Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center, Public aquarium on Stearns Wharf in Santa Barbara, United States.
Description
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.
History
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.
Culture
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.
Practical
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.
Did you know?
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.
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