Santa Barbara has a long history. It was originally inhabited by the Chumash people, but the Spanish soon reached its shores and inhabited the territory, with the aim to spread the christian religion in the area. Later on, the Mexicans inhabited the territory, and it was only in 1848 that Santa Barbara became a part of the United States. Learn more about the history of the city with Evolved Guide. – Visit the two most important museums in the city, Santa Barbara Museum of Art and Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History. – Enter the County Courthouse, built in Spanish Colonial style. Let the building tell you all about the Spanish Age of the city. – The city was born from a mission, whose remains are kept in El Presidio – Visit Mission Santa Barbara, one of the key stops in the Camino Real.