Santa Barbara County Local News & Articles

Explore Santa Barbara, Goleta, Los Olivos, Buellton and other nearby cities in Santa Barbara County.

  • Picture for article "Coastal Prosperity: Santa Barbara County's Impact on California's Economy"

    Coastal Prosperity: Santa Barbara County's Impact on California's Economy

    Nestled along the Central Coast of California, Santa Barbara County is not only a tourist haven but also a vital cog in the economic machinery of the state. With its unique blend of industries, from technology to agriculture, the county plays a significant role in bolstering California's diverse economy. This article explores the various sectors in which Santa Barbara County contributes and how it shapes the broader economic narrative of California.

  • Picture for article "Real Estate Market in Santa Barbara"

    Real Estate Market in Santa Barbara

    Over the last decade, the Santa Barbara real estate market has seen a record rise in property prices. As a consequence, Santa Barbara real estate has become a premium item. Despite the sharp rise in prices, demand remains strong and should drive future development. It seems that today's high prices aren't deterring purchasers, raising the question, "Is Santa Barbara real estate a smart investment?"

  • Picture for article "Things To Do In Santa Ynez Valley"

    Things To Do In Santa Ynez Valley

    There are many things to see and do in Santa Ynez, but the award-winning vineyards and wineries are what the town is best famous for. The valley is the hub of Santa Barbara's Wine Country, with over 50 varieties flourishing in the region's varied microclimates. 

  • Picture for article "Why do you need to visit Stearns Wharf in Santa Barbara?"

    Why do you need to visit Stearns Wharf in Santa Barbara?

    Stearns Wharf is a wooden pier containing souvenir shops, eateries and fishing shacks. Built in 1872, it is the oldest functioning pier on the West Coast, although, in fact, the structure has been rebuilt several times. It also has easy access to the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum. 

  • Picture for article "Retire in Santa Barbara"

    Retire in Santa Barbara

    Santa Barbara, California, is a popular tourist and retirement destination. This picturesque mission city on the Pacific, located 85 miles north of Los Angeles, has done an outstanding job of conserving its legacy while building a pleasant, contemporary city. 

  • Picture for article "Lake Cachuma Fishing Secrets"

    Lake Cachuma Fishing Secrets

    Cachuma Lake Recreation Area is a lovely outdoor destination located in the Santa Ynez Valley's oak woodlands. About almost everything you need for a pleasant lakeside getaway in the great outdoors can be found here. Despite the fact that no body-to-water contact is permitted, there are many recreational activities available across the lake. Camping, boating, yacht and kayak rentals, fishing, nature cruises on the lake, bird watching, climbing, disc golf, photography, picnics, a general store, and other activities are available to visitors. 

  • Picture for article "Cost Of Living in Santa Barbara County"

    Cost Of Living in Santa Barbara County

    Santa Barbara is probably one of the most famous cities on the west coast of the United States. If you look at the city from a bird's eye view, it is an ordinary coastal American city with smooth wide streets. But it is worth a little stroll around the city, as expensive mansions and well-groomed streets immediately catch your eye.

  • Picture for article "Architecture of Santa Barbara"

    Architecture of Santa Barbara

    Santa Barbara is one of the most glamorous cities in California, with gorgeous Spanish-style architecture and impressive palm-lined waterfront, all covered in mountains that glow pink in the late evening light. In 1925, a major earthquake destroyed much of the city and it was rebuilt in the Spanish Colonial Revival style, resulting in the exquisite architecture you see today.

  • Picture for article "Agriculture Industry in Santa Barbara County"

    Agriculture Industry in Santa Barbara County

    Agriculture is one of the mainstays of Santa Barbara county’s economy, together with engineering and resource extraction, and third-largest employer ( it supports 25,000 jobs). 

  • Picture for article "Santa Barbara County Wine Industry"

    Santa Barbara County Wine Industry

    What's to know about Santa Ynez, California's other wine valley. 

  • Picture for article "Santa Barbara Missions"

    Santa Barbara Missions

    Old Mission Santa Barbara was founded in 1786 by the Spanish Franciscans. Originally, there were three adobe churches constructed and each was bigger than the last. After the third church was destroyed by the 1812 earthquake, the present church was built in 1820. Today, the Old Mission is a standing monument that reflects California’s rich cultural diversity.

  • Picture for article "Santa Barbara Attractions"

    Santa Barbara Attractions

    Cities are always searching for new ways to improve or expand, yet with Santa Barbara’s year-round mild weather, gleaming Spanish colonial buildings, and laid-back surf culture, it’s hard to think of anything that could really improve this California destination.

  • Picture for article "Santa Barbara County Beaches"

    Santa Barbara County Beaches

    Santa Barbara County has a long south-facing stretch of the Central California coastline with a Mediterranean feel. It’s no wonder that the city of Santa Barbara is known as The American Riviera. There are several great beaches along this stretch and some get few visitors compared to others.  

  • Picture for article "Santa Barbara Gardens & Preserves"

    Santa Barbara Gardens & Preserves

    Santa Barbara is home to rose gardens, estates that evoke the Victorian age, and venues that hark back to Spanish-Moorish styles, which complement Santa Barbara’s architecture. In addition, there are also nature preserves with trails that allow visitors to experience the region’s native flora in its original setting.

  • Picture for article "Art Galleries & Museums in Santa Barbara and nearby"

    Art Galleries & Museums in Santa Barbara and nearby

    Santa Barbara contains numerous performing art venues, including the 2,000 seat Arlington Theatre, which is the largest indoor performance venue in Santa Barbara and site of the annual Santa Barbara International Film Festival. Other major venues include the Lobero Theatre, a historic building and favorite venue for small concerts; the Granada Theater, the tallest building downtown, originally built by contractor C.B. Urton in 1924, but with the theatre remodeled and reopened in March 2008; and the Santa Barbara Bowl, a 4,562 seat outdoor amphitheatre in a canyon at the base of the Riviera.

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