The southwest entrance to the historic Santa Barbara County Courthouse in downtown Santa Barbara is a striking presence at the corner of Anacapa and Figueroa streets. (Mike Eliason / Noozhawk) Detail of one of the courthouse’s many doors. (Mike Eliason / Noozhawk) The spiral indoor/outdoor staircase. (Mike Eliason / Noozhawk) The covered breezeway on the courthouse’s second floor near the Mural Room overlooks the Sunken Garden and the majestic Santa Ynez Mountains. It’s a popular spot for visitors. (Mike Eliason / Noozhawk) Red-tile roofs abound in this often photographed view of Santa Barbara from the courthouse bell tower. (Mike Eliason / Noozhawk) Taking a break in an alcove to take in all the splendor of the courthouse. (Mike Eliason / Noozhawk) The courthouse’s main archway is a popular backdrop for tourists and wedding parties. (Mike Eliason / Noozhawk) The Sunken Garden is a popular spot for public events, weddings, ceremonies … and the UC Santa Barbara Arts & Lectures summer film series. (Mike Eliason / Noozhawk) The Santa Barbara Street archway entrance. (Mike Eliason / Noozhawk) The courthouse tower on the east side above the old jail. (Mike Eliason / Noozhawk) The archway bridge on the Santa Barbara Street side. (Mike Eliason / Noozhawk) A Santa Barbara County sheriff’s deputy walks the hallway near one of the many arched doorways. (Mike Eliason / Noozhawk) Docent tours sponsored by the Santa Barbara Courthouse Legacy Foundation are popular with visitors. (Mike Eliason / Noozhawk)

William M. Macfadyen, Noozhawk Publisher
Bill Macfadyen is Noozhawk’s founder and publisher. Contact him at wmacfadyen@noozhawk.com, and follow him on Instagram: @bill.macfadyen. The opinions expressed are his own.
More by William M. Macfadyen, Noozhawk Publisher