Santa Barbara County, County on the central coast in California, United States
Description
Santa Barbara County is an administrative district on the central coast of California that stretches from the Pacific Ocean to mountain ranges in the interior. The landscape shifts between beaches, vineyards, and agricultural valleys connected by narrow roads.
History
The region was organized as an administrative district in 1850 when California became a state, taking its name from a Spanish mission settlement. Centuries earlier, Chumash communities had lived here before Spanish Franciscans arrived in the 18th century.
Culture
Spanish Colonial Revival architecture with white walls and red tile roofs shapes many public buildings and residential neighborhoods today. Local artists display their work in small galleries along main streets, while wineries in the backcountry offer tastings in rustic barn settings.
Practical
Coastal towns have comfortable temperatures throughout the year, while inland areas grow much warmer in summer. Narrow mountain roads can become slippery after rain and require careful driving.
Did you know?
Four islands off the coast belong to a national park and form a marine reserve with animal species found nowhere else. Seals and seabirds use the rocky shores as breeding grounds, accessible only by boat.
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Neverland Ranch
23.5 km
Mission Santa Barbara
31.1 km
Rancho del Cielo
4.3 km
747 Wing House
109.7 km
Channel Islands National Park
104.3 km
Mission San Buenaventura
73.1 km
Mission Santa Inés
11.5 km
El Fureidis
36.9 km
Moreton Bay Fig Tree
33.9 km
Knapp's Castle
21.8 km
Mount Pinos
86.5 km
Presidio of Santa Barbara
33.2 km
Lotusland
35.9 km
Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes
74.6 km
Santa Barbara Bowl
33.1 km
Santa Barbara County Courthouse
32.7 km
Chumash Painted Cave State Historic Park
22.6 km
Glen Tavern Inn
91.3 kmRincon
53.4 km
Refugio State Beach
9.5 km
Stearns Wharf
34.6 km
Point Mugu State Park
104.5 km
Gaviota State Park
19.1 km
Nojoqui Falls
13.1 km
Emma Wood State Beach
70.6 km
El Capitán State Beach
8.9 km
Santa Barbara Zoo
36.1 km
Harder Stadium
20.9 km
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