Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center

The Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center is a public aquarium on Stearns Wharf featuring tanks filled with marine animals from the Santa Barbara Channel. The facility has interactive stations where visitors learn about the local ocean creatures and their environments.

The facility was established to support research and education about the marine life of the local coast. A major donation later led to a name change that honors a significant supporter.

The Sea Center reflects the local connection to the ocean that shapes this coastal community. Exhibits show how people here have traditionally worked with and studied the marine environment.

The Sea Center is at the end of Stearns Wharf with parking and dining options nearby. It's reasonably accessible from downtown and best visited during daylight hours.

The facility runs a specialized breeding program focused on protecting a rare sea species facing extinction. Few visitors realize they are supporting active conservation work while they explore the exhibits.

Operator: Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History

Website: http://sbnature.org/twsc/2.html

GPS coordinates: 34.41043,-119.68569

Latest update: December 12, 2025 12:06