Santa Barbara Utilities

1. Electricity

2. Natural Gas

  • Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas)

    • Website: SoCalGas

    • SoCalGas provides natural gas services to homes and businesses.

3. Water & Sewer

  • City of Santa Barbara Water Department

    • Website: City of Santa Barbara Water

    • The City of Santa Barbara provides water and sewer services for city residents.

  • In certain unincorporated areas, other water districts such as Montecito Water District may be the service provider.

4. Trash & Recycling

  • MarBorg Industries

    • Website: MarBorg Industries

    • MarBorg handles trash, recycling, and green waste services in Santa Barbara.

5. Internet & Cable




School District Offices in Santa Barbara

  1. Santa Barbara Unified School District (SBUSD)

    • Address: 720 Santa Barbara St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

    • Website: Santa Barbara Unified School District

    • Description: The SBUSD oversees public schools in the Santa Barbara area, including elementary, junior high, and high schools.

  2. Goleta Union School District (GUSD)

    • Address: 401 N Fairview Ave, Goleta, CA 93117

    • Website: Goleta Union School District

    • Description: GUSD serves elementary schools in the neighboring Goleta area, which is just north of Santa Barbara.

  3. Carpinteria Unified School District (CUSD)

    • Address: 1400 Linden Ave, Carpinteria, CA 93013

    • Website: Carpinteria Unified School District

    • Description: CUSD manages the public schools in Carpinteria, a nearby coastal city to the southeast of Santa Barbara.

Colleges in Santa Barbara:

  1. University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB)

    • Address: 5221 Cheadle Hall, Santa Barbara, CA 93106

    • Website: UCSB

    • Description: A major research university in the University of California system, UCSB is known for its strong academic programs and beautiful beachfront campus.

  2. Santa Barbara City College (SBCC)

    • Address: 721 Cliff Dr, Santa Barbara, CA 93109

    • Website: Santa Barbara City College

    • Description: SBCC is a highly regarded community college offering two-year degrees and transfer programs, as well as career and technical education.

  3. Westmont College

    • Address: 955 La Paz Rd, Montecito, CA 93108

    • Website: Westmont College

    • Description: A private Christian liberal arts college located in Montecito, near Santa Barbara, offering undergraduate degrees in a variety of disciplines.

  4. Antioch University Santa Barbara

    • Address: 602 Anacapa St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

    • Website: Antioch University Santa Barbara

    • Description: A private university offering graduate and undergraduate degree programs, with a focus on social justice and experiential learning.

  5. Fielding Graduate University

    • Address: 2020 De La Vina St, Santa Barbara, CA 93105

    • Website: Fielding Graduate University

    • Description: An accredited nonprofit university offering graduate programs in fields like psychology, education, and leadership for adult learners.




Senior Centers and Support Services

  1. Santa Barbara County Adult & Aging Network

    • Website: Adult & Aging Network

    • Description: This county-wide network provides support for aging adults, including resources for senior services, housing assistance, and healthcare.

  2. Santa Barbara Senior Center

    • Address: 423 W Victoria St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

    • Website: Santa Barbara Senior Center

    • Description: A hub for recreational and social activities, educational classes, and senior advocacy. They also offer support services like meals, transportation, and wellness checks.

  3. Area Agency on Aging (Central Coast Commission for Senior Citizens)

    • Website: Central Coast Seniors

    • Description: The Area Agency on Aging provides information and services for older adults, including advocacy, case management, meal programs, legal assistance, and Medicare counseling.

  4. Easy Lift Transportation

    • Website: Easy Lift Transportation

    • Description: A non-profit organization offering specialized transportation services for seniors and disabled individuals who cannot use public transit due to mobility issues.

Healthcare Services for Seniors

  1. Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics (SBNC)

    • Website: SBNC

    • Description: SBNC provides low-cost healthcare, dental services, and mental health support for seniors, regardless of their ability to pay.

  2. Cottage Health: Senior Services

    • Website: Cottage Health

    • Description: Cottage Health offers a range of healthcare services for seniors, including primary care, geriatric care, and access to specialized senior wellness programs.

  3. Visiting Nurse & Hospice Care (VNHC)

    • Website: VNHC

    • Description: VNHC provides home healthcare, palliative care, and hospice services for seniors in the comfort of their own homes.

