History

During the winter of 1890, local ranchers and businessmen began sharing drinks and tales with wealthy industrialists from the East who were staying for the season at Santa Barbara's posh Arlington Hotel. With horses being a common interest, a loose sort of brotherhood formed known as the "Arlington Jockey Club." So pleasant was this association that their sentiment soon grew to establish a permanent social club with its own clubhouse - the Santa Barbara Club.

Formally established in 1892, it is the oldest Club in Santa Barbara. Members moved into the Club’s current clubhouse in 1904 – a national historical landmark. For over a century, men and women of distinction have gathered at the Santa Barbara Club for friendship and social discourse, creating a particularly enjoyable atmosphere of meaningful congeniality.

Historically, much of the planning and development of the City of Santa Barbara took place within the confines of the Club. Today, it is an oasis of tranquility in the heart of downtown and serves as the locale for gatherings year-round. Cloaked in history and tradition, the Santa Barbara Club’s enduring purpose remains a gathering place for those who enjoy the fun, companionship, wisdom, education, and exchange of ideas achieved by close acquaintance with others.