Several thousand years ago the Chumash Indians settled here. In the 1500s the Spanish explored the region, but they didnt settle until 1782. Forty years later this land became part of Mexico when it won independence from Spain. The 1848 discovery of gold in California brought thousands of settlers, and by 1850 the American flag flew over Santa Barbara. In the 1870s Santa Barbara became a haven for health-seekers and tourists. Our downtown area is famous for its shopping and restaurants. The mountains provide hiking. Our active arts community provides music and theatre. We also have a busy waterfront. Around the turn of the 20th century, a wealthy local built the harbor and its break water giving us a busy and productive fishing and sporting fleet. It is common to see beautiful sail boats and yachts slipping in and out of the harbor's mouth. The Riviera Upper East San Roque Samarkand Westside The Mesa Mission Canyon Montecito Hope Ranch Carpinteria & Summerland Goleta Condo Living Important Phone Numbers