“As you walk through the doors of the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum (SBMM), you’re not just visiting a museum—you’re setting out on a journey through the rich maritime history of the Central Coast,” says SBMM Director of Education Lis Perry. “Guests interact with exhibits that engage curiosity around local maritime history and human interactions with the sea.”
Anchored in the historic Waterfront Center Building at Santa Barbara Harbor, SBMM has served as a beacon of education, preservation, and community engagement for 25 years.
Since its opening in July 2000—founded by a dedicated group of fishermen, divers, and sailors—the museum has evolved into an interactive hub where locals and visitors alike experience 13,000 years of coastal heritage through hands-on exhibits.
The museum’s thoughtfully curated exhibits include Daughters and Wives: Keepers of the Light, Whales Are Superheroes!, and Deep-Sea Commercial Diving.
“Our work looks to the past but also moves into the future as we tackle important issues facing the ocean and conservation,” said SBMM Immediate Past Board President Chuck Wilson. “The artifacts and the history are the foundation, but we also go beyond our walls—collaborating with others so that we can do the best for our community.”
Additionally, the museum has on view the awe-inspiring Point Conception Lighthouse First-Order Fresnel Lens, ship models by Dwight Brooks, a Chumash tomol, commercial diving artifacts, and immersive displays focused on the Santa Barbara Channel Islands.
SBMM engages deeply with the community through its educational offerings including the award-winning Maritime on the Move, Marine Science, Tall Ship, and Science Nights programs. The museum’s annual Girls in Ocean Science Conference connects young women with female scientists to inspire future ocean stewards.
“It’s incredibly rewarding to see students light up as they connect to the ocean through our programs,” said SBMM Executive Director Greg Gorga. “We’re not just teaching maritime history—we’re creating the next generation of ocean stewards.”
SBMM invites visitors of all ages to dive into hands-on fun—whether it’s catching a sailfish in the interactive fishing exhibit, steering a virtual ship from the Channel Islands to Santa Barbara Harbor, or crafting an ocean-inspired art project in the kids’ activity area. These engaging experiences bring maritime history to life and make each visit memorable, educational, and exciting.
“The Santa Barbara Maritime Museum is not only a museum—it’s a cultural anchor for our community,” said SBMM Board President Alex Weinstein. “Looking ahead, we’re dedicated to honoring this legacy while creating even more inclusive and meaningful experiences for all.”
There’s something new to discover every season at SBMM. Don’t miss the museum’s current exhibit, The Swiftest Recovery: Island Fox Chronicles, featuring powerful photography by Chuck Graham on view until August 24, 2025.
Up next, acclaimed photographer Ralph Clevenger presents Redwoods of the Sea: Life in the Channel Islands Kelp Forests, a stunning visual journey celebrating the dynamic seascapes of California’s coast. On view from September 11, 2025 – January 4, 2026.
SBMM has spent the past year celebrating its 25th anniversary, including the launch of a 25th anniversary video. The film reflects on a quarter-century journey—from the museum’s founding in July 2000 to its growth into a vibrant center for interactive exhibits, award-winning education programs, and meaningful community engagement.
Watch the anniversary video to learn more about SBMM’s enduring maritime legacy and discover how it continues to stay anchored in the community.
