Santa Barbara Visitors Guide

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What are the best things to see and do in Santa Barbara? East Beach, Stearns Wharf, Santa Barbara Harbor, Old Mission Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara Zoo, Santa Barbara County Courthouse, State Street Promenade, Santa Barbara Museum of Art, El Presdio de Santa Barbara, Arroyo Burro Beach County Park (locals call it Hendry's Beach), Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, Ganna Walska Lotusland, Lobero Theater, Shoreline Park, Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, Santa Barbara Maritime Museum, Inspiration Point (hike), Moxi Museum for Kids, Santa Barbara Horseback Riding, and La Cumbre Peak, to name a few.
Is Santa Barbara worth the trip? Sometimes called the American Riviera, it's got idyllic weather year-round, a beach town vibe and plenty of outdoor adventures. Whether you're into rock climbing, horseback riding or shopping and wineries, Santa Barbara can be the perfect vacation spot.
Why is Santa Barbara famous? Santa Barbara is best known for its broad, sandy beaches, and whether you're looking to catch the perfect wave or the perfect sunset, there are plenty from which to choose.
Why is Santa Barbara so popular? Santa Barbara Is Known as the American Riviera. This City on California's Central Coast Is Known as the American Riviera. Santa Barbara has Mediterranean weather, sweeping coastlines, and incredible wine. Summer is near and crowds of tourists will soon descend on France's fabled Riviera.
Why is Santa Barbara so desirable? Stunning cliffside views, pristine beaches, a gorgeous Mediterranean climate, historic architecture, and a sense of community — Santa Barbara offers all of that and more.
What is so great about Santa Barbara? Stunning cliffside views, pristine beaches, a gorgeous Mediterranean climate, historic architecture, and a sense of community — Santa Barbara offers all of that and more.
Is Santa Barbara worth visiting? Sometimes called the American Riviera, it's got idyllic weather year-round, a beach town vibe and plenty of outdoor adventures. Whether you're into rock climbing, horseback riding or shopping and wineries, Santa Barbara can be the perfect vacation spot.
What is the best month to visit Santa Barbara? The best time to visit Santa Barbara is from March to May or from September to November. Temperatures are fairly mild year-round, hovering in the 60s and 70s, but traveling in early spring or fall ensures you won't be fighting crowds and rates will be less expensive.
What is the rainiest month in Santa Barbara? February (4.55") followed by January (4.36"), March (2.92") and April (1.24").
Is Santa Barbara an expensive city? Though Santa Barbara is among the highest-priced large housing markets in the U.S., buyers in the area have seen similar trends to buyers in other more affordable markets.
What is the best month to visit Santa Barbara? The best time to visit Santa Barbara is from March to May or from September to November. Temperatures are fairly mild year-round, hovering in the 60s and 70s, but traveling in early spring or fall ensures you won't be fighting crowds and rates will be less expensive.
How much do you need to make to live comfortably in Santa Barbara? The cost of living in Santa Barbara is 97% higher than than the national average. The national average salary is $56,310, so a good salary in Santa Barbara is anything over $110,930 by this measure.
What food is Santa Barbara famous for? Mexican food and classic seafood dishes are perennially popular here, like oysters, clam chowder and lobster rolls. When it's available, the local, internationally renowned Santa Barbara sea urchin, served on fresh scallops with a slice of lime, is the best item on the menu.
How many days is enough for Santa Barbara? With so much to do and see, you'll need at least three days to get the full Santa Barbara South Coast experience. To help you stay just one more day, we've made it easy to book a serene coastal getaway.
Is there a lot to do in Santa Barbara? The fun never stops in Santa Barbara! Visitors will be pleased to find a host of exciting attractions, entertainment and other things to do, including unforgettable animal encounters, world-renowned botanical gardens, live music and guided tours.
What is the main industry in Santa Barbara? As a world-renowned visitor destination, the hospitality industry makes up a large part of the economy.
How much does it cost to live in Santa Barbara rent? What is the average rent in Santa Barbara, CA? The average rent in Santa Barbara, CA is $2,154 per month. This is 44% higher than the national average rent price of $1,497/month, making Santa Barbara one of the most expensive cities in the US. $1,849/mo.
