of 12 are free. I took my daughters here not knowing that St. Inez/St. Agnus is a patron saint of chastity, young ladies & rapist survivor. I’m definitely coming back

We happened to be in SB during the "Chalk festival"...which was fabulous. The artists are just amazing . I just can't believe this is all done on the pavement. Wonderful.

We knew that the last ticket sale was at 4pm. Because of traffic en route, we arrived with literally minutes to spare (although the mission actually closes at 5pm). We purchased our tickets and were then told that a wedding rehearsal was taking place in the. Hutch - the main thing we had come to see. We were told that shouldn’t affect us too much. However when we came to seek entrance we had to negotiate with a monk to get a couple of minutes inside - due to the wedding rehearsal. You can’t sell tickets then restrict viewing due to another event going on. It’s fair to say that we felt a bit cheated, visiting Catholic Churches is one thing we enjoy doing and we did not a proper visit here. What little we saw was good, including a mausoleum and a small area of grounds.

We skipped the tour and simply walked through the grounds and museum on our own time. Having no prior knowledge we were pleasantly surprised to find this is a working church and the monks still reside and care for the Mission. The gardens and church are so peaceful and quaint.. definitely an out of time experience!! The museum did an excellent job of detailing the entire time line of the Mission from it's beginning all the way to the present. It was very interesting to see how instrumental the Native Indians were to the building and development of the community... how their culture was respected and incorporated into the Mission.

We had a nice time touring the museum and gift shop. We attended mass here. They have vigil mass on Saturday evenings.

We went to the mission as part of a bus tour. It was interesting to see and hear about the history of Santa Barbara and the mission. There isn't a lot to do at the mission, but it is pretty and you can get some great photos.

The Mission is a beautiful, spiritual place to visit. Well preserved and tourists are accommodated in a way that does not affect the tranquility and peace of this wonderful place. Tour is very good value for money. A must do visit when in Santa Barbara.

We have visited many of the California Missions and this one is up there with San Juan Capistrano and Carmel. It is well run with knowledge employees, and the self guided tour is easy to follow and informative.

Of particular interest was the exhibit on the ‘Island of the Blue Dolphins’ Lone Woman (our daughter read the book in school) and the cemetery.

It was wonderful to spend a few hours at the Old Mission with friends. It was a great place to sit and reflect. A big plus was to get away from the heat as well. Not to be missed when visiting this area.

Beautiful mission with lots of history. Great day in January during the middle of the week so the crowds were minimal. Glad we drove up from Camarillo.

“The queen of missions” is a sight no tourist in Santa Barbara should miss. Large beautiful grounds with a majestic rose garden. Tours are available. Behind the mission is the Santa Barbara museum. Then about 2 miles away is the Botanical Gardens. All are must see.

Santa Barbara old mission is a must see in Santa Barbara.
The building it's fantastic and the church facade as a very unpopular colour.

This mission is the Queen and very beautiful. I had a bit of a time with the steep stairs but otherwise did well and we enjoyed our self guided tour.

Such a beautiful and peaceful place. We had never been to a Franciscan monastery before. It has a lovely atmosphere to walk through the grounds, lovely smells from the garden, and an amazing church that has a very unique style compared to most churches I’ve been to - colourful yet down to earth. The small museum provides history and context. This was a great stop on our road trip along the coast. Takes about an hour to walk round.

It is definitely worthwhile visiting the mission if you are in Santa Barbara. The Mission itself is very impressive and is well taken care of. There is a self guided tour that is available with a general admission.

The buildings are very interesting and the storyboards give good insight in to the missionaries and Chumash Natives who often lived in and around the mission.

The cemetery is not in very good shape. Many of the tombs are crumbling and in general disrepair.

There is lots of parking available here and it is a short walk to the Mission entrance from the parking lot

I'd recommend visiting the mission.

It was interesting seeing one of the oldest Mission churches and the history behind it. There was a little history (pictures with narration and a movie playing) in the free room and then you pay a small fee ($12 ish) to see the church. I figure, it helps to defray historical preservation costs.

Your tour the grounds, gardens, cemetery and of course the church.

I wish I could have spent more time in Santa Barbara, but so glad I experienced the Santa Barbara Mission. My friend and I traveled the PCH and at the recommendation of our Guide at Hearst Castle, decided to tour the mission on a whim and what a great recommendation! The mission is beautifully preserved, the history thoughtfullly laid out in a go-at-your-own pace, self guided tour. The garden is lovely and the church is such a peaceful setting. There is a gift shop as well. Great value at only $9 and you can really soak up the history in this gorgeous California coastal town.

While on a recent trip, I attended the Sunday 9AM mass which was celebrated by the parish pastor. This mission is beautiful, preserved in the period, well maintained and lovingly cared for by the clergy and parishioners. The mass was quite moving and reverent as well - one of the more meaningful ones I have attended in recent years. The music was also great. I recommend the mission for a visit, and / or to attend a worship service.

This mission is the gem of the California missions, and one not to miss. It has an amazing courtyard with beautiful plants and trees. The old church is beautifully preserved, and active today. The side chapels are lovely, especially the one with St. Francis and St. Claire. The two towers make it unusual for the California missions. These is a nice museum and shop as well.

