California · Pacific Time
Santa Barbara, CA Area Codes
Santa Barbara is served by 2 area codes (805, 820). Here's which is original, which are overlays, and how to pick one for a new local number.
Last updated October 3, 2026 · Source: NANPA
Area codes serving Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara sits in California, part of the West region and the Pacific Time zone. Its numbers are spread across an overlay of 2 codes that all cover the same ground: 805, 820.
The original code is 805 (in service since 1957). As the area ran low on numbers, regulators added overlay codes on top instead of splitting the city, so longtime residents kept their numbers while new lines received a newer code.
| Code | Area served | In service |
|---|---|---|
| 805 | California Central Coast: Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties | January 1, 1957 |
| 820 | California Central Coast: Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties | June 30, 2018 |
Nearby cities sharing these area codes
- Oxnard
- Thousand Oaks
- Simi Valley
- Ventura
- Santa Maria
- Camarillo
- San Luis Obispo
- Moorpark
- Lompoc
- Goleta
- Paso Robles
- Atascadero
How to pick an area code for a new number
When you activate a new line in Santa Barbara, the carrier assigns whichever code has numbers available — you usually can't choose. If a specific code matters to you (for example the prestige of 805), ask the carrier whether any blocks remain, or request a number transfer. All codes here dial identically and cost the same.
Dialing in Santa Barbara
Because Santa Barbara is an overlay area, 10-digit dialing is mandatory: always dial the area code plus the seven-digit number, even for a neighbor. From outside the US, dial +1, then the area code and number. See 10-digit dialing and overlay area codes for the background. For every code in California, visit the California area codes page.
Quick answers
Santa Barbara area code FAQ
What area codes does Santa Barbara use?
Santa Barbara, CA is served by 2 area codes: 805, 820.
Which is the original Santa Barbara area code?
805 is the original code for Santa Barbara, in service since 1957; the others were added later for more numbers.
What time zone is Santa Barbara in?
Santa Barbara is in the Pacific Time zone.
Do I need to dial the area code in Santa Barbara?
Yes. With multiple overlapping codes, 10-digit dialing is required for every call in this area.