Located directly on Santa Barbara's famous Stearns Wharf, the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center (formerly known as the Ty Warner Sea Center) offers an immersive journey into the rich marine life and ocean conservation of the Santa Barbara Channel. First opened in 1986 and later expanded during a major $6.5 million renovation, this engaging marine museum provides a vibrant mix of interactive displays, scientific discovery, and life-sized models. As you explore, you will encounter impressive historic features alongside modern interactive spaces designed for ocean enthusiasts of all ages.
Marvel at the dramatic, life-size models of a gray whale mother and her calf, or head to the Living Beach to experience an interactive tide pool firsthand. Upstairs on the Mammal Mezzanine, you can discover fascinating exhibits examining 36 local marine mammal species, including a unique display focused on marine mammal language. For those curious about marine science, the Wet Deck features an open-well "moon pool" accessing external seawater, an interactive science lab, and a theater showing videos about the surrounding channel.
Meanwhile, the BioLab provides a fascinating look into the biological life cycles of sea creatures, including sharks.
What to see at Ty Warner Sea Center
- Life-size models of a gray whale and her calf
- Living Beach interactive tide pool experience
- Wet Deck featuring a "moon pool" seawater access well and science lab
- Mammal Mezzanine examining 36 local species and marine mammal language
- BioLab showcasing the biological life cycles of sharks and sea creatures
Visiting tips
Be sure to visit the Wet Deck's interactive science lab and moon pool to experience how researchers access and study the external seawater of the Santa Barbara Channel.
How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Morning
How to get there & what’s nearby
Ty Warner Sea Center is easy to reach on Santa Barbara’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Arlington Theatre and Lobero Theatre. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Santa Barbara travel guide.
See the full Santa Barbara travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.