Hidden gems in Santa Barbara

Hidden Gems of Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara’s quieter side features historic engineering at the 1807 Mission Dam and the botanical legacy of Franceschi House. The city's artistic character is preserved in downtown galleries like Sullivan Goss and Waterhouse Gallery, which showcase contemporary realism and California landscapes. Further west at UCSB, the College of Creative Studies and Glass Box Gallery offer platforms for experimental student work, while the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden holds the traditional ShinKanAn Japanese teahouse.

Hidden Gems of Santa Barbara — Map

A

Franceschi House (Montarioso)

Former 1905 residence of botanist Francesco Franceschi, known for its Mediterranean architecture and surrounding park featuring rare Mediterranean-climate plants.

B

Sullivan Goss

Art gallery specializing in American paintings and prints from the 19th century to the present, with a strong focus on California artists and estates.

C

Mission Dam

Historic stone dam built in 1807 by Chumash laborers to provide water to the Santa Barbara Mission. Located within the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden.

D

Ceremonial Teahouse

Known as ShinKanAn, or the House of the Heart of the Wind, this authentic Japanese teahouse is located within the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden.

E

Waterhouse Gallery

Located in La Arcada Plaza, this gallery focuses on contemporary realism, figurative art, and plein air landscapes by California artists.

F

Santa Barbara Fine Art

Gallery specializing in "Santa Barbara Style" landscape paintings, featuring works by local artists that capture the region's coastal and mountain scenery.

G

Island View

A scenic vista point within the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden offering views of the Santa Barbara coastline and the Channel Islands.

H

Fazzino 3D Studio Gallery

Dedicated space for the vibrant, multi-layered 3D pop art of internationally recognized artist Charles Fazzino.

I

College of Creative Studies Gallery

Exhibition space at UCSB showcasing experimental works, visual arts projects, and rotating exhibitions by students and faculty.

J

Glass Box Gallery

A student-run exhibition space located within the UCSB Department of Art building, hosting weekly rotating shows of contemporary student work.

K

Gallery 113

A local artists' cooperative gallery in La Arcada Plaza featuring a rotating selection of paintings, photography, and sculpture.

L

The Yes Store

A year-round cooperative featuring handmade jewelry, ceramics, glasswork, and fine art created by Santa Barbara County artisans.

Other Lists

Santa Barbara Essentials Museums & Culture Parks and Gardens