My SBnature

Experience our interactive exhibits for all ages—paired with the Central Coast’s only planetarium—on 17 acres of oak woodland along Mission Creek. Learn about the Santa Barbara region’s unique and diverse natural history, and then go outside to explore nature in the Museum Backyard.

Ticket Cost:
Member: Free
Adult (18-64 years): $15.00
Senior (65+ years): $12.00
Teen (13-17 years): $12.00
Child (2-12 years): $9.00
Child (under 2 years): Free

Discover the wonders of ocean life at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center. Located on historic Stearns Wharf, this highly interactive marine education facility offers you close encounters with marine animals from the Santa Barbara Channel. In addition to permanent exhibits, the Sea Center hosts unique events and special educational programming, including the Live Dive series.

Ticket Cost:
Member: Free
Adult (18-64 years): $10.00
Senior (65+ years): $8.00
Teen (13-17 years): $8.00
Child (2-12 years): $7.00
Child (under 2 years): Free

With SBNature Pass you can enjoy admission to both the Museum and Sea Center at a reduced price. Tickets are valid for 48 hours. Please select the date of your first visit to the Museum or Sea Center.

Ticket Cost:
Adult (18-64 years): $20.00
Child (2-12 years): $12.00
Senior (65+ years): $16.00
Teen (13-17 years): $16.00

Two years since the catastrophic incidents in Santa Barbara County, their effect continue to be felt. In addition to the terrible direct impacts of these events on our community, ash from the fire and mud relocated to beaches also affected the health of the Santa Barbara coast and channel.

Join us to hear about the latest ongoing research assessing the extent of these impacts, and what it might tell us about how to improve our response to future disasters. A series of flash talks by experts in the biological and social sciences will be followed by a moderated panel discussion and Q&A with experts and local policymakers.

Ticket Cost:
General Admission: Free

8 Week Field Class
Mondays: January 27–March 16; 8:30–10:30 AM

Bring your binoculars and all your senses to explore the best birding hotspots of the region! Explore Santa Barbara County’s beaches, woodlands, parks, and more in this eight-week field class with expert naturalist Rebecca Coulter. This class is suitable for all birders, levels new to experienced.

Participants will meet at a different location each session to study wintering species as well as year-round residents. Class schedule and birding locations will be sent after registration via email.

Pre-registration required.

Show Times: 5:45 PM and 6:45 PM

Museum Members are invited to take a romantic tour of the universe inside Gladwin Planetarium. Discover the beautiful constellations of our night sky as we uncover myths and stories about love throughout our celestial galaxy. Enjoy love-themed songs synced beautifully to our digital light display. Be among the first to enjoy our new seating and refreshed planetarium.

Afterward, you and your date will view the evening sky through telescopes at our monthly star party. Meet members of the Santa Barbara Astronomical Unit as you observe the wonders of the night sky. (weather permitting)

Your ticket includes a complimentary glass of champagne and chocolate bites.

A portion of the event occurs outdoors; please dress accordingly.

Must be 21 years or over to attend.

Ticket Cost:
5:45 PM Showing - Member (Explorer-level and above): Free
5:45 PM Showing - Member (Naturalist-level and below): $10.00
6:45 PM Showing - Member (Explorer-level and above): Free
6:45 PM Showing - Member (Naturalist-level and below): $10.00

8 Week Field Class
Tuesdays, March 3–April 21; 8:00–10:00 AM

Join expert birder Guy Tingos for spring birding in some of the region’s most exclusive birding locations. Build your species identification skills during eight two-hour field birding sessions.

Transportation not included; each session meets at designated locations at 8:00 AM. Detailed location information will be sent to registrants before the first session.

This class is limited to 20 students, so pre-registration is required.

What's all the buzz about? Learn about the history of honey, its various uses, and the biology of bees. Sample an assortment of honey varieties and tasty creations using honey produced by local beekeepers and local dining establishments.

Free for Naturalist and above Members.

Ticket Cost:
Member (Naturalist-level and above): Free
Member (Family Plus-level and below): $35.00

The region's premier wine and food festival returns Saturday, June 27, 2020 with another epic lineup of wineries and food purveyors.

Sip and savor 100+ of the Central Coast's best wineries and culinary delights while enjoying the Museum's beautiful, creekside setting under majestic redwoods and oak trees.

All ticket holders must be at least 21 years old to enter.

All net proceeds from the Santa Barbara Wine + Food Festival supports the Museum’s nature and science education programs.

Presenting sponsor: Frank Schipper Construction Company

Ticket Cost:
General Admission: $100.00
VIP Admission (Early Entry at 1:00 PM): $160.00
Raffle Ticket (Winemakers Dinner): $100.00