The focal point of any trip to Santa Barbara is the downtown area, characterized by unique shopping, great food and distinctive architecture. Whether it’s your first visit or your fifth, you’re sure to find something you’ll love here.
STATE STREET
Along this palm-lined thoroughfare you’ll be surrounded on all sides by shops, boutiques, tantalizing eateries and beautiful buildings. It’s easy to explore by foot or on the electric shuttle that runs the length of downtown. For those who are returning, you may have hit the highlights, but have you truly discovered the hidden gems just off the beaten path?
ATTRACTIONS
There’s plenty to see and do downtown. From historic cultural venues likeGranada Theatreto interesting museums and luxurious spas, you’ll find plenty of activities within a short walk of each other. And, strolling through Downtown will give you a chance to admire the city’s unique architecture. Designed in the Spanish Colonial style, the Santa Barbara County Courthouseis a great example of the predominant architecture that bloomed in the area following the 1925 earthquake. Climb the steps or take a quick elevator ride to the top of the courthouse’s watchtower, where you’ll enjoy 360-degree views of the city and the quintessential red-tile rooftops that surround it.
SHOPPING DOWNTOWN
Along the streets of downtown you’ll find some of the most distinct and diverse shopping around, from consignment stores to gift and souvenir shops, open-air markets to galleries. With the beautiful landscape and architecture as a backdrop, a short trip to downtown can easily become an all-day, marathon shopping trip. You’ll find locally owned boutiques and trusted, name-brand stores, as well as one of the city’s most unique jewels, La Arcada Court. With entrances on State Street and Figueroa, La Arcadais a quaint and charming substitute for the larger malls, boasting some of Santa Barbara’s top restaurants and art galleries as well as a number of retail boutiques. Tile-lined walkways, fountains, sidewalk cafes and beautiful sculptures decorate the lush landscapes of this outdoor courtyard.
DOWNTOWN RESTAURANTS AND FOOD
After all that shopping and sightseeing you’ll definitely want to get a bite at one of the dozens of restaurants that pepper downtown Santa Barbara. Santa Barbara’s eclectic dining options are the perfect compliment to the gorgeous weather and scenery. World-renowned chefs source fresh ingredients from daily farmers’ markets and fish markets near the harbor to create incredible dishes that make for an unforgettable dining experience. With so many options you can have a different culinary experience for every meal.
If you want to dive deeper into local food experiences, enjoy a self-guided tour of the Santa Barbara Public Market for tastes of seafood, flavorful organic meals, and Asian fare. Or, go on a proper foodie excursion withSanta Barbara Tasting Toursand savor the local cuisine with an expert guide.
PARKING AND TRANSPORTATION
With so much to do in downtown your schedule will be packed. Luckily, getting from one thing to the next isn’t a chore and there are transportation options for every kind of visitor. Make the most of the sunny weather and fresh air by walking through downtown or riding the miles upon miles of bike paths that run throughout the city. Tour the town on two wheels by renting a bike or bringing your own, and don’t forget to grab a Santa Barbara County Bike Map, available at local bike shops, the Downtown Santa Barbara Visitor Center or as a downloadable app.
If you need a lift but want to stay car free, downtown has a number of choices. Public transportation options are as varied as the places they can take you and include busses, open-air trollies and pedicabs. For those who want to drive, the city has nine parking lots and five parking structures with more than 3,000 parking stalls. You can also track real-time parking availability.
