Santa Barbara is a coastal city in Santa Barbara County, California, and the county seat, with a population of over 88,000. Located on a south-facing stretch of coastline between the Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, it boasts the longest such section on the West Coast of the United States (excluding Alaska). Its climate is often described as Mediterranean, and the city has been dubbed “The American Riviera” — a title that captures its stunning natural beauty, Spanish colonial architecture, and relaxed coastal elegance.
Spanish Colonial Heritage
Santa Barbara’s history dates back to 1782, when the Spanish established the Presidio of Santa Barbara — a military fort that was part of Spain’s effort to colonize Alta California. Mission Santa Barbara, founded in 1786, is one of the most beautiful of the California missions and is still an active parish church today. The mission’s twin bell towers and Romanesque facade have made it an iconic symbol of the city.
After California became part of the United States in 1848, Santa Barbara retained its Spanish character. The city’s architecture is defined by red-tile roofs, white stucco walls, courtyards, and wrought-iron details — a style that was reinforced in the 1920s when the city adopted Spanish Colonial Revival as its official architectural style after the 1925 earthquake destroyed much of the downtown. Today, the city’s built environment is one of the most cohesive and beautiful in California.
The Santa Barbara County Courthouse
The Santa Barbara County Courthouse, completed in 1929, is widely considered one of the most beautiful public buildings in the United States. Designed in the Spanish Colonial Revival style, the courthouse features a stunning clock tower, hand-painted ceilings, Mudejar-inspired tile work, and lush gardens. The observation deck on the clock tower offers panoramic views of the city, the mountains, and the ocean — on clear days, you can see the Channel Islands.
State Street and Downtown
State Street is the heart of downtown Santa Barbara, a palm-lined boulevard that runs from the waterfront to the foothills of the Santa Ynez Mountains. The street is lined with boutiques, art galleries, wine-tasting rooms, and restaurants, many housed in beautiful Spanish-style buildings. The area is pedestrian-friendly and has a relaxed, sophisticated atmosphere that draws visitors from around the world.
The Santa Barbara waterfront features Stearns Wharf, a historic 1872 pier that is one of the oldest working wharves on the West Coast. The wharf is home to the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center, restaurants, and shops, and offers views of the harbor and the Channel Islands.
Education and Research
Santa Barbara is home to several prestigious educational institutions. The University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) is a top-ranked public research university known for its programs in physics, materials science, and marine biology. The campus sits on a bluff overlooking the Pacific, making it one of the most scenic university campuses in the country.
The city is also home to the Santa Barbara City College, the Fielding Graduate University, and the Antioch University Santa Barbara campus. The Marine Science Institute at UCSB and the Santa Barbara Channel National Marine Sanctuary make the city a hub for oceanographic research.
Wine Country and the Santa Ynez Valley
Santa Barbara County is one of the premier wine-producing regions in the world. The Santa Ynez Valley, Santa Maria Valley, and Santa Rita Hills are home to over 200 wineries producing world-class Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Syrah, and Rhône varietals. The region’s unique east-west mountain ranges create microclimates that are ideal for cool-climate grape varieties.
The annual Santa Barbara International Film Festival, held each February, brings filmmakers and celebrities to the city and celebrates the art of cinema. The festival has grown into one of the most respected film events on the West Coast.
Climate and Geography
Santa Barbara sits at just 49 feet above sea level on the coastal plain. The Santa Ynez Mountains rise dramatically behind the city, with peaks reaching over 4,000 feet. The climate is Mediterranean, with warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The city enjoys over 300 days of sunshine per year, with average temperatures ranging from the mid-60s°F (18°C) in winter to the mid-70s°F (24°C) in summer.
The city covers 42 square miles, with over 53% of its area covered by water — the Pacific Ocean, Santa Barbara Harbor, and the Channel Islands visible offshore. The combination of mountains, ocean, and Mediterranean climate creates one of the most beautiful and livable environments in California.
CONTACT US
For more information or to visit us, here are our branch addresses: