In short
- City Lot 7 is adjacent and offers 75 minutes of free parking.
- Free 2-hour street parking surrounds the courthouse block.
- The courthouse is easily walkable from State Street in 5 to 15 minutes.
In this article
Driving to the downtown area is convenient because parking is abundant. You do not need to pay for a spot if you keep your visit short.
Where is the best place to park for the Santa Barbara Courthouse?
City Lot 7 is the closest and most convenient option.
City Lot 7 sits adjacent to the courthouse complex. It provides 75 minutes of parking completely free of charge. If you stay longer, standard hourly rates apply. This gives you enough time to pass security, ride the elevator up the 85-foot El Mirador clock tower, and view the grounds.
Is there free street parking near the courthouse?
Yes, you can find 2-hour free street parking on the surrounding blocks.
The courthouse occupies a full city block. It is bordered by Anacapa, Anapamu, Santa Barbara, and Figueroa Streets. You can park along these streets for up to 2 hours at no cost. Watch the signs carefully to avoid parking tickets. Two hours is plenty of time to take a free 1-hour docent-led walking tour.
Do I need a car to visit the courthouse?
No, the courthouse is highly pedestrian-friendly and central.
If you are already in downtown Santa Barbara, you can easily walk. It takes 5 to 15 minutes to reach the complex from State Street. You can also take the MTD bus or downtown shuttle for $1.75. Several bus lines stop within a few blocks of the building.
How long should I plan to park?
Plan for one to two hours to see the main attractions.
A basic visit to the Mural Room and clock tower takes about 45 minutes. You will need extra time for the airport-style security screening. If you join a free guided tour, add 1 hour. A 2-hour street parking spot is usually ideal for a complete visit.
Can I park nearby for a guided city tour?
Yes, nearby lots allow you to park before joining longer tours.
If you plan to explore beyond the courthouse, park in a city lot and pay the daily rate. Some tours visit the courthouse along with other locations. The Santa Barbara Trolley Tour lasts 1 hour and 30 minutes and stops here. Parking nearby makes joining these activities easy.
What are the parking rules and restrictions?
Always check posted signs for time limits and street cleaning.
Street parking is strictly enforced in downtown Santa Barbara. Move your vehicle before your 2-hour limit expires. Do not leave large luggage in your car, as on-site storage lockers are not available inside the courthouse. Plan your arrival during operating hours, which start at 8:00 AM on weekdays and 10:00 AM on weekends.
Questions travellers ask
Is there parking at the Santa Barbara Courthouse?
Yes, City Lot 7 is adjacent and offers 75 minutes of free parking. There is also 2-hour free street parking on the blocks surrounding the courthouse.
How much does parking cost?
Parking in City Lot 7 is free for the first 75 minutes. Street parking on surrounding blocks is free for up to 2 hours.
Where is the courthouse located?
The courthouse is located at 1100 Anacapa St, Santa Barbara. It fills a square block bounded by Anacapa, Anapamu, Santa Barbara, and Figueroa Streets.
