"Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, Santa Barbara by Amanda Proudfit. Hidden away in a residential neighborhood in the foothills, this is the oldest museum in Santa Barbara (as of 2016 it’s been open for 100 years!). Upon parking and walking up to the museum you’ll be greeted by a skeleton display of “Chad,” a blue whale, the largest animal to exist on earth. Known best for it’s fine dioramas of birds, mammals, and southern California habitats, and also has halls dedicated to marine life, geology, and Chumash Indian life. A fun 2-3 hour visit can be had here."