Why go
- City in California, United States.
- Served by Santa Cruz Island Airport (SZN).
History
Santa Barbara is a coastal city in Santa Barbara County, California, of which it is also the county seat. Situated on a south-facing section of coastline, the longest such section on the West Coast of the United States excepting Alaska, the city lies between the steeply rising Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific Ocean. Santa Barbara's climate is often described as Mediterranean, and the city has been dubbed "The American Riviera". As of the 2020 census, Santa Barbara had a population of 88,665.
Airports
✈ Airlines & flight paths — 5 airlines, 6 direct destinations
- United Airlines UA (EM2, CRJ) · 3 routes: Denver*, Los Angeles*, San Francisco*
- Alaska Airlines AS (CRJ-700) · 2 routes: Portland*, Seattle*
- American Airlines AA (CRJ-900, CRJ) · 1 route: Phoenix*
- Frontier Airlines F9 (A319) · 1 route: Denver
- US Airways US (CRJ-900, CRJ) · 1 route: Phoenix*
Routes and aircraft from OpenFlights (open data; a point-in-time snapshot). * = codeshare. Linked destinations open their own guidebook. Flight numbers are not in the open data — they come from the airline or a paid schedule feed.
Getting there by ferry
Where things are
Photographs
credit: Wikipedia / Wikimedia Commons · See source page
When to go
The warmer, longer-day half of the year is the safest bet for a first visit.
Cooler and quieter, with fewer visitors and better value.
Short days and the coldest weather — check local conditions before travelling.
Getting there & around
Getting there. The nearest airport on record is Santa Cruz Island Airport (SZN); 7 other airports serve the wider area. Check rail and road links from the tourism sources below. By air: SBA has direct flights to 6 destinations on 5 airlines (incl. Denver, Phoenix, Los Angeles, Portland, San Francisco…). By water: 2 ferry terminals within 12 mi (nearest: Lil' Toot Boat Tours, 2.7 mi).
Getting around. Use the map above to orient yourself; nearby hotels, attractions and places to eat are listed from the live Ultimate data for Santa Barbara, California. Local transit details will be added as the guide is expanded.