I love the incredible setting of the Santa Barbara Sea Center. It's a short walk along Stearn's Wharf, with gorgeous views overlooking the city beaches and majestic Santa Ynez Mountains. Part of the fun is the amazing walk out there.
Although not a big aquarium, it's a more visceral experience because I was directly over the ocean.
The interior is light and airy, with California gray whale models suspended from the ceiling. The exhibits were spread over two floors, and it only took me 1.5 hours to see everything.
My favorite activity was lowering crab nets into the ocean from the wet deck. However, I also enjoyed the jellyfish aquarium and touch pools with sharks and sea stars.
10 best things at Santa Barbara Sea Center
1. See the touch pools full of hermit crabs, sea stars, sea cucumbers and anemones.
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2. Check out the touch pool with stingrays and baby swell sharks.
3. Visit the popular wet deck to lower a crab net into the ocean.
4. Look at sea life specimens under a microscope.
5. Be mesmerized by a jellyfish aquarium with florescent moon jellies.
6. There’s also a fun reading room with kid’s books.
7. Catch a show at the Marine Puppet Theater.
8. See the two spotted octopus lurking in his tank.
9. Visit the amazing gift shop at the Santa Barbara Sea Center, with marine-themed merchandise.
10. Stop by the ice-cream or candy shop on Stearns Wharf, or enjoy one of 5 restaurants there with water views.
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Know before you go
- Location: Stearns Wharf.
- Tickets & Hours: check here.
- Restrooms: On the Wharf, next to the Santa Barbara Sea Center or Char West Restaurant.
- Parking: Stearns Wharf Parking Lot.
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