Come here to learn about the missions and how this building is still standing despite the earthquakes. There is so much history here and our guide was exceptional. A must see along with the courthouse.

We did not go tour the OId Mission - only did the gift shop, which has a nice variety of things to please.

Loved the mission in Santa Barbara and took the self guided tour! It’s a beautiful history of the Chumash Indian tribe and the Franciscan Fathers, well worth the small fee to enjoy the history lesson and beautiful grounds!

Learned so much as we walked the grounds and read all of the plaques. So peaceful and a wonderful spiritual experience shared with family!

Great place to learn about the history of the Missions and Santa Barbara. Very peaceful grounds. There was a funeral going on while we were there, so charged half price and told we could come back later in the day. Worked perfectly for us!! A wonderful landmark in this beautiful city!!

It is great inside the mission but the real deal is outside on the huge lawn (perfect place for a picnic), looking at the rose garden, or being there for one of the great holiday festivals and art shows for July 4th and others including the great chalk art event

It’s a beautiful August morning in rhe 70’s here in Santa Barbara and a wonderful way to spend a few hours roaming rhe grounds, visiting the mission church and the museum. Guided tours are available or you can simply fo at your own pace. Well worth the few Bucks it costs and it was not crowded at all.
The only thing I wish they had done is make their cigns and discription plaques in English and Spanish since so many hispanics visit. Seems a bit unfair and discriminatory.

The mission it's self was a great place to spend the day, as an added bonus there were murals painted on the walks in the front of the mission. Some amazing works of art!

Yet another mission. Though the exterior architecture was grander than many CA missions, I didn't see the big attraction here unless you are a mission aficionado. Admittedly, I don't do the interiors anymore as they tend to be dark and uninviting for the most part, unless you feel some religious attraction. The grounds are nice and the Rose Garden is quite nice across the street. Not many places to sit and enjoy though.

Wow! Lots of information here and really amazing property to explore! We took the self guided walking tour for $12... no reservation needed. So glad we did this!

Historic and amazing. Lovely experience! Beautiful and very informative! Considering how old and historic the Mission is, it is in remarkable shape, especially after earthquakes. We learned a lot!

While we have been visiting Santa Barbara pretty much annually for the past 50 years, I hadn’t had a good docent led tour of the SB Mission since the late 60s......This one was great - providing not only history of the construction of the Mission and but the relationship of the Spanish, Mexican and Chumash cultures on developing Santa Barbara and Mission life up and down the Calle Real

The Old Mission Santa Barbara is considered to be the Queen of the California Missions. We went on a docent-guided tour because it's a great way to more quickly learn about Old Mission Santa Barbara.

Santa Barbara is a wonderful day trip from Las Angeles. It has an amazing dog beach with a restaurant right along the water and dog bath stations in the parking lot ($10 for basin with shampoo, condition and blow dry). The funk zone in SB is a cool hipster area across from the wooden pier. And, of course, the drive on wooden pier is a unique experience and there are plenty of restaurants there as well. For beach goers or those wanting a boat tour, they are available as well. The Old Mission is cool from the outside; we did not go inside...there was a cost, and we had a puppy with us. I wouldn't spend days in Santa Barbara, but I think it's worth a day trip if visiting LA.

Self guided tour is $12. Interesting with good written explanations of its history. It takes about an hour at a leisurely pace.

Grounds are very pretty to walk through. There is a self guided audio tour that was very interesting.

Wouldn’t bother. Not a special sight, especially if of you’re from Europe. I guess if you’re interested in the history maybe it’s a landmark to stop by on your way

It's easy to picture this place one hundred years ago, and they do a good job maintaining and preserving it. There's not much to do here, though, and the grounds are rather small.

We walked to the Mission from West beach. Quite a walk however worth it and we walked through some stunning homes. The Mission is a very peaceful place and full of history. Take a picnic though as no cafe

By all means, head to this mission, beautifully kept up, extremely busy, and with a wonderful gift store. This is a must along the Central Coast.

Beautiful and historic with room to navigate on your own or take a guided tour. Very difficult to see the grounds suffer due to the lack of attendance/revenue during covid. Encouraged everyone to visit this historic and spiritual treasure and contribute generously.

Took the bus from Stearns Wharf right up States Street to the last stop before it comes back. Nr Arlington Theatre / Court Hose are. We walked all the way from the end of the bus to the Mission. Really interesting going thru the parks & different house styles

Very busy that day outside the Mission as there was a street art festival. Inside was tranquity. Totally worth the entrance fee

Learn some history about Mission & the creation of California.

We stayed close by to the Mission so walked to the Mission, passing the gardens and taking photos from the front. The admission fee is well worth the money and the Mission is surprisingly large inside. All the information was informative and interesting on the history of the Mission and the indigenous people of that area of California. The architecture of the building was impressive - very different to anywhere we'd been before. I would recommend the Mission to anyone visiting Santa Barbara, even if just for the day.

This mission is of historical and architectural interest, well worth a visit. The tour is self-guided which worked well. Recommended.

