The Sea Center on Stearns Wharf is available for rentals.

Outdoors

Northward Finger

The large exterior of the Sea Center extending to the end of the northward finger is owned by the City of Santa Barbara. Although a permit is needed to use this area, the City is very accommodating in granting such usage. Our Operations Manager assists clients in obtaining permission. This area is large enough for 150 guests for an outdoor ceremony and/or dining and dancing. Although not necessary, this area can be tented.

East Corridor

This outdoor area along the wall of the Sea Center is ideal for guests to linger and gaze at the shoreline extending 30 miles south. Caterers often separate part of this corridor for a temporary kitchen.

Indoors

Lobby/Entrance Hall

As your guests enter the Sea Center, the first stop is our lobby. The ceiling extends to the second floor with our Gray Whale mobiles hanging in open space. Most furniture in this lobby is removable, creating room enough for 50 people seated auditorium style. We recommend the lobby be used for the first hour of the reception incorporating the upper loggia. It can also accommodate a sit-down dinner for 40–60 people; an additional 10–15 persons may be seated upstairs when incorporating the upper loggia.

Upper Loggia/Marine Mammal Mezzanine

Accessible by two separate stairways or by elevator, the loggia wraps around the Sea Center with stunning eastward views of the mountains, shoreline, and ocean. Ideal for first-hour receptions and cocktails receptions.

Limitations

• Events may begin after 5:30 PM, and outdoor set-up may begin earlier.
• Limited outdoor use permitted.
• No smoking, confetti, live or dried animals, seashells, or open flames.

---

• Connect with Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center