Completed in 1786, Mission Santa Barbara ranks number 10 of California's 21 missions. The Mission is called the "Queen of the Missions" for its graceful beauty. Located just minutes from downtown Santa Barbara, the mission is a can't miss when visiting the city. There is a self-guided tour of the mission museum, which covers Chumash Indian life at Spanish contact well into modern mission history. Santa Barbara mission is well preserved, and has a nice park setting for photo shoots or picnics. Just up the road is the Santa Barbara Natural History Museum and the Botanic Garden. If Mission Santa Barbara piqued your interest, try Mission San Luis Obispo just 1 1/2 hours north on the beautiful Central Coast.