Built in 1786 this is one (1) of 21 Missions built by the Spanish Franciscan friars. Beautiful location just above the town of Santa Barbra. If you enjoy exploring history, this large Mission is well worth the time to visit.

I thoroughly enjoyed my visit here. There was a bit of faffing about with QR codes for information, but there is decent signage throughout, and I was content to read. The grounds are beautiful, and I really found fascinating the mestizaje of the place--you really did learn about the Chumash-Spanish encounter, and it left me wanting to learn more about the California Natives.

What a beautiful place. We loved it, especially the grounds around it. The city is gorgeous and I was just great to lay down on the grass in front of the mission and spend some peaceful time there. Highly recommended!

We were on a quick site seeing tour of the mission, so we did not get to do the tour, but the very large complex seems very interesting and I would definitely do a tour if we return.

Mission with very well preserved facilities.
This mission was founded on December 1786 by Padre Fermín Lasuén.

This was a real interesting site, very beautiful buildings and such interesting history. Much more modern than some of the Missions I've seen which I found quite surprising.

Over the course of 40 or so years, I've visited about half of the Spanish missions in California. Mission San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo in Carmel is more spectacular architecturally and artistically. Mission San Juan Capistrano and Mission La Purisima Conception in Lompac are more unusual. Mission Santa Inés in Solvang, with its Spanish architecture in a town that became significantly Danish and flora including palm trees provides a more interesting setting. But Mission Santa Barbara has its virtues, the greatest of which is a really good museum that delves into all aspects of the mission's and the area's history and does not sugar-coat the ugly side of the missions' existence. We were fortunate that our visit coincided with the annual I Madonnari Italian Street Painting Festival, held in front of the mission. Amazing art-for-the-moment in a lovely setting.

Really enjoyed this slice of California history. Good self tour and museum area. Good owning up to the negative aspects of colonialism.

The tour through the mission is quite well done and easy to follow. Do peel off to go through the church sanctuary and do not miss the outdoor memorial area on the other side of the church with an amazing fig tree. The tour itself has great boards that are easy to follow. A must do while in Santa Barbara.

When in SB, this is a worthwhile visit. This “working” church offers a thoughtful and informative view of the history of Missions in CA and a peaceful time to reflect on this country’s past and present. This is a “working” church, which offers a unique contrast to its past.

Wandered the grounds and enjoyed a delightful docent tour. Heard the history with lively descriptions. The only one of California Missions still led by clergy.

General visit the Santa Barbara Mission. Walking around the building, the gift shop and the nearby garden. Taking lots of nice photos and enjoy the sunshine. Didn’t buy tickets to enter the inner part of Mission because the ticket is not cheap (USD12/person), I thought it’s not really worthy. Anyway it’s a nice trip.

I very much enjoyed my visit here. I thought there was a nice flow to the self guided tour and there was plenty of history and photos provided. A one time 2-3 hour visit kind of place. Olive garden walk and nice view. Close to city center for combined visit.

This is a beautiful mission on the Camino Real, exceptionally restored and well maintained by the Franciscan monks still living here. The gardens, the church, and the museum were all very interesting and impressive. We opted, however, for a docent led guide at a slight extra cost and the experience was not only disappointing but genuinely detracted from our enjoyment of the mission overall. The guide had a very flat delivery and talked at great length in a confusing manner. He had some interesting information, but also focused on a version of mission history regarding the native Chumash population that was extremely simplistic, distorted, and ultimately disrespectful. We eventually escaped the tour and viewed the grounds on out own which was much more satisfying.

Nice place to visit and spend some quiet time. The self guided tour seems a little pricey, but welcome to our new world. Lots of opportunities for pictures and the gardens are beautiful. Gift shop has lots of fun stuff as well as books and souvenirs We visited on a Tuesday and there were no crowds, easy to read signs and take pictures. Would be a nice place to bring a picnic lunch and enjoy people watching.

I was not expecting what I found at the Old Mission. My wife and I really enjoyed the gardens and grounds and old church and cemetery. The history is fascinating. It was founded in 1786. We are Catholic so we can relate to the rituals and customs of the Friars. We really enjoyed our visit there. There was more to see than expected. I thought it would take 30 mins at most as we were also headed to Santa Barbara Botanical Gardens. We spent 3 hours there with the tour, gift shop and had lunch in their nice picnic area. SB Bot Garden had to be rescheduled for the next day. We recommended a trip there.

Yesterday I went up to once again one of my favorite places in California. The Santa Barbara Mission is just a gem amongst the missions as it is situated above the city overlooking the ocean if the sky is clear of no fog. The grounds are beautiful and have been the same pretty much since I was first there about 1960. On the tour yesterday which was given by a docent I learned numerous new information about many of the paintings and hand painted walls and statues within the church itself. Later I took the self tour of the museum which you can do at your leisure. I would highly recommend taking the guided tour if you are someone who likes more facts about the history of Spain, the Chumash Indians, and the Franciscan Friars. The inner grounds are quite peaceful and serene to just sit and think or pray.

