Aquariums
Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center
📍 211 Stearns Wharf, Santa Barbara, CA 93101🕐 Hours
| Monday | 10 AM–5 PM |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 10 AM–5 PM |
| Wednesday | 10 AM–5 PM |
| Thursday | 10 AM–5 PM |
| Friday | 10 AM–5 PM |
| Saturday | 10 AM–5 PM |
| Sunday | 10 AM–5 PM |
About Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center
Interactive facility for ocean education. Aquatic exploration center with live shark touch pools, a tidepool tank & magnified sea specimens. The Pick Your Pack crayon wall contains nearly half a million crayons across 74 different colors, allowing visitors to create custom crayon boxes. Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 947 visitors.
Quick Facts
- Type
- Aquarium
- Best For
- All Ages
- Exhibits
- Dive In: Our Changing Channel (Moon Jellies, California Moray Eel, Two-spot Octopus, rocky reefs, kelp forests), Marine Mammal Mezzanine (Gray Whale mother and calf model, marine mammals of Santa Barbara Channel), Wet Deck
- Admission
- Members visit free, general admission pricing not specified on provided content
💡 Did You Know?
- The Pick Your Pack crayon wall contains nearly half a million crayons across 74 different colors, allowing visitors to create custom crayon boxes
- Crayola Experience hosts a Million Crayon Giveaway on National Crayon Day (March 31), distributing free custom 32-count crayon boxes while supplies last
- Annual passes cost $44.99 per person for 12 months of unlimited visits with food and merchandise discounts, with a limited-time promotion offering 3 months free when purchased through May 17
- The attraction features more than 20 hands-on activities including crayon melting and molding, texture art creation, and drip art stations designed for all ages
💬 What Visitors Say
- Visit on March 31st for National Crayon Day to receive a free custom 32-count crayon box while supplies last—a significant value add for crayon enthusiasts
- Head straight to the Pick Your Pack wall featuring nearly half a million crayons in 74 colors—this is a signature experience worth prioritizing early in your visit before crowds gather
- Plan to spend 2-3 hours at the attraction; budget time to explore multiple hands-on crayon-making and coloring stations without feeling rushed
- Birthday party packages accommodate up to 19 guests plus offer one free ticket for the birthday child, making it a cost-effective celebration option for families
- Arrive on weekday mornings (Tuesday-Thursday, 9-11 AM) to experience shorter wait times at popular interactive stations and a more relaxed environment for young children
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