Old Mission Santa Barbara

"Even if you avoid church tours like the plague, head for this hilltop landmark—the view and historical experience are worth it."

"Called the ‘Queen of the Missions,’ Mission Santa Barbara reigns above the city on a hilltop perch about a mile northwest of downtown." Full review

"Its twin pink-domed towers rising majestically against the foothills surrounding Mission Canyon, the church of California's 10th mission dominates the city both physically and spiritually." Full review

" The legacy of this period lives on at the Santa Barbara County Courthouse, a masterpiece of Spanish colonial revival architecture built in 1929 and just five minutes on foot from the Presidio." Full review

"In the northwest part of town just four blocks from State Street, the Santa Barbara Mission offers visitors a glimpse at the city's early origins. " Full review

"Widely referred to as the "Queen of Missions," this is one of the most beautiful and frequently photographed buildings in coastal California." Full review

"Established in 1786 by Father Junípero Serra and built by the Chumash Indians, this is a rare example in physical form of the blending of Indian and Hispanic spirituality." Full review