This was my first time at Old Mission Santa Barbara and I enjoyed sight seeing the cemetery as well as the chapel. The Chapel was very beautiful and a good place to pray. I recommend visiting old Mission in Santa Barbara.

Such a beautiful, classic old mission! The inside is wonderful. All the grounds surrounding the mission are soothing and spectacular.

Gorgeous piece of Santa Barbara history. My son and I enjoyed exploring the antiquity and flora while learning the history dated back to the late 1700’s.

Many of the Spanish Named Counties and similarly named cities of California contain a magnificent Franciscan Mission. Visiting them while vacationing throughout California is awe inspiring for their beauty as well as surviving the various earthquakes, mud slides and fires that have devastated so many of the state's older architectural masterpieces. Founded in 1786, the Santa Barbara Mission was the 10th Franciscan Mission built in California. Due to its being larger than all of the other missions, it is renowned as "Queen of the Missions." It is breathtakingly beautiful architectural jewel with not only a large sanctuary but various other public rooms plus the living quarters for the various priests and friars who live there. The 12-acres of manicured gardens are incredible.

While visiting California, you will be richly rewarded by the beauty of many of these missions for which the eponymous county and city is named, such as San Diego, San Francisco, Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz, Santa Clara and although not a county, San Jose. Los Angeles County has two breathtaking missions, San Gabriel and San Fernando, but don't be sidetracked into trying to find the Los Angeles Mission, which turns out to be a charity shelter and meeting place for disadvantaged and homeless Los Angelinos that was built in the mid-20th Century with no religious connection. I heartily recommend trying to see as many of the 21 original Franciscan California Missions as possible plus the several others adorning the Pacific Coast of Mexico!

Take the tour, don't just stand outside and snap a photo. An amazing place. The most beautiful of California's missions.

We make it a point in traveling that we look for something interesting. Well, we have a friend in Santa Barbara that made this visit interesting for us. The construction of the old missions are somewhat simple in nature but it is the architecture that is most interesting. Don't forget to visit the garden to see the different stations which is very interesting as well. Expect around a $10 entrance fee. Handicap should be able to get around.

The old mission and rose garden at the mission are worth visiting. The outside and the grounds are the real star. The inside is interesting but not essential.

Up to date historical perspective offered important for many school groups visiting
Early photos and narratives helpful

If you enjoy history then you will love this site. We did the self guided tour and found the mission to be peaceful and historically interesting. We spent about an hour walking through the mission gardens, cemetery, church and museum. It is not very big but, I thought the price of admission was fair. I’m sure a docent led tour would be even better, but it is only offered once a day.

We have been to the Mission often. Today we just walked around outside admiring the atmosphere. The rose garden has a profusion of varieties in bloom at the moment. It is not as well groomed as usual. Maybe they laid off staff during the pandemic..Still a nice place to walk around or picnic.

Loved this mission and it shows care and respect for it and it’s grounds. The tour is informative and easy to walk. A wonderful photographic opportunity as well with the artifacts on display. A gem.

Great historic Santa Barbara tour stop and we visited the roses (natural and hybrids with interesting names after stars) after the mission. It’s a must see while you’re in town!

It was interesting, but not something that I would do again. Maybe it would be better to take the guided version.

I love and study Santa Barbara history so I'll fight my bias to gush over this place. Santa Barbara's Presidio and Mission are foundational element of Spains influence over early California. The Mission, its gardens and accompanying cemetery are well preserved, but not as much perhaps as the stunning missions and grounds at Mission Santa Clara. The self-guided tour at $15 is a little expensive, but we were happy to donate to the mission's preservation. The walk took about an hour. The Mission Museum was fine but not particularly imaginative or updated. That said, you will be well served to visit the Mission and its nearby rose garden.

Very disappointed as we finally made our way using bus transportation to mission from cruise, only to have the chapel and the grounds (cemetery, etc.) shut down for a wedding. When we walked out after only a short tour through the museum, they were offering half price deals to those coming in, but we had full price and the items were already shut down. Not worth the trek up the hill if it is mostly closed.

Self guided tour is a bit pricey for $15 for the little you see. Garden is closed. When we got there, there is a mass so we have 15 mins. to see the church and cemetery.

The outside area is very attractive and worth visiting, but a $25 adult admission is ridiculous, even including a so-called Sistine chapel exhibition.

Situated overlooking the town. Very large impressive building, in a lovely rural setting. Worth a short visit.

Stunning history and beautiful building - a must visit for any one staying in the Santa Barbara area

I have visited several California missions, this is probably the best maintained one. Not only they keep up with the old buildings, there is a newer ones that is currently in use. We took their tour, which provided some additional information. We really enjoyed our visit.

You can just turn up to visit this mission overlooking Santa Barbara, but we paid for the daily (Tue-Fri 11am) guided tour by a docent (volunteer) which lasts an hour. She was very informative and helped us understand the history of the mission and how the Franciscan Monks had established mission churches along the coast of California from the Mexican border to San Francisco. Well worth stopping by - there is an informative museum and well stocked gift shop. If you visit in August you may coincide with the annual festival but we had just missed that.