Where do people who work in Santa Barbara live? Goleta is the hub for many of Santa Barbara County's largest employers. The average commute to work for people living in the greater Goleta area is less than 15 minutes, while we still see a high number of Goleta employees commuting over 30 minutes from the north and south.
Are homes expensive in Santa Barbara? The median listing home price in Santa Barbara, California is $2.3M. The median listing home price per square foot was $1.2K. The median home sold price was $1.8M.
What is the richest part of Santa Barbara? One of the older neighborhoods in the city of Santa Barbara, the Riviera also ranks as one of the wealthiest. Named for its close resemblance to the Mediterranean coasts of France and Italy, the Santa Barbara Riviera bridges the two-mile gap between Sycamore Canyon and Mission Canyon.
Do a lot of celebrities live in Santa Barbara? Oprah Winfrey, Rob Lowe, Kenny Loggins, Jeff Bridges, Ellen DeGeneres, Tom Cruise, Jennifer Lopez, Steven Spielberg, Whoopi Goldberg, Kevin Costner, Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, George Lucas, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Gwyneth Paltrow, Dick Wolf, Katy Perry, Adam Levine, Ashton Kutcher, Mila Kunis, Jennifer Aniston, Ariana Grande, and Troy Aikman, are just a few of the Hollywood heavyweights to call Santa Barbara home. But you don't have to have be a movie star to roll like a celeb. Here's where to stay, shop, eat, and play like the rich and famous.
Where do celebrities hang out in Santa Barbara? For more of a bohemian vibe, head to the city's aptly named Funk Zone. Packed with wine shops, boutiques, and galleries, actors are often spotted here, especially during the Santa Barbara International Film Festival. Natalie Portman and Jason Segel have been seen at tapas spot Loquita and Helena Avenue Bakery.
Do you see celebrities in Santa Barbara? Yes, Santa Barbara and its nearby areas, particularly Montecito, have long been attractive locations for wealthy celebrities and individuals seeking a luxurious and picturesque lifestyle. Locals, however, typically don't bother celebrities and usually treat them as just another resident.
Why do celebrities live in Santa Barbara? Celebrities seeking a serene and visually appealing environment may be drawn to the city's aesthetics. Privacy: Santa Barbara offers a degree of privacy that can be hard to find in more densely populated and paparazzi-heavy locations like Los Angeles. Many wealthy enclave.
Is Santa Barbara a party town? Santa Barbara, a city renowned for its stunning coastline and Spanish-style architecture, also boasts a vibrant and diverse nightlife that caters to every taste.
Do you need a car in Santa Barbara? Upon arrival, find yourself in the heart of Santa Barbara, within walking distance to a variety of hotels, shops, and wine tasting rooms, and a mere two blocks away from the beach. Luckily, getting around Santa Barbara with or without a car is no problem, and you'll find yourselves arriving at your hotel with ease.
What are some interesting facts about Santa Barbara? The mountains are not your typical mountains. Some of the best wine in the country. We take Farmers Markets seriously. You can find Spanish influence everywhere. It is home to the most beach camping on the west coast.
How far apart are LA and Santa Barbara? The shortest distance (as the crow flys) between Santa Barbara and Los Angeles is 86.90 mi (139.85 km).
Is it safe to walk around Santa Barbara at night? Like any city, there can still be dangers, depending on specific areas and times. However, common protocols such as not wandering alone late at night and securing your belongings can drastically lower your risk. The city has a relatively low crime rate, friendly locals, and a strong police presence.
Is Santa Barbara safe to walk around? Santa Barbara overall is a safe and friendly city with a low crime rate. However, like any tourist destination, it's always wise to be cautious and aware of your surroundings, especially at night. Stick to well-populated areas and major streets where restaurants and shops are still open.
What is the most beautiful street in Santa Barbara? Travelers say the State Street Promenade is the heart of Santa Barbara, and the experience exploring the shops and dining outdoors reminds them of European open-air markets.
Who is the biggest employer in Santa Barbara? UC Santa Barbara is #1 followed in order by Curvature, Allergan Medical, Partners Personnel, Yardi, Well Health, Mentor, and QAD.
Where do the rich live in Santa Barbara? Hope Ranch is an affluent neighbourhood located in the Santa Barbara County in California. It is one of the wealthiest areas in the state, as well as one of the most expensive neighbourhoods in Santa Barbara.