Senior Housing and Assisted Living

  1. Friendship Manor

    • Website: Friendship Manor

    • Description: A non-profit independent living community for seniors in Goleta, offering affordable housing options with meal services and social activities.

  2. Villa Santa Barbara

    • Website: Villa Santa Barbara

    • Description: Assisted living facility offering residential options for seniors with supportive services, including meals, transportation, and wellness programs.

  3. Casa Dorinda

    • Website: Casa Dorinda

    • Description: A luxury retirement community in Montecito providing independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing, and memory care.

Food Assistance and Nutrition Programs

  1. Meals on Wheels Santa Barbara

    • Website: Meals on Wheels

    • Description: Delivers hot, nutritious meals to homebound seniors in Santa Barbara who are unable to prepare meals for themselves.

  2. Senior Nutrition Program (Community Action Commission)

    • Website: CAC Senior Nutrition

    • Description: Provides healthy meals for seniors at various community centers and delivers meals to homebound seniors throughout the county.

Recreation and Social Activities

  1. Santa Barbara Parks & Recreation - Senior Programs

    • Website: Santa Barbara Parks & Rec

    • Description: Offers fitness classes, educational programs, and social events designed for seniors at various locations, including the Carrillo Recreation Center.

  2. Santa Barbara Village

    • Website: Santa Barbara Village

    • Description: A membership-based organization providing social and educational events for seniors as well as volunteer services like transportation and home maintenance.

Legal Assistance

  1. Legal Aid Foundation of Santa Barbara County

    • Website: Legal Aid Foundation

    • Description: Provides free legal services for low-income seniors, including help with housing, elder abuse, and healthcare rights.

  2. Senior Citizens Legal Services

    • Website: Senior Citizens Legal Services

    • Description: Offers legal advice and representation to seniors on issues like estate planning, guardianship, and elder law.




Historical and Architectural Landmarks

  1. Santa Barbara Mission ("Queen of the Missions")

    • Address: 2201 Laguna St, Santa Barbara, CA 93105

    • Website: Santa Barbara Mission

    • Description: Founded in 1786, this historic Spanish mission is one of the most iconic landmarks in Santa Barbara, known for its stunning architecture, gardens, and a museum showcasing its history.

  2. Santa Barbara County Courthouse

    • Address: 1100 Anacapa St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

    • Website: Santa Barbara Courthouse

    • Description: Famous for its Spanish Colonial Revival style, the courthouse features mural rooms, a clock tower with panoramic city views, and beautifully landscaped gardens.

  3. El Presidio de Santa Bárbara State Historic Park

    • Address: 123 E Canon Perdido St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

    • Website: El Presidio

    • Description: This Spanish military fort was built in 1782 to protect the region, and it’s now a preserved historic site offering visitors a glimpse into early California history.

  4. Casa de la Guerra

    • Address: 15 E De La Guerra St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

    • Website: Casa de la Guerra

    • Description: This historic adobe house was once the home of the Spanish commandant, José de la Guerra, and is now a museum that highlights Santa Barbara's early history.

  5. Arlington Theatre

    • Address: 1317 State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

    • Website: Arlington Theatre

    • Description: Built in 1931, the Arlington is a classic Spanish Colonial Revival movie palace and a popular venue for films, concerts, and events.

Natural Landmarks

  1. Stearns Wharf

    • Address: 219 Stearns Wharf, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

    • Website: Stearns Wharf

    • Description: The oldest working wooden wharf in California, built in 1872, Stearns Wharf is a popular tourist spot with restaurants, shops, and scenic views of the Pacific Ocean and Santa Ynez Mountains.

  2. Santa Barbara Botanic Garden

Things to do

1. Santa Barbara Parks & Recreation

  • Website: Santa Barbara Parks & Recreation

  • Description: The Parks & Recreation Department offers a variety of family-friendly activities, including parks, playgrounds, beaches, sports facilities, and community events. You can find information on local parks, hiking trails, tennis courts, and recreational programs for all ages.

2. Santa Barbara Zoo

  • Website: Santa Barbara Zoo

  • Description: One of the most popular family destinations, the Santa Barbara Zoo features over 500 animals, educational programs, a train ride, and interactive exhibits that make it a fun outing for kids and parents alike.

3. MOXI - The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation

  • Website: MOXI

  • Description: MOXI is an interactive science and technology museum designed to engage families and children through hands-on exhibits related to science, technology, engineering, and art.

