The Historic Santa Barbara County Courthouse
Historic Courthouse
The Santa Barbara County Courthouse, located at 1100 Anacapa Street, is an iconic Santa Barbara landmark.
Designed by William Mooser III, the Spanish-Moorish style building was completed in 1929, after the 1925 earthquake ruined much of the city. It occupies a square block in downtown Santa Barbara. Gardens and lawns surround this working courthouse. Civic events, performances and numerous weddings are held on the attractively landscaped Sunken Gardens where the 1872 courthouse once stood. For information regarding use of the Sunken Gardens for wedding ceremonies or other events please contact the Santa Barbara County Parks Department at this link. Marriage License information can be found at the County Clerk Recorder's office.
Visitors can ride an elevator to the 85-foot "El Mirador" clock tower for unforgettable views of the city, coast and mountains. Other attractions include the Mural Room, "Spirit of the Ocean" fountain, noteworthy architecture and ornate tile work throughout the building.
An information booth is located in the lobby near the main archway. The booth is open 8:30 am to 4:30 pm weekdays and 10 am to 4:30 pm on weekends.
Free docent tours are conducted of the historic Santa Barbara Courthouse at 10:30 am and 2:00 pm Monday through Friday, except on Court holidays. Tours on Saturday and Sunday start at 2:00 pm. The tour begins in the Mural Room on the second floor. No reservation is required.
Information on Courthouse restoration can be found on the Courthouse Legacy Foundation's website.
