Welcome to Santa Barbara
Hospitable coastal town that radiates in sunshine and culture
Set against the majestic backdrop of the Santa Ynez Mountains while overlooking the sea, Santa Barbara enviably weaves rich heritage with modernity, enticing tourists and locals with its gorgeous scenery, architectural splendor, and endless opportunities for outdoor adventures. An epitome of sunshine paradise with glorious weather year-round, Santa Barbara’s splendid subtropical climate makes outdoor living a norm, with locals taking full advantage by hiking, biking, kayaking on calm waters, or riding jet skis.
Pristine beaches, upscale boutiques, restaurants, and a spectacular regional wine scene characterize this city with a robust sense of community, and residents are particularly drawn to its distinct small coastal town charisma intermixed with big-city vibrancy. Boasting some of California’s top-rated public and private schools with a prime location to everywhere residents need to be, Santa Barbara offers the ultimate in day-to-day convenience and high quality of life. The city’s Spanish and Mission Style homes reflect its rich architectural heritage, truly magnificent and highly sought-after.
What to Love
- Sunny SoCal weather all year round
- Breathtaking ocean views
- Pristine white sand beaches
- Outdoor activities galore
- Relaxed, small-town vibes
Local Lifestyle
Scenic and centrally located, Santa Barbara blends urban sophistication with the allure of a small town, pulling in a crowd of young professionals, retirees, families, and more. Whether you’re a history buff looking for constant museum tours, a nature lover anticipating thrilling adventures on the trail, or a beachgoer, Santa Barbara is guaranteed to keep your desires well-fed. Cool ocean breezes await with the city’s front-row location before the stunning coastline, as well as endless shopping, town events to partake in, and plenty of diverse cuisine to try.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
Vibrant and energetic, Downtown is the heartbeat of Santa Barbara with tall trees strewn along the paseos, historic adobe buildings covered in dazzling red-tile roofs, sporting fountains, and courtyards of colorful tilework. Denizens will find everything from hip cafes to cozy wine bars, al fresco diners, galleries, and theaters. Dive into Paseo Nuevo, an upscale, open-air mall featuring a variety of famous chains and eateries, including Banana Republic and Victoria’s Secret, Pressed, and California Pasta. Locals love to stop at Joe’s Cafe for their stiff cocktails, great socializing atmosphere and loved american cuisine. Walk into Loquita for farm-to-table delights with craft cocktails and Spanish tapas.
Things to Do
Every Tuesday afternoon, Old Town hosts the Santa Barbara Farmers Market, offering tons of fresh local produce and artisanal goods with dozens of farmers and hundreds of purchasers. You’ll find organic veggies, farm-raised meats, lip-smacking baked goods, jams and so much more.
August brings the Old Spanish Days Fiesta. In celebration of the city’s colorful past, locals indulge in five days of vibrant parades, rodeos, music, and dance. Gather with your family to watch the boats sail, paddle or motor through the waters of the Santa Barbara Coastline in holiday season merriment at the Christmas Boat Parade of Lights, and don’t miss out on the fun at the Summer Solstice parade, the largest art festival in the county, drawing in spectators and performers from the world over.
Schools
Santa Barbara is served by the Santa Barbara Unified School District, home to a number of excellent schools. Top educational opportunities include:
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