Museum and Sea Center open daily 10:00 AM–5:00 PM

FAQ

How do I visit the Museum?

  • The Museum is open is open daily 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
  • Pre-purchased tickets are not required, but are available at sbnature.org/tickets. 
  • If you are visiting our recurring summer exhibit, Butterflies Alive! (open Memorial Day to Labor Day) please be prepared to wait in line outside the pavilion. Online reservation times are for entry to the Museum, not the pavilion. Last entry is at 4:30 PM.
  • If you are a Member and do not know your Member number or expiration date (found on your card), please email membership@sbnature2.org or call 805-682-4711 ext. 114 for assistance Monday–Friday.

What can I visit at the Museum?

What is required to visit the Museum?

  • If you made a reservation online, bring your online reservation confirmation with you (either printed or on a smartphone) to show at the Admissions Office. 
  • To enjoy the free admission benefit, Members are required to show their membership card and photo ID. Learn more about our digital membership cards.
  • If you are visiting as a children's group of 10 or more, please see our children's group bookings page for policies and discounts. Some restrictions apply.

Useful tips

  • There are light snacks for sale in the Museum Store. Food and drink aren't allowed inside our indoor exhibit halls, however, you are welcome to bring food to enjoy in the open outdoor spaces here. We have tables scattered around (mostly across the creek beyond Prehistoric Forest) for picnics. 
  • Visit the accessibility page for information about getting around and enjoying our campus.

How do I visit the Sea Center?

By entering our campuses, you acknowledge that you assume any risks associated with your visit, including but not limited to a risk of injury or illness.

Museum Guest Expectations and Code of Conduct

The Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History is committed to fostering safe, inclusive, and welcoming environments for all staff, volunteers, museum visitors, and program participants. To ensure all guests have a positive and safe experience, we expect our staff, volunteers and guests to act responsibly and be considerate of others as we experience the natural wonders of the Museum and Sea Center.

  • No smoking/vaping on the Museum campus.
  • Shoes are required in the Museum (except in the Backyard Creek).
  • Use Museum interactive exhibits safely and appropriately.
  • Pets are not allowed on the Museum or Sea Center Campus. Service animals welcome, please see Service Animal guidelines. 
  • Bicycles, skateboards, and sports equipment are not allowed on the grounds.
  • No radios or musical instruments.
  • Picnics are welcome 

While at the Museum, we request that all guests adhere to the following Code of Conduct:

  • Guests are asked to model positive behaviors and treat other visitors with kindness and respect.
  • Adult guests are responsible for the supervision of their children at all times.
  • Offensive, abusive, or threatening language or behavior toward other guests and/or Museum staff will not be tolerated. This includes hate language or symbolism, as well as wearing or otherwise displaying profane or obscene content on clothing or elsewhere on one’s person.
  • Firearms or weapons of any kind are not allowed in the Museum.
  • In addition to the rules stated above, the Museum does not tolerate any activity that threatens Museum operations, disrupts the ability to provide a safe, welcoming, family-oriented environment, or is illegal under city, state, and/or federal law.

We are committed to ensuring that all SBMNH experiences and spaces are free from harassment, discrimination, and threatening or disrespectful behavior of any kind. Museum staff reserves the right to refuse admission, revoke membership, and/or remove any person for any reason without refund, including violating the Code of Conduct, to control occupancy or for exhibiting unsafe, inappropriate, or disruptive behavior, or behavior likely to cause damage.

If you have experienced or observed any violations of this agreement, or have any concerns, please alert a member of our staff immediately.

By attending SBMNH experiences at the museum or in any location, you agree to comply with this Code of Conduct. We appreciate your participation in creating a welcoming and safe environment for all.

Questions, comments, or concerns? Please contact us at info@sbnature2.org.

We look forward to seeing you soon!

Online Reservations >>