Museum of Natural History 2559 Puesta del Sol Road Santa Barbara, 93105 805-682-4711 (General Information) 805-682-4711 x405 (Observatory/Planetarium) 805-962-2526 (Sea Center) www.sbnature.org Santa Barbara isn't really that big of a town. The entire metropolitan area probably has around 200,000 people. So this Museum comes as a bit of a surprise. The size of the museum, the complexity of the collections and the beauty of the grounds all seem like the museum belongs somewhere much larger. Exhibits feature mammals, birds, fish, reptiles, plant life and geology of the Pacific Coast and Channel Islands. Exhibits also include dioramas of prehistoric Native American life. There are many special activities held at the Museum so be sure to check their website often for upcoming event. Particulars: Open daily 10a.m.-5p.m.; Closed the first Friday in August for Fiesta, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve (3:00 p.m.), Christmas Day, New Years Day. Admission: $8 adults; $7 teens/seniors; $5 children. Museum members and children under 2 are free. Free admission on the third Sunday of the month. For information on public star parties and planetarium shows call 682-4711 ext. 174. For current events and programs call 682-4711 ext. 400. Directions: From the 101, take "Mission" exit. Drive to the end of "Mission" and turn left. Then turn right onto "Mission Canyon Road." Go past the Old Mission and then follow the brown signs to the Museum.