Santa Barbara County, California
Santa Barbara County is located along the California coast northwest of Los Angeles. The county includes communities such as Santa Maria, known for its famous barbecue, as well as beautiful beaches and the nearby Channel Islands.
Highway 101 follows the coast and connects communities including Carpinteria and Goleta. The region is also famous for its wineries, especially around Los Olivos and Solvang, where visitors can enjoy local wines and scenic countryside.
The University of California, Santa Barbara adds a youthful energy to the area. Los Padres National Forest covers much of the northeastern part of the county, while Channel Islands National Park lies offshore to the south. Although Santa Barbara County is expensive, its beaches, mountains, vineyards, and coastal scenery make it a spectacular place to visit.
| County Name | Santa Barbara County |
|---|---|
| County Seat | Santa Barbara |
| Population | Approximately 460,000 |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | Santa Barbara, Goleta, Lompoc, Santa Maria, Solvang, Carpinteria, Guadalupe, and others |
| Interstates and Highways | US 101, SR 154, SR 246 |
| FIPS Code | 06-083 |
| Total Area (Land and Water) | 3,789 square miles (Land: 2,737 sq mi, Water: 1,052 sq mi) |
| Adjacent Counties (and Direction) | San Luis Obispo County (North), Kern County (Northeast), Ventura County (Southeast) |
| Time Zone | Pacific Standard Time (PST) |
| State | California |
| Coordinates | 34.4208° N, 119.6982° W |
| Etymology | Named after Saint Barbara |
| Major Landmarks | Santa Barbara Mission, Channel Islands National Park, Solvang Danish Village, Jalama Beach, El Capitan State Beach |
PHYSICAL MAP
Santa Barbara County Topographic Map
This topographic map highlights Santa Barbara County’s diverse coastal and mountain terrain, including offshore islands, coastal plains, and the prominent east-west trending Santa Ynez Mountains.
SATELLITE IMAGERY
Santa Barbara County Satellite Map
This satellite map reveals the county’s distinctive parallel mountain ridges and valleys. The Santa Ynez Valley forms an important agricultural corridor between the surrounding mountain ranges.
OUTLINE MAP
Santa Barbara County Blank Map
This blank map outlines Santa Barbara County’s elongated shape along California’s central coast. The northern portion follows the unusual east-west alignment of the Santa Ynez Mountains, creating a distinctive county boundary.
California County Maps
California County Map
Ever wonder how California’s 58 counties are organized? Our California county map lays them all out, from the Pacific Coast to the vast desert regions. Explore the map to find the counties you know—and perhaps discover a few you don’t.