4. Santa Barbara Maritime Museum

  • Website: Santa Barbara Maritime Museum

  • Description: Families can explore the rich maritime history of the Santa Barbara coast through interactive exhibits, a working periscope, and hands-on learning experiences.

5. Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History

  • Website: Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History

  • Description: This museum is perfect for curious kids, offering exhibits on local wildlife, geology, paleontology, and a planetarium. Families can also explore nature trails and hands-on activities for children.

6. Lotusland

  • Website: Lotusland

  • Description: Lotusland is a stunning 37-acre garden with rare plants, perfect for a family stroll. It’s an educational and beautiful experience for children who enjoy nature and exploring exotic plant life.

7. Stearns Wharf

  • Website: Stearns Wharf

  • Description: Stearns Wharf is a great spot for families to visit, with local restaurants, an aquarium (Sea Center), and shops, plus gorgeous views of the harbor and ocean.

8. Santa Barbara Adventure Company

  • Website: Santa Barbara Adventure Company

  • Description: Families can enjoy outdoor activities like kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, or biking. The company offers tours for all skill levels and ages, making it a great way to explore the natural beauty of the Santa Barbara coast.

9. Santa Barbara Public Library

  • Website: Santa Barbara Public Library

  • Description: The library offers a range of family-friendly programs such as storytime for young children, craft sessions, book clubs, and learning workshops. It’s a great community resource for parents and kids alike.

10. Whale Watching Tours

  • Website: Condor Express Whale Watching

  • Description: Santa Barbara is a prime spot for whale watching, and the Condor Express offers family-friendly boat tours to see humpback whales, dolphins, and other marine life.

11. Family-Friendly Beaches

  • Website: Santa Barbara Beaches

  • Description: The city's website offers a directory of beaches that are perfect for families, including popular spots like Leadbetter Beach, Arroyo Burro (Hendry's Beach), and East Beach.

12. Santa Barbara Kids Activities Directory

  • Website: Kids Activities Directory

  • Description: This local directory offers listings of all the kid-friendly activities, including playgrounds, museums, adventure tours, educational programs, and seasonal events.

13. Santa Barbara Family YMCA

  • Website: Santa Barbara Family YMCA

  • Description: The YMCA offers fitness classes, sports leagues, swimming lessons, and camps for kids and families, as well as parent-child programs and community events.

14. Sea Center (Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History)

  • Website: Sea Center

  • Description: Located on Stearns Wharf, the Sea Center offers hands-on exhibits about local marine life, including touch tanks, and interactive displays, perfect for families to explore the underwater world.




Santa Barbara is renowned for its diverse and vibrant culinary scene. Here are 20 of the best restaurants in the area, offering a variety of cuisines, from farm-to-table to seafood, fine dining, and casual eateries

1. The Lark

  • Cuisine: New American, Farm-to-Table

  • Address: 131 Anacapa St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

  • Website: thelarksb.com

  • Description: Located in the trendy Funk Zone, The Lark serves seasonal, locally sourced dishes in a communal dining atmosphere.

2. Bouchon Santa Barbara

  • Cuisine: French, Californian

  • Address: 9 W Victoria St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

  • Website: bouchonsantabarbara.com

  • Description: A fine dining restaurant that highlights California cuisine with a French twist, offering an extensive wine list featuring local vintages.

3. Loquita

  • Cuisine: Spanish, Tapas

  • Address: 202 State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

  • Website: loquitasb.com

  • Description: Loquita specializes in authentic Spanish tapas, paella, and an impressive selection of Spanish wines and cocktails.

4. Brophy Bros.

  • Cuisine: Seafood

  • Address: 119 Harbor Way, Santa Barbara, CA 93109

  • Website: brophybros.com

  • Description: Overlooking the Santa Barbara Harbor, this lively seafood spot is known for fresh oysters, clam chowder, and views of the marina.

5. Arigato Sushi

  • Cuisine: Japanese, Sushi

  • Address: 1225 State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

  • Description: A go-to for sushi lovers, Arigato is popular for its fresh fish, creative rolls, and artistic presentations.

6. Santa Barbara Shellfish Company

  • Cuisine: Seafood

  • Address: 230 Stearns Wharf, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

  • Website: shellfishco.com

  • Description: Located on Stearns Wharf, this small seafood restaurant serves up local favorites like lobster, crabs, and clam chowder.

