Area codes in Santa Barbara, California

Santa Barbara, California uses 2 area codes — 805 and 820. The main Santa Barbara area code is 805.

Area codes serving Santa Barbara

Phone numbers in Santa Barbara are written as ten digits — for example (805) 555-0190 — and fall in the Pacific Time zone.

How Santa Barbara came to have 2 area codes

The original Santa Barbara area code is 805, in service since 1957. As the area ran low on available numbers, an overlay code was added over the same region for new phone lines: 820 (2018). Existing numbers kept their original code — an overlay never forces anyone to change their number — which is why Santa Barbara now uses all 2 codes and every local call is dialed with ten digits.

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Nearby cities

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Frequently asked questions

What is the area code for Santa Barbara?

The main area code for Santa Barbara, California is 805. Santa Barbara is now served by 2 area codes in total: 805, 820.

How many area codes does Santa Barbara have?

Santa Barbara has 2 area codes: 805, 820.

Why does Santa Barbara have more than one area code?

As Santa Barbara used up the numbers available in its original area code (805, in service since 1957), additional "overlay" codes were added over the same area so new phone numbers could keep being assigned.

How do you dial a Santa Barbara number?

Dial all 10 digits — the area code (805 or 820) followed by the 7-digit local number. From abroad, dial +1, then the area code and number.

Sourced from the official NANPA (North American Numbering Plan Administrator) numbering database, current as of August 2, 2026. Refreshed monthly.