California trip - Things to do in Santa Barbara - Santa Barbara Courthouse

I had read about the Santa Barbara Courthouse, but honestly, I wasn't all that excited to be visiting a courthouse building. It just didn't sound all that exciting when compared with all the other destinations we had planned. Still, I decided to go along. And I can understand why people talk about it being such a great place to visit!

The building itself is gorgeous. It really looks like something out of a movie, and it's hard to believe it could look so perfect. I'm only mildly interested in architecture, but the style of the building and many, many details I found inside had me pausing to examine them more closely and snap photos just so I wouldn't forget. And that was just the lower halls and entryway! I completely forgot about architecture when I entered the mural room. It was really amazing to see history on parade in such vivid detail. I had to stand and study it for a while, then sit down and study it some more. When it was time to move on and go up to the tower -- all I can say is "Wow!" There was a bit of a breeze, and I could feel the power of it pushing against me, which was almost scary, standing at that height. But being able to survey the entire city and out into the distance took my mind of my mild fear of heights, and I went round and round the tower platform, enjoying the view from every angle. Before I knew it, it was time to go.

The Santa Barbara County Courthouse really is worth at least a few hours' stop on your trip. Try to catch one of the guided tours there, and you will learn so much more about the history and architecture, and appreciate it that much more. And DO take your camera to this one as well. Everywhere you turn there is some interesting little detail.