Santa Barbara Maritime Museum

09/01/2026

Museum Closure Notice

The Santa Barbara Maritime Museum will be closed Wednesday, September 2.

We will reopen the following day at 10:00 a.m. and look forward to welcoming you back to the museum.

Thank you for your understanding!

08/31/2026

08/29/2026

08/21/2026

🏴‍☠️ Pirates Day at the Harbor is this Sunday!

Step into California’s maritime past for a free, family-friendly day of history, mystery, and high-seas adventure at the Santa Barbara Harbor. Meet costumed historical figures aboard the Mystic Whaler, discover the dramatic story of privateer Hippolyte Bouchard, view an authentic 19th-century artifact from SBMM, and test your wits with a harbor-wide treasure hunt.

Costumes are encouraged! Guests who arrive in costume—along with up to three additional guests—will receive free same-day admission to the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum. Participants with a treasure hunt map can also receive free museum admission and continue the adventure inside SBMM.

📅 Sunday, August 23, 2026
🕙 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
📍 Santa Barbara Harbor
🎟️ Free

Bring the whole family and set sail into history!

08/20/2026

Meet Moses Katkowski, Director of The Nature Conservancy’s Jack and Laura Dangermond Preserve, and get to know the person behind this evening’s Maritime Distinguished Speaker Series presentation.

In this short video, Moses shares more about his path into conservation, his work at Point Conception, and what makes this extraordinary stretch of California coastline so important.

Then join us tonight at 7:00 p.m. for Vision for a Wild Coast at Point Conception: Jack and Laura Dangermond Preserve and hear more about the science, restoration, stewardship, and long-term vision shaping the future of this remarkable landscape.

📍 Santa Barbara Maritime Museum
🗓️ Thursday, August 20, 2026
🕖 7:00 p.m.

08/19/2026

🌊 Girls in Ocean Science Returns to SBMM! 🔬

Calling all curious young scientists! The Santa Barbara Maritime Museum’s Girls in Ocean Science Conference returns September 26–27, giving students the opportunity to explore marine science, conservation, and ocean careers alongside women working in the field.

Participants will take part in hands-on activities, connect with scientists and educators, and even head out on the water aboard a local research vessel to experience ocean science where it happens.

📅 Saturday, September 26 — Grades 6–8
📅 Sunday, September 27 — Grades 9–12
💲 Registration: $30 per student
🎓 Scholarships are available

Space is limited, so register early and help inspire the next generation of ocean scientists and stewards.

Learn more and register at sbmm.org/girls-in-ocean-science-conference/

08/19/2026

A special morning at SBMM! Artist Susan “Susie” Read Cronin joined our volunteers today to share more about Play: Bronze Sculptures and Other Stuff, now on view at the museum.

Susie offered a closer look at the inspiration behind the exhibition, her creative process, and the stories woven through her bronze sculptures, silhouettes, and poetry. It was a wonderful opportunity for our volunteers to connect more deeply with the exhibition and the artist behind it.

We’re grateful to Susie for spending the morning with us—and to our volunteers for the curiosity, enthusiasm, and care they bring to SBMM every day.

Play is on view through November 29, 2026.