Meet Santa Barbara County

Our County covers 2738.5 sq. miles and has a population of just over 414,000 people. With a spectacular natural setting that includes miles of scenic coastline, beautiful valleys, and rugged peaks to 6,800 feet, Santa Barbara County is one of the most desirable places in the world to live and work. Including the communities of Santa Maria, Lompoc, Solvang and the Santa Ynez Valley, and the County Seat of Santa Barbara, the County boast strong economic bases in both high technology and agriculture, including a rapidly expanding vineyard industry that produces some of the world's finest wines.

Santa Barbara County is one of the states safest places to live. Crime index statistics have shown serious reported crime in a consistent downward trend over the last 5 years. They also show Santa Barbara County as one of the state's safest places to live.

It's juvenile crime rate is the 3rd lowest in the state. Santa Barbara County has initiated several excellent programs in recent years. Characteristic has been the replication of successful programs on a countywide basis.

The City of Santa Barbara

Nestled between the mountains and the sea, the city of Santa Barbara serves as the County seat. With its palm tree lined beachfront and charming Mediterranean architecture; the city is renowned as the American Riviera. Santa Barbara offers a vibrant Old Town, with pedestrians, bicycles, and electric shuttles bringing life to outdoor cafes and beautiful paseos. Santa Barbara is located 92 miles northwest of Los Angeles and 332 miles south of San Francisco.

Lompoc and the Beautiful Santa Ynez Valley

Known the world over as the "valley of flowers", Lompoc is a small city with a big heart. Lompoc is home to some of the world's most beautiful murals, La Purisma Mission, as well as many parks, beaches, and campsites. Lompoc's annual flower festival is a rare treat.

Within minutes of Lompoc lies the Santa Ynez Valley. Sprinkled with vineyards and filled with large and small ranches, the beautiful Santa Ynez Valley lies nestled between the Santa Ynez and San Rafael Mountains.

The city of Solvang is one of the South Coast's treasures - a Danish village featuring unique shops, restaurants, bakeries, and professional theater. In Los Olivos, you will find a quaint Victorian village and some of the finest art galleries in California.

Santa Maria

The city of Santa Maria is located on California's Central Coast between Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo.

The Santa Maria Valley is famed for its local produce, and its renowned tri-tip barbecue is a dining experience not to be missed. Although one of the youngest regions of the Wine Country, the Santa Maria Valley already produces some of the finest premium wines in the world.