Santa Paula is a charming small city located in Ventura County, California, often referred to as the “Citrus Capital of the World.” Nestled in the fertile Santa Clara River Valley, it’s surrounded by beautiful mountains and endless groves of oranges, lemons, and avocados. The city has preserved a rich agricultural heritage and maintains a welcoming, small-town atmosphere that feels like a step back in time.
Santa Paula is a beautiful mix of California history, agriculture, arts, and small-town charm. Whether you’re walking through its historic downtown, visiting its unique museums, or exploring the nearby countryside, Santa Paula offers a genuine and peaceful California experience.
California Oil Museum
1001 E Main St, Santa Paula, CA 93060, United States
The California Oil Museum is located in the historic 1890 Union Oil Company Building in downtown Santa Paula. This Queen Anne-style structure served as the original headquarters of Union Oil Company (Unocal) and has been designated a California Historical Landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places .
Founded: October 17, 1890, as the Union Oil Company headquarters.
Museum Established: 1950, initially as the Union Oil Museum.
Restoration: In 1990, the building was restored to its original appearance for its centennial celebration .
Santa Paula Art Museum
117 N 10th St, Santa Paula, CA 93060, United States
The Santa Paula Art Museum is a cultural gem located in the heart of downtown Santa Paula, California. Housed in the beautifully restored 1924 Limoneira Building, the museum serves as a vibrant center for art, education, and community engagement. It showcases a diverse range of exhibitions, educational programs, and events that celebrate the rich artistic heritage of the region.
Rotating Exhibitions: The museum features rotating exhibitions of both historic and contemporary art, providing visitors with fresh and engaging experiences throughout the year.
Museum of Ventura County
100 E Main St, Ventura, CA 93001, United States
Located in the heart of Santa Paula, California, the Museum of Ventura County Agriculture Museum is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the rich agricultural heritage of Ventura County. Housed in a historic 1888 building that once served as a railroad depot, the museum offers visitors an immersive experience into the region’s farming and ranching history.
Vintage Farm Equipment: Explore a remarkable collection of antique tractors, blacksmith anvils, plows, grain drills, bean threshers, orchard wind machines, and hand-operated nut hullers. This assemblage, amassed over the years by local residents, offers a tangible connection to the county’s agricultural past.
Aviation Museum of Santa Paula
800 E Santa Maria St, Santa Paula, CA 93060, United States
The Aviation Museum of Santa Paula is a unique, community-driven museum located at the historic Santa Paula Airport in Ventura County, California. Established in 1930, the airport and museum celebrate the rich aviation heritage of the region.
Unlike traditional museums, the Aviation Museum of Santa Paula features a “Chain of Hangars,” where each hangar showcases the personal collections of local aviation enthusiasts. These exhibits include antique, classic, and experimental aircraft, as well as vintage automobiles, motorcycles, aviation artifacts, and memorabilia.
Santa Paula Theater Center
125 S 7th St, Santa Paula, CA 93060, United States
The Santa Paula Theater Center (SPTC) is a vibrant nonprofit community theater located in the heart of Santa Paula, California. Since its founding in 1985 by veteran actors Bill Lucking and the late Dana Elcar, SPTC has been dedicated to delivering high-quality theatrical productions, concerts, educational programs, and special events to Ventura County residents.
The theater is housed in a historic building constructed in 1917, originally serving as the home of the Santa Paula Ebell Club. Designed by renowned architects Sumner Hunt and Silas Burns, the building is an outstanding example of Shingle Craftsman architecture. It was designated Ventura County Historic Landmark No. 76 in 1982 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1989.
Historic Downtown Santa Paula
200 N 10th St, Santa Paula, CA 93060, United States
Historic Downtown Santa Paula is a captivating blend of rich history, cultural vibrancy, and small-town charm, making it an ideal destination for visitors seeking an authentic Californian experience.
Downtown Santa Paula boasts a collection of well-preserved historic buildings that reflect its storied past:
Union Oil Company Building: Established in 1890, this Queen Anne-style structure was the original headquarters of the Union Oil Company. It now houses the California Oil Museum, offering insights into the region’s oil industry history.
Glen Tavern Inn
134 N Mill St, Santa Paula, CA 93060, United States
Nestled in the heart of Santa Paula, California, the Glen Tavern Inn is a beautifully restored hotel that seamlessly blends historic charm with modern amenities. Built in 1911 during the town’s oil boom, this Tudor-Craftsman style inn has been a landmark for over a century. Designed by renowned architects Burns and Hunt, the inn was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1984 and is recognized as a Ventura County Historic Landmark.
Situated in downtown Santa Paula, the Glen Tavern Inn is within walking distance of local attractions, shops, and museums, making it an ideal base for exploring the area.
George Washington Faulkner House
14292 W Telegraph Rd, Santa Paula, CA 93060, United States
The George Washington Faulkner House, also known as Faulkner Farm, is a stunning example of Queen Anne Victorian architecture nestled in the Santa Clara Valley near Santa Paula, California. Built between 1894 and 1895, this 4,500-square-foot residence features a three-story octagonal tower, intricate stained-glass windows, and a gracefully curved porch. Designed by local architects Herman Anlauf and Franklin P. Ward, the house was equipped with advanced amenities for its time, including electricity, plumbing, a dumbwaiter, and a built-in speaking tube system.
Limoneira Company Visitor Center
1141 Cummings Rd, Santa Paula, CA 93060, United States
The Limoneira Company Visitor Center in Santa Paula, California, offers a unique glimpse into the region’s rich agricultural heritage and commitment to sustainability. Established in 1893, Limoneira is one of the oldest citrus growers in the United States, and its visitor center reflects the company’s innovative approach to farming and environmental stewardship.
Experience the blend of history, agriculture, and sustainability at the Limoneira Company Visitor Center—a testament to over a century of innovation in citrus farming.
Floating Granite Ball
144 N Ojai St, Santa Paula, CA 93060, United States
The Floating Granite Ball in Santa Paula, California, is a captivating kinetic sculpture that seamlessly blends art, science, and community engagement. Installed in 2006 at Railroad Plaza on Santa Barbara Street, just east of 10th Street, this interactive installation has become a cherished local landmark.
Known as a kugel fountain, the sculpture features a 4-foot-diameter granite sphere weighing approximately 5,000 pounds. Despite its massive weight, the sphere appears to float effortlessly atop a thin film of water, allowing visitors to spin it with a gentle touch.