Dating from 1786, the Old Mission in Santa Barbara continues to house a small community of Franciscan friars, an atmospheric church and an evocative museum set in twelve acres of gardens, complete with some ancient trees. The museum recreates the threadbare living quarters of the eighteen century mission, while telling the story of the friars' partnership with the native Americans that lived in this region, the Chumash. Although you probably won't spend much more than an hour t the Old Mission, a visit is a good way to connect with Southern California's past, and is worth the $9 adult admission charge
