Santa Barbara is a quick weekend trip from LA and the spot of a recent wedding where I happened to be a bridesmaid. After normal wedding activities were over, some of the guest wanted a “tour” of Santa Barbara and dropped more than a few hints that they wanted me to be their tour guide.

After brushing up on Santa Barbara history, grabbing a pole with one of those nifty little flags on the end (just kidding), and a whistle to keep them in line (not kidding), I walked a big group over to the Courthouse for a personal tour. (The courthouse is easily accessible from State Street, the main street through town and location of many of the areas hotels.)

The courthouse was built in 1929 by William Mooser III and is a gorgeous blend of Spanish/ Moorish design that can be seen throughout the 150,000 sq. feet. You will instantly feel transported back in time through the lush gardens, bright tile entrance way and seating gallery, cork screw- open air stairways and iron chandeliers. With all the surrounding beauty, it’s hard to remember that it is actually a working courthouse and court is in session most days of the week.

Out on the sunken lawn, the location of the original 1850’s courthouse, there was another wedding taking place. An ambassador for the courthouse told us that because of the mild, sunny weather, there are events almost every day of the year on that lawn. Looking around, I could easily see why, taking mental notes for my own- someday- wedding.

Our next stop was the Mural Room, a spot that every guidebook and website boasted was a “must-see”, did not disappoint. The huge mural painting spans almost 7000 feet and the light from the iron chandeliers cast the most beautiful glow over the wood bench seats inside. I could see this being another pretty site for a wedding ceremony.

Last stop of the tour was the clock tower. A small elevator takes you 85 feet to a 360 degree look out of the mountains  and ocean. Even though it was a little foggy, we still could see far into the hills.  There were several other people on top, taking pictures in every directions, each getting a slightly different view of the beach, The Mission, Botanical Gardens, State Street and back down over the courthouse. I could have spent a long time starring down on the city below.

My tour group, however, was hungry and ready to leave.  Alas, the job of a tour guide is to always make the customer happy, so we popped down and headed to the nearest pub. After all that, they didn’t even tip! (Totally kidding!)

Visit the Santa Barbara Courthouse for yourself:

• Free and open to the public, no tour booking required. inquire about large groups.
• Location- 1100 Block of Anacapa St, one block off State Street

Of course there is more to see in Santa Barbara, from surfing to indian caves to nearby wineries, that a weekend or an entire vacation can be spent in the city and surrounding area without running out of things to do.  (I’d suggest making it out to the hot spring if you are going to be there a few days).

These photos were submitted to Budget Travelers Sandbox, Thursday Travel Photo series. Please check out the other bloggers photos, too.