Carpinteria Attractions

El Presidio de Santa Barbara State Historic Park
This 18th-century Spanish fort contains some of the city's oldest structures. Earthquakes have taken a heavy toll on many of the structures over the centuries, yet all are still standing thanks to generous local efforts to constantly restore and rebuild after the disasters.
Founded in 1782 to protect the missions between Monterey and San Diego, the presidio also served as social and political centre and as a safe haven for travelling Spanish soldiery. Be sure to visit the chapel, the interior of which is filled with kaleidoscopic colour and trompe l'oeil effects.

Mission Santa Barbara
Called the 'Queen of the Missions', Mission Santa Barbara sits high on a perch overlooking the downtown area. Established on 4 December, 1786 (the Feast Day of St Barbara), the mission still functions today as a Franciscan friary as well as a parish church and museum.
Three adobe structures preceded the existing stone version, which dates from 1820; its main facade has elegant neoclassical-style columns. The highlights are Chumash Native American wall decorations, peaceful courtyard gardens and a cemetery of Chumash and early Californian settler graves.

Santa Barbara County Courthouse
Impressive and ornate, the courthouse is a sight not to be missed. Built in the Spanish-Moorish Revival style, and completed in 1929, it features hand-painted ceilings, wrought-iron chandeliers, and wall and floor tiles specially imported from Spain and Tunisia.
You're free to explore on your own, but the best way to see it is to take the free tour. If you don't, be sure to have a look at the mural room and climb up the 24m (80ft) clock tower to see panoramic views of the city.

Santa Barbara Museum of Art
The museum has paintings by European and American artists such as Monet, Matisse, Hopper and O'Keeffe as well as collections of Asian art, classical sculpture and photography. There's also an interactive children's gallery, a cafe and the usual giftshop.

The Waterfront and Stearns Wharf
It's worth taking an afternoon to imbibe some briny air and explore Stearns Wharf, the oldest continuously operating wharf on the West Coast. Built in 1872 by John Peck Stearn, it was owned by movie actor Jimmy Cagney and his two brothers. Partly destroyed by fire in 1998, it's now fully restored.
The Santa Barbara Maritime Museum celebrates the town's saltwater history with memorabilia and hands-on exhibits. Strap yourself into a big game fishing chair and reel in a trophy marlin or take a virtual trip through the Santa Barbara Channel and peek through a 13.5m(45ft)-tall US Navy periscope.