7. Jeannine's Restaurant & Bakery

  • Cuisine: American, Bakery

  • Address: 1253 Coast Village Rd, Santa Barbara, CA 93108

  • Website: jeannines.com

  • Description: A beloved breakfast and brunch spot, Jeannine’s is famous for its pastries, scrambles, and healthy bowls.

8. Ca' Dario

  • Cuisine: Italian

  • Address: 37 E Victoria St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

  • Website: cadario.net

  • Description: A favorite for authentic Italian fare, Ca' Dario offers classic pasta dishes, seafood, and a stellar wine list.

9. Toma Restaurant & Bar

  • Cuisine: Italian, Mediterranean

  • Address: 324 W Cabrillo Blvd, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

  • Website: tomarestaurant.com

  • Description: An intimate, waterfront Italian-Mediterranean restaurant offering handmade pasta, fresh seafood, and romantic views.

10. El Encanto, A Belmond Hotel (The Dining Room)

  • Cuisine: Californian

  • Address: 800 Alvarado Pl, Santa Barbara, CA 93103

  • Website: belmond.com/elencanto

  • Description: For a luxurious dining experience, El Encanto offers elevated California cuisine with stunning panoramic views of the city and ocean.

11. Finch & Fork

  • Cuisine: American

  • Address: 31 W Carrillo St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

  • Website: finchandforkrestaurant.com

  • Description: Located inside the Kimpton Canary Hotel, Finch & Fork serves up modern comfort food with an emphasis on local ingredients.

12. La Super-Rica Taqueria

  • Cuisine: Mexican

  • Address: 622 N Milpas St, Santa Barbara, CA 93103

  • Description: A local favorite for Mexican food, La Super-Rica is famous for its fresh, handmade tortillas and affordable, authentic tacos.

13. Convivo Restaurant and Bar

  • Cuisine: Italian, Mediterranean

  • Address: 901 E Cabrillo Blvd, Santa Barbara, CA 93103

  • Website: convivorestaurant.com

  • Description: Located in the Santa Barbara Inn, Convivo offers Italian and Mediterranean-inspired dishes with oceanfront views.

14. Opal Restaurant and Bar

  • Cuisine: Californian, Fusion

  • Address: 1325 State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

  • Website: opalrestaurantandbar.com

  • Description: Opal serves global fusion cuisine with a California twist, offering dishes that incorporate fresh, local ingredients.

15. Jane

  • Cuisine: American, Californian

  • Address: 1311 State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

  • Website: janerestaurantsb.com

  • Description: A family-owned restaurant that serves American classics and comfort food with a modern flair in a chic, welcoming setting.

16. Lucky Penny

  • Cuisine: Pizza, Casual

  • Address: 127 Anacapa St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

  • Website: luckypennysb.com

  • Description: Known for its wood-fired pizzas and relaxed vibe, Lucky Penny is a go-to spot for casual dining in the Funk Zone.

17. Sama Sama Kitchen

  • Cuisine: Southeast Asian, Fusion

  • Address: 1208 State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

  • Website: samasamakitchen.com

  • Description: Offering Southeast Asian-inspired cuisine with a focus on fresh, farm-to-table ingredients, Sama Sama is a popular spot for those seeking bold, innovative flavors.

18. Bettina Pizzeria

  • Cuisine: Italian, Pizza

  • Address: 1014 Coast Village Rd, Montecito, CA 93108

  • Website: bettinapizzeria.com

  • Description: This artisanal pizzeria in Montecito offers Neapolitan-style pizzas using local, seasonal ingredients and naturally leavened dough.

19. Barbareno

  • Cuisine: Californian, Farm-to-Table

  • Address: 205 W Canon Perdido St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

  • Website: barbareno.com

  • Description: Barbareno is a modern California restaurant with a focus on local, sustainable ingredients, offering dishes inspired by the region’s cultural history.

20. Cold Spring Tavern

  • Cuisine: American, Steakhouse

  • Address: 5995 Stagecoach Rd, Santa Barbara, CA 93105

  • Website: coldspringtavern.com

  • Description: A historic 19th-century stagecoach stop turned rustic tavern, Cold Spring offers hearty American fare like tri-tip sandwiches and steaks, with a charming Old West atmosphere.

These restaurants showcase Santa Barbara's diverse food scene, offering everything from fine dining and fresh seafood to casual eats and authentic ethnic cuisine.