What is the homeless population in Santa Barbara? Most recently, the Point-in-Time Count identified more than 800 homeless individuals living in Santa Barbara. The number of homeless individuals in the City far outpaces the number of existing shelter beds, transitional housing, or permanent supportive housing units available.
Is it safe to walk around Santa Barbara at night? Like any city, there can still be dangers, depending on specific areas and times. However, common protocols such as not wandering alone late at night and securing your belongings can drastically lower your risk. The city has a relatively low crime rate, friendly locals, and a strong police presence.
Is Santa Barbara a walkable city? Santa Barbara has been designated a Gold-Level Community by Walk Friendly Communities. With its many paseos, Santa Barbara's shopping district is made for pedestrians.
What is the nicest part of Santa Barbara? The waterfront including Stearns Wharf and the Santa Barbara Harbor is often the first place visitors go. Also the Mesa — comprising East, West, and Alta Mesa — is one of the nicest areas, too, owing to its beaches, bike paths, and proximity to downtown Santa Barbara.
What are the downsides of living in Santa Barbara? High housing costs. With a median sale price near $2 million, Santa Barbara's desirability certainly comes at a cost. Traffic congestion. Risk of natural disasters. Tourist crowds. Limited nightlife.
Are there any bad neighborhoods in Santa Barbara? The least desirable area for families with kids in Santa Barbara are considered to be the Eastside, known for realtive crime, poverty but it is not bad when compared to numerous other cities in California.
Which is better Carmel or Santa Barbara? Santa Barbara is a city, although a very lovely one with its Spanish colonial revival architecture and its beaches. Carmel is more of a charming village and art colony with a lovely beach, but more for walking than sunbathing, because of weather and water temperature, and is very romantic.
Is Santa Monica better than Santa Barbara? So, whether you're seeking a relaxed or a more fast-paced lifestyle, the choice between Santa Barbara and Santa Monica ultimately comes down to your personal preference. Both cities possess their unique charm and qualities that make them among the top choices to live in California - you can't go wrong with either one.
Is San Diego or Santa Barbara better? So while both cities are perfectly safe, Santa Barbara has a higher crime rate. Attractions: San Diego also tends to win when it comes to attractions, culture, and nightlife. Both cities offer beautiful beaches, outdoor activities, and plenty of shopping and restaurants.
Is Santa Barbara cheaper than LA? The cost of living in Los Angeles, California is 2.4% lower than in Santa Barbara.
Is Santa Barbara the same as Montecito? Montecito (Spanish for "Little mountain") is an unincorporated town in Santa Barbara County, California, United States. Located on the Central Coast of California, Montecito sits between the Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific Ocean.
What salary do I need to live in Santa Barbara? 1 adult and 0 children: Living Wage $32.11, Poverty Wage $7.24, Minimum Wage $16.00. 2 adults and 1 child: Living Wage $28.95, Poverty Wage $6.21, Minimum Wage $16.00
How much do you need to make to live comfortably in Santa Barbara? The cost of living in Santa Barbara is 97% higher than than the national average. The national average salary is $56,310, so a good salary in Santa Barbara is anything over $110,930 by this measure.
Is it safe to walk around Santa Barbara? There are few streets that can feel seedy in town - but you would really need to go out of your way to find them. I walk the city with my kids all the time and feel very safe. Santa Barbara has one of the highest per-capita incomes in the US, and is one of the safest cities anywhere.
Which president lived in Montecito? It was President Ronald Reagan's first residence when he moved to Hollywood; Reagan lived at the Montecito from June 1937 to late 1938. President John F. Kennedy famously had his honeymoon at San Ysidro Ranch in Montecito but did not live there.
What is the racial makeup of Santa Barbara? The 5 largest ethnic groups in Santa Barbara, CA are White (Non-Hispanic) (55.5%), White (Hispanic) (15.2%), Other (Hispanic) (12.2%), Two+ (Hispanic) (7.94%), and Asian (Non-Hispanic) (3.55%).
Is Santa Barbara a good place to retire? Retire to Santa Barbara, and you can watch perfect Pacific Coast sunsets over monumental mountains and breathtaking beaches. Visit vineyards, embark on endless outdoor adventures, and sample sumptuous cuisine at world-class eateries.
