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Isla Vista -- Goleta -- Santa Barbara -- Carpinteria

   Santa Barbara County, known as the "American Riviera," offers a unique blend of natural and cultural attractions. The Los Padres National Forest comprises nearly one-third of the county, but the area may be best known for its beautiful beaches. More than 100 miles of coastline invite visitors to surf, swim and soak up the sunshine along the central Pacific Coast.
   The region's Spanish heritage is evident in its cobbled pathways, red-tile roofs and mission-style adobes. The Santa Barbara County Courthouse features Spanish-Moorish architecture, and the Mission Santa Barbara is famed for its twin bell towers and manicured gardens. Other cultures have left their mark in Santa Barbara County as well. The towns of Santa Ynez and Los Olivos reflect the region's Western roots, and the quaint Danish village of Solvang is home to towering windmills and Tudor-style buildings.
   Santa Barbara is home to fine restaurants, art galleries and museums. Dine on the catch of the day at Stearns Wharf, or taste the latest vintages at one of the county's 60 premium wineries. The Santa Barbara Museum of Art houses a prestigious collection of art plus a special children's gallery. And annual events such as the Flamenco Arts Festival, the Santa Barbara Renaissance Faire and the Santa Barbara International Film Festival appeal to a wide range of interests.
   More than 400,000 residents live in Santa Barbara County, which spans 2,737 square miles. In 2000, the median value of owner-occupied housing units was $293,000.

Click on a beach city to learn more about it:
Isla Vista
Goleta
Santa Barbara
Carpinteria

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