In the heart of downtown on bustling State Street, the Santa Barbara Museum of Art infuses some high culture into this laid-back Californian community.

The museum houses permanent collections of American, European and Asian art, including sculptures, paintings, prints and ceramics, and prides itself on the diversity of its exhibits. The museum also offers docent-led tours daily.

Recent visitors say that although gallery space is small, the variety of artwork and special temporary collections make up for it.

The museum is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday with extended hours until 8 p.m. on Thursdays. Admission is $10 for adults and $6 for kids ages 6 to 17, seniors and students with ID. For more information, pay a visit to the museum's official website.