Discovering The Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History

Discovering The Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History

One of our first stops in our #UnMinivanMoments #CaliforniaGold road-trip, was Santa Barbara. Originally, we planned on checking out the Santa Barbara Mission, but after taking a wrong turn, we ended-up at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History.  As the saying goes, you always end up were you are meant to be.

The museum was small enough to go through its entirety in less than half a day, including the various collections and special exhibits; yet deep enough to keep you entertained for hours.

Now, granted it was just me and my hubby, but if we had kids or opted to take our nieces and nephews, there was enough to-do for kids of all ages. Starting with the HUGE whale skeleton right outside the museum. 

As for the museum space itself, it's gorgeous and the architecture is Santa-Barbara Mission. When you walk in, you are welcomed by a large courtyard where you can sit and meander, and there's a small hiking area in the back. (hubby and I weren't dressed for it, otherwise we would have hiked).

One of my favorite parts of the museum was the Butterfly Alive Nursery. Before you walk in, a couple of volunteers showed us chrysalis, one of which hatched in front of our eyes! 

It was fascinating, beautiful, and just an experience that is almost indescribable; and, as cooky as it sounds, I took it as a sign of what was to come in my life.

We spent most of our time at the Butterfly Alive Exhibit while at the museum walking through a man-made covered garden, with mini ponds, sitting areas, and more than 1,000 butterflies!  It was absolutely stunning!

I'm happy to share that entrance into exhibition was included with our Museum admission, and Museum Members receive free admission.

Museum prices are quite reasonable and also include free parking and admission to all of their current exhibitions: 

Adult (18-64 years) $12 

Senior (65+ years) $8

Teen (13-17 years) $8

Child (2-12 years) $7
Infant (less than 2 years) Free.

My hubby and I can't wait to go back to Santa Barbara and stop by the Museum of Natural History. I also invite you to schedule a stop at this great museum when you are in town and do let me know how much you loved it :)