Interesting cultural place to visit when you’re in Santa Barbara. Around $9 to enter and it’s a good tour with lots of interesting things to learn. Worth a visit!

Lovely experience. this mission is beautiful and we loved looking over the grounds and inside the beauty of the church. I felt very peaceful there. The gardens were beautiful and the whole area as a very spiritual feeling. We only got to visit 3 missions but we loved all three.

Beautiful Mission. Lovely grounds. Ample parking. Definitely a nice place to stop in and visit while you are in the area!

This attraction has easy parking exaltation wonderful architecture and grounds to review. This represents an interesting part of the history of California and this area

Paid for a tour which was worth it, your guide was interesting. Amazing building and history. Worth a visit.

This is a good photo spot as we did not go inside. Otherwise, I would rate is as average as it does not kindle any feeling for us.

The mission was interesting. I liked that they acknowledged the land is Chumash and the mission is grateful the Chumash people are sharing it with them. Went to see the garden and roses. WRONG time of year. Definitely better to visit in late spring or summer if you want to see the sacred garden and roses.

The name itself describes the mission. It is a slice of historic Santa Barbara. Father Junipero Sierra founded the mission to bring religion to the native people of the land. Very interesting and educational tours are available but not necessary. It’s small and can be covered in an hour or two. Worth seeing when in Santa Barbara.

Very impressive mission. They have done a great job of highlighting the long history in the region. Wonderful sections highlighting the culture and religion.

The church was very impressive. The gift shop offered a nice selection of items. Plenty of parking and easy access bathrooms.

Located very close to town so worth the short trip.

The Santa Barbara Mission is called the queen of the mossions, for good reason. It's beautiful, stately and impressive, larger than any other I've seen

We loved the gardens here - so peaceful and pretty. The museum tells the story of the history of the area and the building and they have some interesting exhibits. Some parts are out of bounds as there are still some Brothers in residence.

You can do the tour on your own or take a guided tour.

This was our first visit to a Mission and the lady issuing tickets said we had chosen the best but she could be biased!

A must see in lovely Santa Barbara.

This is really worth the visit. It like stepping back in history. Very interesting and beautiful. A huge great gift shop.

Always a wonderful time visiting the mission in Santa Barbara. Many fun things to do and especially love the chalk art and fiesta activities. I always bring our guests for a tour, like my cousin pictured here who was honeymooning wirh his lovely bride. The grounds are perfectly kept and it is a beautiful way to spend a day, have a picnic, and stroll thru the rose garden. Spectacular views and great photo opps!!

If you’re a tourist and want to understand the roll of Missions in California, plan to stop and visit. If you’ve been to others, you will appreciate the differences and uniquenesses of this Mission. Take the self guided tour, read all the displays and wander thru the gardens and cemetery.

In all fairness, the mission might have been more captivating if I hadn't already visited San Jaun Capistrano, but it just doesn't hold a candle to its neighbor to the south. Gardens were sparse and bare. Architecture wasn't particularly impressive. Fine if you are in Santa Barbara, but otherwise it's not worth a trip.

We visited this mission during our trip. It was beautiful and full of so much history. They do tours. We enjoyed the stations of the cross

Walking tour includes additional Historical facts on their website you can access on your phone rose garden 8s wonderful i highly recommend this site beautiful

This is the third mission in California that I’ve visited and although it is very interesting historically and architecturally, I did not find it as interesting as the others. Like the others, they offer a self guided tour but the others are around $5 or $6 and the Santa Barbara Mission charges $15 per person which is a bit steep for a self guided tour. The tour consists of the Sacred Garden which seems to need some work, the actual church which is impressive , the cemetery which is interesting and the museum . I found the Old Mission Santa Ines in Solvang much prettier and well done. It’s a must see for the history and the architecture but as a couple, $30 could be better spent elsewhere. A side note, although the Franciscan Brothers still work and live there, it appears they hide when tourists are around as I didn’t see a single one.

As I travel I search out churches and missions to photograph. Santa Barbara Mission is wonderful. The grounds are lovely and there’s lots of space for a picnic. Enjoy the rose garden and tour the interior of this lovely mission.

Lovely old mission with beautiful garden area. Right near downtown Santa Barbara on a hell with great views of the mountains. We missed the docent tour so we did the self guided and there was plenty of information via signs. One classroom type room geared to,children was very well done and of interest to adults as well. Small museum and very nice gift shop.

We went on a guided tour of this Mission as organised on our Tauck California Coast holiday. The guide was excellent and gave us a quality detailed history plus additional artefacts not seen by general visitors. The Mission is well laid out for visitors with interesting architecture and the visit to the later attached church showed a history and design that has withstood earthquakes and keeps the magnificent painted design. Unlike many cathedrals this mission shows how simply built religious places seem to fit better into the format of religion.

Been visiting as many missions as possible and this one ranks as the most beautiful mission I’ve seen so far. Although it’s been redone as a result of the earthquakes it still is very beautiful. You have a view of the ocean.
It is still a functioning church and mission, well worth the admittance fee.

What a great place with a wealth of information. We spent about an hour here and it is beautiful. The grounds are so well kept and the church is absolutely stunning. Lots of plaques and pictures to tell the history as well as a museum at the end. Great place to check out!