What do I need to know before moving to Santa Barbara? Small town vibes. As soon as you arrive, you'll see Santa Barbara is definitely no big city. Not a party town. The 101 freeway runs through it. Naturally beautiful. Surf's out. Cost of living. Distinctive architecture. Be water-wise.
Is Santa Barbara California wealthy? The wealthy California enclave of Santa Barbara was named the top emerging U.S. housing market in a new report, beating out a list of mostly affordable mid-sized cities.
What is a good income in Santa Barbara? Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $28.74 an hour. This is equivalent of $1,149 a week or $4,981 a month. Most salaries in Santa Barbara range between $41,750 (25th percentile) to $75,734 (75th percentile) annually.
Where do locals go in Santa Barbara? The Presidio Neighborhood. Step back in time, sip fine wine, browse boutiques and savor good eats in The Presidio Neighborhood. The Funk Zone. Goleta for big box shopping. Santa Barbara Waterfront. Downtown Santa Barbara. Montecito. Summerland. Haley Corridor.
Did Harry and Meghan live in Montecito? After living in their luxurious Montecito, California, estate for nearly three years, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle might be moving to La La Land with all their A-list pals. The couple is reportedly looking to sell their $14.6 million Montecito mansion and establish residence closer to Hollywood.
Does Oprah live in Santa Barbara or Montecito? In 2001, Oprah left her adopted hometown of Chicago for the sunny West Coast and settled into the chi-chi town of Montecito, near Santa Barbara. Here, she purchased her famous estate, The Promised Land, for a record $52 million.
What is the crime rate in Santa Barbara CA? With a crime rate of 31 per one thousand residents, Santa Barbara has one of the highest crime rates in America compared to all communities of all sizes - from the smallest towns to the very largest cities. One's chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime here is one in 32.
What is the median household income in Santa Barbara? Median household income in Santa Barbara, CA is $89,243. In 2021, the place with the highest median household income in Santa Barbara, CA was Census Tract 1.03 with a value of $216,528, followed by Census Tract 6 and Census Tract 30.07, with respective values of $153,864 and $146,000.
Is the mayor of Santa Barbara Republican or Democrat? Usually a Democrat but sometimes a Republican.
Where is the best place to live in California for seniors? For those looking for something similar, the best coastal towns in California to retire to are La Jolla in San Diego, Huntington Beach, Carmel-by-the-sea, and Santa Barbara. Many retirees also consider the southern part of California for its mild and sunny weather, coastal views, and entertainment offerings.
Is Santa Barbara the most expensive city to be happy in the US? #1 most expensive city to be happy in the U.S.: Santa Barbara. Santa Barbara, California is the most expensive U.S. city to be happy. The cost of living in the city is 57% above the national average, according to the Economic Research Institute.
How much did Harry and Meghan pay for their Montecito home? Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's luxury Montecito property includes a private pool, rose garden, and a tea house among other facilities. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle moved to California after giving up their royal duties in 2020. The former royals now reside in an ultra-luxurious $14 million mansion in Montecito.
Do Meghan and Harry own their home in Montecito? Yes. The property's outdoor features include a large pool, a tennis court, a chicken coop and rose gardens, as well as a roomy terrace with a wood-fired stove and barbecue. Ultimately, the couple fell in love with the property and purchased it soon after.
What are the poorest cities in Santa Barbara County? And after crunching the numbers, the researchers found the county's poorest areas concentrated in Santa Maria, Santa Barbara, Lompoc, and Isla Vista. Out of the county's 400,000-plus residents, nearly 74,000 — almost a fifth of the population — are living in poverty.
What is the wealthiest part of Santa Barbara? Hope Ranch is an affluent neighbourhood located in the Santa Barbara County in California. It is one of the wealthiest areas in the state, as well as one of the most expensive neighbourhoods in Santa Barbara. The local area of Montecito is also famously wealthy but is not within the city boundary.
How hot does it get in Santa Barbara California? Average temperatures in Santa Barbara tend to be moderate as is illustrated by the following graph. However, extreme highs and lows may also occur. Temperatures as high as 109 degrees and as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit have been recorded at the Santa Barbara Airport within the last 60 years.
