Often referred to as “Queen of the Missions,” the Santa Barbara Mission (2201 Laguna St., 805/682-4713, http://santabarbaramission.org [1], daily 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m., tours $5 adults, $4 senior, $1 youth, children 6 and under free) is second to none for its art displays of art and graceful architecture, all of which are complemented by the serene local climate and scenery.
Unlike many of the California Missions, the church at Santa Barbara [2] remained in service after the secularization of the Mission chain in the 19th century. When you visit, you’ll find the collection of buildings, art work, and even the ruins of the water system in better shape than at many other Missions in the state.
The self-guided tour through the Mission complex gives visitors a sense of the Mission’s story, its church and Native American history, and the lives of the people who lived and worked within it.
Links:
[1] http://santabarbaramission.org
[2] http://www.moon.com/destinations/california/central-coast/santa-barbara