Most travelers scoff at the idea of visiting a courthouse while on vacation. Really dry and boring, right? Wrong. The Santa Barbara County Courthouse epitomizes the Spanish-Moorish architecture that is found across the city. Completed in 1929, the complex impresses visitors with its intricate tile mosaics, colorful gardens and jaw-dropping view of the city and ocean below.

Try to stop by when you can also take a peek into the clock tower in the Bisno Schall Clock Gallery, to see the impressive clock, which still works. It is only open to the public Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m., and on Saturdays from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Surrounding the clock is an impressive 60-foot mural depicting the history of timekeeping.

Many visitors said this must-see sight exceeded their expectations thanks to the impressive history and architecture on display. Reviewers suggested you take an hourlong docent-led tour to learn more about the courthouse and Santa Barbara history. 

The courthouse is only a block from bustling State Street, near the Santa Barbara Museum of Art. The courthouse is open to the public from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends. Docent-led tours are offered Monday through Friday at 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.; weekend tours are also available at 2 p.m. For more information, check out the courthouse visitor website.