What is the warmest month in Santa Barbara California? August, the warmest month of the year, is generally a warm month. The average temperature is of 19.0 °C (66 °F), with a minimum of 14.4 °C (58 °F) and a maximum of 23.6 °C (74.5 °F).
Do The Kardashians have a house in Santa Barbara? Travis Barker and Kourtney Kardashian bought a property located on the beach in Santa Barbara with space that is “perfect for older kids,” a source tells E! News. Learn about the $14.5 million house.
Where does Kourtney Kardashian stay in Montecito? Kourtney and Travis hit the beach at the Rosewood Miramar hotel in Montecito, California.
Is living in Santa Barbara for rich people? Not necessarily. The median household income in Santa Barbara was about $89,250 in 2021, nearly $20,000 more than the national median household income. The highest individual income tax rates can be found in California, and Santa Barbara is no exception.

Hundreds of films have been fully or partially set in Santa Barbara, including: What Price Hollywood? (1932), A Date with Judy (1948), Batman (1966), The Graduate (1967), Rendezvous Hotel (1976), The Gumball Rally (1976), Cutter's Way (1981), Scarface (1983), Demolition Man (1993), Steal Big Steal Little (1995), My Favorite Martian (1999), Seabiscuit (2003), Cruel Intentions 3 (2004), Hidalgo (2004), Sideways (2004), Alpha Dog (2006), It's Complicated (2009), Santa Barbara (2014), 20th Century Women (2016), Psych 2: Lassie Come Home (2020).
After the American-Mexican War the city officially became US territory in 1850.
Also known as Queen of the Missions, the Mission Santa Barbara was founded to convert the indigenous tribes to Catholicism.
Ancient paintings by Chumash Indians can still be seen in Santa Barbara. Visitors to the Chumash Painted Cave State Historic Park can view Chumash paint art on the walls, thought to depict a 1677 solar eclipse.
Before the arrival of European explorers, Santa Barbara was home to more than 10,000 Chumash Indians.
Construction of the Santa Barbara’s Presidio began in 1782, on a site chosen by Spaniard Felipe de Neve, the fourth governor of Las Californias. The Santa Barbara Presidio, now a state historical park, houses El Cuartel, an original adobe structure that’s the second oldest surviving building in the state of California, and it is also California’s smallest state park.
During the 1970s Santa Barbara had a law, since rescinded, limiting the number of residents to 85,000 due to lack of water.
During the Mexican-American War, Spanish-owned Santa Barbara fell to a battalion of American soldiers led by John C. Fremont in 1846.
Every August, Santa Barbara celebrates its annual “Old Spanish Days Fiesta” with parades, food courts, carnivals and performances, continuously since the 1924.
First permanent Europeans settlements in Santa Barbara were in 1782.
In 1962, Motel 6 was founded in Santa Barbara by two local building contractors, William Becker and Paul Greene. The original room rate of $6 per night inspired the company’s “Motel 6” name.
The Sambo’s restaurant chain was founded in Santa Barbara in 1962, and at its peak, had more than 1,000 locations.
In addition to averaging 300 days of sunshine each year, Santa Barbara has a unique east-west coastline, the only one from Alaska to Cape Horn–that provides the city with year-round southern exposure. California natives are often confused here because the sun does not set over the ocean in Santa Barbara like it does in the rest of the state.
It is claimed that the record hottest temperature on Earth, 133 F, or 56 C, occurred in Santa Barbara though suggest that the measurement was inaccurate.
It is legal to nude sunbath in some beaches of Santa Barbara County but not in the city of Santa Barbara itself.
Mission Santa Barbara dates back to the 18th century and is the only Franciscan mission that’s been operated continuously since its founding in 1786.
Mission Santa Barbara is the only mission in California with twin bell towers.
On Tuesday nights lower downtown Santa Barbara hosts a Farmer’s Market. This trend started when State Street was closed during construction of an underpass for the 101 freeway and there was little traffic there.
One of Chef Julia Child’s favorite restaurants was La Super-Rica on Milpas Street which is still popular today.
President John F Kennedy and his wife Jackie spent part of their honeymoon next to Santa Barbara at the San Ysidro Ranch in Montecito.
