LOCATION: Along the Pacific Coast, Santa Barbara serenely sits just 92 miles (148 kilometers) north of Los Angeles and 332 miles (534 kilometers) south of San Francisco.
POPULATION: Approximately 92,101 residents reside within Santa Barbara city limits. 448,150 reside in all of Santa Barbara County.
TIME ZONE: Santa Barbara is in the Pacific Time Zone, observing daylight savings times from mid-March to early November.
WEATHER: Moderate year-round Mediterranean climate 15-20 degrees C/60-80 degrees F. Learn more
TRANSPORTATION: Visitors may arrive via scenic Highway 101, daily stops on Amtrak trains or air service via:
- Santa Barbara Airport (SBA) is 8 mi/3 kilometers drive north of downtown.
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) 90 mi/148 kilometers drive south from Santa Barbara.
- Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) 100 mi/160 kilometers drive southeast from Santa Barbara.
Learn More about getting to and from the Santa Barbara South Coast.
TAXES: 8.75% sales tax, 12% hotel occupancy tax.
BEACHES: Twenty-five beaches stretch approximately 100 miles/160 kilometers of south-facing, scenic shoreline. Learn More
OUTDOORS: 55 parks and 8 public gardens offer an array of outdoor recreation and activities. Learn More
MAJOR ATTRACTIONS: 50+ museums and galleries, El Presidio State Park, Old Mission Santa Barbara (“The Queen of the Missions”), and Channel Islands National Park known as “The Galapagos of North America.”
LODGING: Citywide, Santa Barbara offers 77 properties with 5,349 hotel rooms from economy to luxury. Learn More
RESTAURANTS: Over 400 restaurants. Learn More
ENTERTAINMENT: 6 major performance venues, 200+ annual classic and contemporary stage productions and lively nightlife at local breweries, tasting rooms and nightclubs.
VINEYARDS & WINERIES: 200+ vineyards are located on 21,349 acres countywide representing six American Viticultural Areas (AVAs) and 40 wine tasting rooms are accessible in walkable downtown along the Urban Wine Trail. Learn More
GOLF COURSES: 6 golf courses. Learn More
LARGEST MEETING VENUE: Earl Warren Fairgrounds – 35,000 sq. ft.
LARGEST HOTEL: 360 committable guestrooms; 23,000 sq. ft. of indoor and 20,000 sq. ft. of outdoor meeting space.
LARGEST HOTEL BALLROOM SPACE: 12,000 sq. ft.
ACCOLADES:
“Wine Region of the Year” Wine Enthusiast Magazine
“Where to Travel Next: 2021 Hot List” Conde Nast Traveler
“The 8 Best Destinations for Your Next Winter Getaway” AFAR Magazine
“Santa Barbara: Southern California’s Top Destination For A Gourmand Getaway” Forbes Travel Guide
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