Turn Santa Barbara into a giant game board with this fun scavenger hunt adventure. Combine the excitement of the Amazing Race with a three-hour city tour. Guided from any smart phone, teams make their way among well known and…
Ballroom Dance Lessons for Singles and Couples Arthur Murray Santa Barbara specializes in teaching beginner dancers everything they need to know to survive on the dance floor. Our interrelated system makes learning to dance to any style of music…
If you’re looking for a rental or tour of Santa Barbara or just something fun to do, you’ve found the right place! Cal Coast Adventures offers 10 different types of bike tours from electric bike tours of the city to leisurely mountain…
Established in 1984, Elizabeth Gordon Gallery has become a premier destination for contemporary art collectors and enthusiasts. Its stunning collection of paintings adorning the gallery walls offers a captivating experience and stands as one of the…
Kyle's Restaurant Family is a socially-responsible chain of restaurants based in Santa Barbara, California that supports organizations and initiatives dedicated to improving the lives of people with special needs living in the communities they…
At Music of the Spheres, we are committed to assisting each individual in pursuing their own journey of self-awareness with love and compassion; and help raise collective consciousness for a healthier planet. We offer a variety of unique classes to…
Night Lizard Brewing Company is a family-owned Santa Barbara brewery located on lower State Street. We are committed to producing the highest quality craft beers using the freshest local ingredients while inspiring and educating the public on…
Nomad Tango is a non-profit founded to promote Tango music, dance and social gatherings (milongas) as a way to expand well-being and a sense of belonging. We believe that tango needs to be understood as an art form, and take its place among ballet,…
Walk the halls of history at one of Santa Barbara’s most iconic sites, Old Mission Santa Barbara. With its grand bell towers, lush gardens and views of the San Ynez mountains and Pacific Ocean, the Mission is one of the city’s most…
Paseo Nuevo is open daily! View our website for current Hours. Paseo Nuevo is Santa Barbara's premier outdoor shopping destination in the heart of downtown! Complimentary disposable face masks are available up on request…
BE THE CHANGE We believe by we can make a difference, one towel at a time. Our mission is to create beautiful towels and textiles that help fund marine agencies working to heal and protect our oceans. Designed in Santa Barbara and delivered…
Nestled in the foothills of Santa Barbara, The Santa Barbara Bowl was built in 1936 and has served as one of Santa Barbara’s most iconic outdoor music venues since. The outdoor concert venue seats up to 4,562, so you’re guaranteed a…
Celebrate 5,000 years of human history and creativity on a visit to the Santa Barbara Museum of Art (SBMA). First opened in 1941, the Museum is located in the heart of downtown in a stately building that was once the Santa Barbara Post Office.…
Satellite is a Farmer to Table/Farmer to Glass Restaurant & Natural Wine Shop, focused on ethical, environmentally beneficial agriculture and the freshest locally grown ingredients. They provide an alall-dayar, lunch and dinner service as…
A contemporary Lower State Street neighborhood cocktail bar inspired by the fusion of the Golden Age of Cuban cocktails and al fresco drinking. We are driven by coastal influences (due to our proximity to the ocean), local produce,…
Welcome aboard Santa Barbara Trolley Tours. With over 30 years in service, we know Santa Barbara! Let our experienced Santa Barbara native drivers guide you through Santa Barbara’s hot spots! We offer fully-narrated tours packed with…
Discover Saint Remy. Tempt your appetite and entice your senses. Saint Remy features the freshest locally-sourced ingredients, delivered with a Mediterranean coastal twist. From breakfast through dinner, every meal is uniformly inventive and…
Located in the heart of Downtown Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara BCycle LLC delivers a best-in-class bike share system for the City of Santa Barbara and is committed to providing an environmentally sustainable transportation alternative for cities.…
Santa Barbara Ghost Tours offers a variety of exciting, informative and entertaining ghost tours in some of the beautiful neighborhoods in Santa Barbara. We offer a variety of ghost tours for our guests to enjoy. View our website for wine…
Santa Barbara Trapeze Company is Southern California’s premier flying trapeze school, but it’s not just a circus school - it’s a space where you come and find out who you are, and what you are made of; you will leave feeling…
Tend to your mind, body and spirit with a relaxing visit to Soul Care Studio + Sauna. Slow your pace and enjoy some self care, while adding a vivid and unforgettable experience to your time in Santa Barbara. Soul Care's relaxing space will soothe…
The Tamsen Gallery features the vibrant work of visual artist Robert W. Firestone. Firestone’s art portrays the human psyche and its colorful emotional experience, drawing inspiration from his experience as a clinical psychologist. From…
Totally Cali Tours delivers an authentic and in-depth Santa Barbara experience! Choose from History, Wine & Beer Tasting or Cultural tours of downtown Santa Barbara as well as our prestigious Wine Country. We also specialize…