Santa Barbara is home to four institutions of higher learning including Antioch University, the University of California at Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara City College, and Westmont College.
Santa Barbara is often referred to as the “The American Riviera” because of the hills and weather is similar to that of South France.
Santa Barbara is the only city in the continental U.S. to offer both surfing and snowboarding.
Santa Barbara native Tom Gosnell was recognized by Guinness in 1976 as the world’s fastest tree climber.
Santa Barbara once rivaled Hollywood in the film-making industry. The Flying A exhibition highlighted the studio’s influential and prolific operation in Santa Barbara between 1912 and 1921, when nearly one thousand silent films were made by the studio before it was closed.
Santa Barbara’s famous Moreton Bay Fig Tree, located by the Amtrak Train Station at 209 State Street, provides more than 21,000 square feet of shade and is considered to be the largest Ficus macrophylla in the U.S.
Santa Barbara’s Lobero Theater is the said to be one of the oldest continuously performing theater in our state.
Santa Barbara's weather is consistently ranked number 1 in the United States because the city lies along the ocean and parallel to the predominant westerly winds, sideshore and light onshore breezes moderate temperatures resulting in warmer winters and cooler summers compared with places farther inland.
Stearns Wharf, the oldest working wood wharf in California, was built in 1872 by John Peck Stearns to facilitate the transfer of cargo and people from ships to shore.
The 6.3 magnitude earthquake on June 29, 1925 destroyed much of downtown Santa Barbara and killed 13 people. This destructive earthquake offered a chance for architectural reform, led by Pearl Chase, resulting in many of the buildings in the downtown area being rebuilt in Spanish Colonial style.
The biggest local earthquakes were 1812 and 1925. But due to the ensuing huge rebuilding process Santa Barbara chose to switch from Victorian architecture to Spanish-Moorish-style architecture.
The Chumash folks populated Santa Barbara for over 13,000 years.
The design of many of homes in Santa Barabra is by Peter Josiah Barber, often credited and Santa Barbara’s most prolific architect of Victorian homes and building, whose works are listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Place. From 1880 to 1881, and again in 1890 to 1891, Barber was the mayor of Santa Barbara, as well as Postmaster from 1882 to 1886.
The first Europeans to visited the Santa Barbara area were the Portuguese in 1542. Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo’s ships came near the modern-day Santa Barbara, and during his brief visit, he claimed the entire area for Spain.
The Kinko’s copy center chain was founded in Isla Vista next to Santa Barbara. It is now known as Fedex Office.
The largest indoor venue is the historic Arlington Theater.
The largest population growth occurred during the mid-19th century (gold rush), after the World War II, and during the oil exploration boom in the 1940-1960s.
The oldest human fossils found in the US were excavated near Santa Barbara on Santa Rosa Island.
The Santa Barbara County Courthouse, completed in 1929 in downtown Santa Barbara, is the most famous example of the city’s Spanish Colonial Revival style. The open-air tower provides the only panoramic views of Santa Barbara.
The Santa Barbara Zoo is one of only a few in the U.S. to have a condor flight cage.
The Spanish explorer Sebastian Vizcaino sailed past Santa Barbara in December of 1602 on St. Barbara’s feast day, December 4th, and lore says that is how Santa Barbara got its name.
The very first Earth Day in 1970 was inspired by the 1969 Santa Barbara oil spill that occurred on a nearby offshore oil well.
UCSB is the number two school in the US in physics.
Under the 1848 Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, Santa Barbara became part of the expanding United States.
When Santa Barbara’s Stearns Wharf pier was opened in 1872 it was the longest deep-water pier between San Francisco and Los Angeles.
While the soap opera “Santa Barbara,” aired on NBC from 1984 to 1993, depicted life in Santa Barbara, the show was filmed at NBC Studios in Burbank, California, except for the opening credits. The exterior of a condo across the street from East Beach was also often featured.
With the end of the Mexican War of Independence in 1822, the flag of Mexico replaced the flag of Spain at the Santa Barbara Presidio, a change that would last only for 24 years, when it became part of the U.S.
A Japanese submarine shelled nearby Ellwood Oil Field, the only spot in the U.S. mainland attacked during World War II.
Actors Michael Douglas and Gwyneth Paltrow are both alumni of the University of California at Santa Barbara.