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. It is home to more than 27,000 works of art, including "Portrait of Mexico Today, 1932," the only intact mural in the United States by David Alfaro Siqueiros.  

The museum, which was founded in 1941, 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 select days of the week.

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 $5 for adults and $3 for kids ages 6 to 17, seniors and students with ID. From 5 to 8 p.m. on Thursdays, admission is free. For more information, pay a visit to the museum's official website.