Because of tripadvisor we learned of the docent-led tours at 11 AM. We signed up and our docent made the history come alive. It was a 1.5 hours well spent.

This is one of the big mission church. The statues, paintings and garden are lovely. The location is wonderful with lots of space, parking and just pleasing ambience. Walking in the rose garden and Olive Garden is very relaxing and we love the peace and the serene environment. Place is conducive for contemplation. Famous visitors include Queen Elizabeth, Prince Philip, Von Trapp family and Babe Ruth.

I've been to several California missions. This one is one of the prettiest and most unique. The chapel is gorgeous and contains some inspiring sculptures and paintings. The garden is pretty, and the cemetary is a walk through history. I had very little time to stay, so I didn't get to tour the mission as I'd have liked, neglecting the museum almost entirely (especially sad because its museum is larger than ones at most missions) so I will return. If you like to visit missions, you cannot go wrong with this one.

It's my wife's birthday and her wish to spend her day in Santa BarbarA.Attended the Sunday mass and she was very happy as it her dream come true.The church is simple but beautiful.Its a little crowded as it was a Sunday.Its a nice getaway weekend and would recommend to family and friends
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The Mission is beautifully preserved and a peaceful place to learn about the past. The information posted has appeal for all ages and like, all over Santa
Barbara, the plant life proportions are AMAZING.

We took a guided tour of this beautiful mission. The buildings and grounds are beautiful and have a rich history to tell The docent was very knowledgeable and friendly. Stayed after the tour to answer additional questions/comments!!

We came here just to walk around. The grounds are beautifully landscaped. We did not go inside the Mission but it’s a pleasure just to walk around the grounds and admire the water lilies in the fountain and the other exotic plants

A look back in history. Very nicely preserved. It was near where we stayed so passed it every day. I would recommend a very early visit here as there are many bus loads later in the morning. Also the last hour they are open is good.

Family attended Mass at the Mission where the choir had the haunting quality of being in a medieval monastery of long ago. The experience was truly inspiring. We later took the tour which filled in the historical facts of who and why the mission was built and how many more missions were built and their importance in converting the people who were living their at the time. Worth the visit you will not be disappointed

This is one of the best historic sites in town and we spent a lot of time here, reading all the plaques about the story of this place. Among the California missions, this is one of the best-restored, so there is a lot to see. Plus some beautiful gardens. It is uphill from downtown, so if you don't have a car, it is a difficult walk, maybe consider a cab up and a walk down.

This place was so unexpectedly gorgeous and lovely. It tells of stories of Santa Barbara the people and so much more. A lovely place to view the past and to learn the struggles of the Chumash people as well as the mission.

Definitely check the mission out if you visit Santa Barbara. Spent a few hours here and would recommend visiting. I’m not sure you could make a day of it, but it was very interesting

This is the last active catholic mission from a long long lost time. There is much history here and the self guided tour does reasonably well to explain it. The place is not stunning, but best described as interesting.

Nicely preserved monument. Nice architecture. provides a glimpse into the missionaries past and their role in California of today. Go early morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the cruise visitors.

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 wander in and is bounded by a rose garden.

We did the self guided tour and thoroughly enjoyed the serenity of the place. The museum has a lot of interesting exhibits.

We love visiting the mission and the rose garden. Every trip to SB includes a trip here. Open access for some areas you do need to Pt for the tour

From the cruise ship, take the trolly for 50 cents. Then the bus for $1. Friendly folks on both will help you with where to get off and what direction to go. TIP: If you’re on a cruise ship, the trolly fills up about 6 stops from the ship. Very frustrating for people. So, hole State Street from the water side up to the top and get the trolly back down.

Mission is just ok. Pretty place about 4 loooong blocks from the bus stop. Just not much there. Nice courtyard. $12 to get in. Just seemed like $24 for two of us was a lot. Guided tour was even more.

I visited the Mission in Santa Barbara yesterday. It was both educational and fun - worth the time to visit the place!

Well-maintained historic preservation site. One of the few California Missions that remains true to its historic roots. Enter through the Museum shop to purchase entrance tickets and then tour through this historic site (either self-guided or docent tour). Since the 1980's, I've visited (with friends, family, & by myself) the Old Mission numerous times and enjoy it each time. I also happen to know some well-preserved "secrets" that I'd be happy to share - of course, I'd have to give a personal tour to tell the stories I know - all intriguing!

I may be a tad harsh, but some of the boasts here in the museum, I found ridiculous. What they were putting across as historical facts were unproven stories, things like a statement saying that the local aboriginals "were the finest basket weavers in the world". How can that be quantified? I'm sure other ancient civilisations would beg to differ. Also items of pottery with a label that is was 'possibly' from a certain era?? Either it is or isn't.
Also they tried to portray the place as as being so old etc, yet the modern wall coverings/decor to me betray that.
It's very pretty & is a living working Mission with Franciscan Monks. But it's a bit too new & fake for me, given the way they portray it. Sorry but i'm not impressed.

