Conveniently located on the South Central coast, Santa Barbara enjoys easy access to Los Angeles, a mere 90 miles to the south. The city encompasses 23 square miles with sea level ranging from 0-850 feet, and features outstanding views of the Channel Islands. Santa Barbara's idyllic climate permits outdoor activities all year long, with temperatures rarely falling below the 50's or rising above the 80's.

Originally home to the Chumash Indians that inhabited not only the coast but also the inland valleys, it wasn't until 1542 that Juan Cabrillo discovered the area and claimed it for Spain. In 1602, Sebastian Vizcaino anchored offshore and finally bestowed the town's namesake in honor of Saint Barbara, the patroness of Mariners. The 18th century brought Franciscan missionaries to the area, and shortly thereafter a flood of immigrants seeking wealth, health, and mild winter climates soon settled in. This mixture of newcomers, Spanish descendants, and Native American heritage has led to the great cultural diversity that surrounds the Santa Barbara area today.

Santa Barbara is full of activities for families and friends. The area is home to several museums, theaters, more than two dozen internationally renowned wineries, a vibrant nightlife, and boasts some of the finest shopping and dining on the central coast. For the more adventurous, the area also offers ballooning, bicycling, boating, fishing, whale watching, hiking, horse back riding, and an abundance of public golf courses.

To the right you will find links to some of Santa Barbara's many attractions, as well as helpful links to maps, schools and our own local newspaper. For more information, a detailed list of attractions, and a guide to the area's neighborhoods as well as outlying communities, please download the Santa Barbara Relocation Guide available below. The download requires Adobe Reader, which you may acquire here.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE SANTA BARBARA RELOCATION GUIDE