Skip navigation.

Visitor Information

Lush, sun-drenched, relaxed and nestled seductively between Los Angeles and San Francisco, Santa Barbara County is one of America's best-kept secrets.

The County ranges from the southern coastal plain with its chain of small cities and the rugged Channel Islands off its southern shore. Just across the protective Santa Ynez Mountains there is the burgeoning wine country of the northern County.

All of it basks in sunshine, natural bounty, creativity, cultural and artistic sophistication, and an appreciation for taking life at your own pace. Welcome, and enjoy!

Santa Barbara County lies on the West Coast of the United States, 92 miles (148 km) north of Los Angeles and 332 miles (534 km) south of San Francisco. Santa Barbara City is the largest community and the seat of Santa Barbara County, which covers 2,774 square miles.

The Santa Ynez Mountains, which run along the east-west section of the Santa Barbara coast, serve as the boundary distinguishing “North County” (Ballard, Buellton, Guadalupe, Lompoc, Los Alamos, Los Olivos, Santa Maria, Santa Ynez, Solvang) from “South County” (Carpinteria, Goleta, Montecito, Santa Barbara, and Summerland).

While the South County cities and towns nestle in the Santa Ynez foothills on the shore of the Pacific Ocean, North County communities are located in higher-elevation inland mountain valleys.

Known all over the world for its exceptional beauty and lush, year-round Mediterranean climate, the County boasts crystal-clear air, 100 miles of prime Pacific coastline, with stunning scenery, glistening, palm-lined beaches and an average of 300 days of sunshine per year.

For several centuries the beauty of the area and its kind climate has attracted world famous artists. A recent study showed that today about 4,000 artists of all styles and skills thrive in the County. Among them many are well know and with international reputations.

The majority of the County’s art galleries and museums are concentrated along the south coast and among the small wine growing communities just north of the Santa Ynez Mountains. But artist studios may be found all over the area. Since most artists only open their studios by appointment, plan your visit carefully.

This website will give you details of most art venues and upcoming events. Many artists with studios are also listed. For suggestions on locating places to stay and visit, click here for links useful for visitors.