The grounds are well cared for and the exhibits are interesting. Plan on spending about an hour to an hour and a half.

This is the queen of the missions. It is beautiful and peaceful. The interpretative signs in the cemetery are very well thought-out, and the small museum gives you a great feel for the mission culture and the Chumash Indians. This is a "must see" in Santa Barbara.

Santa Barbara is a perfect day trip from LA. We arrived around 11:00am on a Sunday. As the church is still functioning, it was closed to the public until 12:30 for Mass. There were beautiful gardens to explore (olive tree garden and rose gardens). The roses were in full bloom and were beautiful. The museum is small and is a quick read. We took a guided tour around the property, which is well-worth it and no additional cost to the cost of the regular admission ticket. There is a small gift shop. There was a coffee truck outside, which was great for an afternoon pick-me-up.

Lovely well preserved piece of local history. Plenty of information to help you gain an appreciation of the context. Helpful, efficient staff. Lots of free parking, easy to find.

The California Missions are all special. We enjoy visiting all of them. Mission Santa Barbara is one of the lovelier ones. The grounds are immaculately maintained. The Church is large and beautiful.

For a nominal fee, you can do the self guided tour with audio if you want to learn more about Mission Santa Barbara and its history. We like to attend mass when we visit. Then we explore the grounds on our own and take pics. One of the "Must See" spots to go in Santa Barbara.

The Santa Barbara Mission is an amazing place. Set in the hills above Santa Barbara, a great place to stop on a sunny day.

The have named this mission the mother of all California missions and it is obvious why. It is one of the beautiful churches in North America and the grounds are spectacular.
Would recommend a visit if you are in the area

As they say,never judge the book by its cover. First off you are greeted by some amazing street art in front off the mission. But it is impossible to decipher the story of this building unless you enter. There is a admission fee,but it was worth every penny and more. The story of this mission took me by surprise. The Old mission in Santa Barbara is the second mission I have visited. It is amazing to witness the contrast between them. This mission also had beautiful grounds and a peaceful atmosphere. But what I found most intriguing was their work with the the local indians, the Chumash to be specific. It was obviously two cultures working together and also influencing each other for the better. That was very evident in the decor and architecture. The old cemetry was in great shape,revealing several clues and stories. The museum inside also gave great insight on life in Santa Barbara.We truly enjoyed our visit and I know you will to.

The only mission in continuous use since it was built. Beautiful chapel and classic courtyard garden. The history of the Native Americans who were made to work there is not as straightforward as it should be in this day and age. All said, a vital part of CA's history, not to be missed.

Not worth $25. Grounds are ok but just not impressed. Walking around Santa Barbara for free is just as impressive. You can't go up int he tower.

What a lovely way to spend an afternoon! I highly recommend taking the self-guided tour where you will get a closer look of the beautiful inner courtyard, the church, the cemetery, and the museum. It is an eye-opening experience to see both the good, and not so good, history of California.

Visited to do the self guided tour. Buildings were in excellent condition and it was interesting to learn more about Fransiscans.

Well worth a visit. Beautiful views from the mission. Mission is quite lovely.
Learning about the history of Santa Barbara was very interesting
Very nice gift shop

Nice church historic mission but the think temporary closed due to pandemic. I want to buy something for souvenir but the gift shop is closed.

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.

It was a 1-1/2 hour tour. Our professor was a docent of this church and extremely knowledgeable, informative and enthusiastic. I highly recommend a docent tour.

Historic and beautiful, and filled with old charm. The walk around the mission is very interesting as well.

Historical treasure. Must see if you're going to be in Santa Barbara. Garden could be better kept - but that may be a seasonal issue (visited in March 2024). Cemetery was off limits during visit. Overall, very spiritual and serene. Expect to LEARN a lot, as opposed to seeing a lot. Well worth the visit.

This is one of the original missions, still in use today. The church has been added to many times, but is a nice quiet building. The grounds are extensive, but not much landscaping. The cost of the tour is high for what you see. Has a museum, but it is limited. A nice short respite, but didn't wow me.

This was one of the seven missions the Spanish Franciscans fathers established (to convert the Native Americans to Catholicism) up the coast on the Kings highway. Nothing special here as we had already heard the story of the mission earlier on this trip. Entrance fee was $15 for anyone not on our Globus tour.
A big part of the attraction is the bone yard (cemetery / crypt). Tom does not believe in cemeteries, as someone in a couple of hundred years will be digging you up to find out how many teeth you had and possibly what was your last meal (HAHA).
An interesting thing about the mission, is it could also act as a fort --- Anyone remember that mission down in Texas called “THE ALAMO”?

Interesting historical mission tour that outlines the different influences from the indigenous people to the Franciscan Priests from Spain. Also, currently has a Sistine Chapel exhibit worth viewing.

Beautiful place. Worth a detour if you’re in Santa Barbara. Feels very peaceful when you walk around the garden. Unfortunately no monks to be seen.

Was a bit disappointed in the cost of the tour...$16 when my friend did it the year before at $5. The gift shop is nice...but you were unable to even see the inside of the mission without paying for the tour.

