Where is Santa Barbara, California, U.S.

Written and Fact-checked by | Updated On: March 05, 2026, 14:55 ET

Where is Santa Barbara, California Located in the United States? - Santa Barbara is a city located in the Santa Barbara County in California, United States. Santa Barbara lies between 34.4208 Degrees North latitudes and -119.6982 Degrees West longitudes.

Location Map of Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California

Where is Santa Barbara Located in Santa Barbara, California

About Map: The map shows the location of Santa Barbara in Santa Barbara County, in the U.S. state of California.

Santa Barbara Map, California, USA

About Santa Barbara Map: This Google Map provides a detailed view with zoom, satellite, and street options to explore the area and its surroundings.

About Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara County, California

Santa Barbara is located in Santa Barbara County in the U.S. state of California, United States. It lies in the southwestern part of the state in the state of the United States along the Pacific coastline between the Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific Ocean. The city was incorporated in 1850 and was named after Saint Barbara, reflecting its Spanish colonial heritage, and it developed as a mission settlement before becoming a cultural and coastal tourism center.

Population

According to the United States Census Bureau, the population of Santa Barbara is 88,665 as recorded in the 2020 Census, and the population density is approximately 4,700 people per square mile.

Area and Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, Santa Barbara covers a total area of approximately 42.0 square miles (about 108.8 square kilometers), including about 19.5 square miles (50.5 square kilometers) of land and 22.5 square miles (58.3 square kilometers) of water.

Location and Surroundings

Santa Barbara is situated southeast of Goleta and northwest of Carpinteria, positioned along a south-facing stretch of coastline. The city features beaches, coastal bluffs, and foothills rising toward the Santa Ynez Mountains. U.S. Route 101 runs through the city, providing a major transportation corridor along California’s central coast.

Attractions and Recreation

Santa Barbara offers beaches, historic landmarks, and cultural institutions that support recreation and tourism. Popular destinations include the Santa Barbara Mission, Stearns Wharf, and the Santa Barbara County Courthouse. The city is also home to the University of California, Santa Barbara nearby, contributing to higher education, research, and cultural activities in the region.

Transportation

Santa Barbara is served by U.S. Route 101, connecting the city to Los Angeles and San Francisco along the Pacific coast. Passenger rail service is available via Amtrak, and local transit provides bus connections throughout the area. The nearest major airport is Santa Barbara Airport, located approximately 10 miles to the west.

Explore more cities in California or visit the United States Map section to learn more about the country’s geography.

Sources:

Population and area data sourced from the United States Census Bureau (2020 Census). General city information referenced from the Official Santa Barbara City Website.

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  • Santa Barbara City Facts

    CitySanta Barbara
    StateCalifornia
    CountySanta Barbara County
    CountryUnited States
    RegionCentral Coast of California
    IncorporatedApril 9, 1850
    Founded1782
    Total AreaApproximately 42.0 sq mi (108.8 km2)
    Land AreaApproximately 19.5 sq mi (50.5 km2)
    Water AreaApproximately 22.5 sq mi (58.3 km2)
    ElevationApproximately 49 ft (15 m)
    Population (2023 estimate)Approximately 88,000+
    Population (2020 Census)88,665
    Population DensityApproximately 4,500 people per sq mi
    Time ZonePacific Time (UTC-8 / UTC-7 DST)
    ZIP Codes93101, 93103, 93105, 93108, 93109, 93110, 93111, 93117
    Area Code805
    Major HighwaysU.S. Route 101, State Route 154
    Public TransitAmtrak Pacific Surfliner, Santa Barbara MTD
    Major AttractionsSanta Barbara Mission, Stearns Wharf, Santa Barbara Harbor
    Official Websitehttps://www.santabarbaraca.gov/

    Distance from Santa Barbara City, CA to Nearby Cities

    • Carpinteria, CA – 12 miles (19 km)
    • Goleta, CA – 10 miles (16 km)
    • Ventura, CA – 30 miles (48 km)
    • Oxnard, CA – 38 miles (61 km)
    • Santa Paula, CA – 35 miles (56 km)
    • Fillmore, CA – 45 miles (72 km)
    • Lompoc, CA – 55 miles (89 km)
    • Santa Maria, CA – 65 miles (105 km)
    • Solvang, CA – 35 miles (56 km)
    • Buellton, CA – 30 miles (48 km)
    • Thousand Oaks, CA – 70 miles (113 km)
    • Simi Valley, CA – 80 miles (129 km)
    • Malibu, CA – 68 miles (109 km)
    • Los Angeles, CA – 95 miles (153 km)
    • San Luis Obispo, CA – 95 miles (153 km)
    • Atascadero, CA – 110 miles (177 km)
    • Paso Robles, CA – 120 miles (193 km)
    • Bakersfield, CA – 140 miles (225 km)
    • Santa Clarita, CA – 85 miles (137 km)
    • Camarillo, CA – 45 miles (72 km)

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