I have been to very many of the missions in California, and Mission Santa Barbara is one of the best. First of all, it is one of the larger missions. Also, it’s survived the time when the Mexican government sold off most of the missions. Because of this, a lot of the art and artifacts of other missions ended up here, so they have a very nice set of displays.

must see this gorgeous historic site and excellent photo opportunity , walk the grounds and please go to the museum and enter this beautiful old church

We stayed outside on the grounds. We got there after they closed. What we experienced was beautiful. We will go back when things open up again.

So interesting. Filled with bits and pieces of old history. Save some time to stop by. Remember to bring a camera!

This building and grounds gives a glimpse into the past of the area and the purpose and history of the Missions. It is a special feeling to be in a building and church this age and to learn it has run continuously since it was built. Best to try and visit at a quiet time to get a true reflection of the atmosphere.

I'm not sure it's quite worth the fifteen dollars admittance but it is interesting to visit and learn about the mission's work and its position in the history of California. The gardens are particularly pleasant to wander around. You can get a bus from the centre of town but it's only 30 minutes walk.

It's always nice to get to know a city starting from the downtown area. This is when you come across Old Mission Santa Barbara. What a lovely experience it was to explore this beautifully kept building. You'll see old black and white images in the corridors of what it used to be once upon a time. You also get to see the ocean from the Mission. Definitely worth a visit!

Pretty Mission nice place to walk around and check out. Beautiful grounds! Watch the little movie tells you the history

Of course, the Spanish, already late colonial period in California has brought much evil, but the cultural and historical relevance of the Santa Barbara mission remains immense. Anyone interested in California's history should definitely visit this place. The beautifully situated monastery grounds - Franciscans still live here today - can be accessed with a multilingual audio guide, otherwise there are also information boards. The permanent exhibition in the "Museum" is not worth mentioning in itself and is also very unreflective-appologianically played, but the building itself is impressive. The mission should not be confused with the Spanish colonial administration in the Presidio, whose remains are located in the city centre and can also be visited. The gift shop is refreshingly colorful Catholic, especially the cheap medals of the emergency worker Barbara with the mission on the lapel are a nice souvenir. There are toilets and a large parking lot.

It is pretty to see. The drive in the area is gorgeous. There was a funeral, so we didn’t take the tour. Would probably go back after Covid

Been here with family on a Sunday. Place was really crowded, fun atmosphere. There was a lot to food stalls with barbecue, Italian sandwiches etc. awesome smell all over.
Lots of folks doing chalk art on the ground.
There is also a separate area for the kids to try their hand at it too.There is the grass field across the church where you just relax & unwind.
You can pay if you want to do a full tour of the church grounds. We just did general public one where you can go inside the front entrance.

The Mission was influential in the settling of Santa Barbara. The self guided tour involves a lot of reading plus some interesting artefacts. Worth a visit for the historical information. Not particularly interesting for young children.

Went there for about 90minutes on a self guided tour. Very nice original set-up and relaxing atmosphere.

It was closed when we visited but the outside grounds alone are worth the visit. Very beautiful! Recommend

Visited “Living Old Mission Santa Barbara” on 2nd September 2019. We were six members in our group including me (the reviewer). The guided tour time was from 11 AM on that day. But we were restricted by time. So, we opted for ‘Self Guided Tour’. The “Museum and Garden Tour Information & Map’ helped up to tour suiting the time available. Though we were in a hurry, we could visit the:
• Sacred Garden
• Cemetery
• Museum
• The Serra Shop
My advice to the visitors is that the website provide details about the activities and places of interest.
This time we missed visiting the “Meditative Olive Garden Pathways” and the “Picnic Area”.
I took few photos but can’t give detail description.

The historic mission is both working monestary and historic landmark. Take a self guided tour for $9 and experience the inner gardens, cemetery, and church before entering the museum to see the history of the missions and how they interacted with and impacted the native Chumash culture.

Definitely plan an hour to stop at the old mission. This is clearly the highlight of Santa Barbara. If the weather is good, there is a nice park just in front of the mission where you can picnic.

A must see when in SB. Make sure to walk across the street the the famous rose garden! From there it makes a great picture of the mission as well.

Must see this old Mission Pist in Santa Barbara.

The location is very beautiful and calm with a nice view over the Oacifuc in the distance. Interesting tour that tells a lot about the history as of 1782 ac.

Seems this mission has always been my go to spot for it’s views, quiet serenity, and peacefulness within it’s historical walls. This November I went there three times for several hours just to reflect, feel at peace and again go through the museum at my own pace and quietly read all the material. All the missions have something unique but this has always been my favorite as you can see the ocean from the porch and sit outside for awhile.

Santa Barbara is one of most beautiful city I have visited in my several vacation in California. Architecture is very nice, and all city is well cared. Among these beauty there is an ancient Jewel, the Old Mission!! It's a witness of the old California, one of the most important of all California

Beautiful buildings, beautiful grounds! Spend the $15.00 to tour the inside! Just walking the grounds is peaceful and relaxing. I wish I'd done this earlier on my trip. I would have taken a picnic and book and just spend the afternoon at the MIssion. SO WORTH SPENDING TIME THERE!!