Guide to the Best Boutique Shopping in Santa Barbara

Treasure hunters are wild about The Blue Door, a Funk Zone favorite offering three floors packed with vintage and Mid-Century Modern furniture. The vast space houses exclusively vintage and locally-made items ranging from Balinese wall décor, Spanish Colonial wrought iron chandeliers and Chinese antiques to seafaring knick knacks, massive American flags and flawlessly restored Danish modern furniture. The goods are curated by a variety of designers and dealers who share the owners’ keen aesthetic. Their themed tableaus are refreshed on a nearly daily basis so no visit to The Blue Door ever feels redundant.

Photo credit: The Blue Door

Located in the Funk Zone neighborhood, The Shopkeepers showcases large scale art by local painter Hank Pitcher, avant-garde footwear from The Office of Angela Scott, modern men’s beachwear by Saltura, colorful Turkish towels made by Riviera Towel Company and Waxing Poetic’s jewelry collection — to name just a few of the covetable brands in regular rotation. Whether you’re in the market for luxurious textiles for your home, an elegant hostess gift or a rocking leather jacket, The Shopkeepers is filled with tempting items you won’t find in any department store. They even offer a selection of books set in Santa Barbara sourced from the community’s beloved Chaucer’s Books.

Photo credit: @the.shopkeepers via Instagram

Diani Living offers everyday home and lifestyle items that embody beauty, functionality and sustainability. From proprietary furniture, pillows, linens, candles and more to flatware, bedding, bath, one-of-kind vintage items and books, owners Caroline and Jeffrey curate what they would like to see in either of the homes they share in Santa Barbara and Upstate NY. Diani has recently expanded its collection of non-toxic skin, body care and wellness essentials and sustainable, minimal packaging products for the kitchen and home. To add living accents to your home, the on-site Botany Bar offers custom succulent arrangements both large and small.

Photo credit: @dianiboutique via Instagram

Named after the owner’s sons, Jake & Jones is welcome addition to Santa Barbara’s boutique line-up in a neighborhood increasingly know for its independent spirit. The bright, airy Canon Perdido shop is filled with colorful beachy-boho chic clothing and fashion-forward frocks from homegrown California brands like Heidi Merrick, The Odells and Aviator Nation plus lines with indie cred like Ace & Jig, Carolina K and 3×1 denim. Kids clothing are also on offer, along with a delightful selection of home accents, books and notecards.

Photo credit: @shopjakeandjones via Instagram

Loveworn is a denim lover’s dream in the Funk Zone. Not only do they have a massive selection of premium vintage blues, Loveworn is a lifeline for your favorite tattered jeans in need of some TLC. In addition to repairs, they offer alterations to help you get the perfect fit. Other clothing for sale includes colorful halter dresses and cool, comfy screen-printed tees and sweatshirts — all handmade by owner/designer Jill Johnson. Last but not least, Loveworn shares space with artist Wallace Piatt and his Rodeo of the Arts Gallery, featuring large format paintings. His limited-edition prints are reasonably priced and available for sale on the website.

Ace Rivington is a Santa Barbara brand through and through, catering specifically to men. The made-in-California denim specialist does tailoring right on-site, and every pair of jeans comes with free repairs and alterations for life. The elevated basic tees and sweatshirts are as soft as they can be and are the very kind of staples you live in daily. For the ladies, Ace Rivington offers classic straight denim comfort jeans in a selection of rinses.

Photo credit: @acerivington via Instagram

Women in search of wardrobe enhancements must pop into clothing designer Catherine Gee’s space where she designs her ready to wear collections and invites clients to shop her silk dresses and tailored tops — many pieces have been featured in leading global fashion magazines. Shop through a curated selection of the season’s chic, yet effortless designs in downtown Santa Barbara.

Lovebird Boutique & Jewelry Bar is an independent, locally-owned gem off State Street in the historic El Paseo. Expect breezy dresses, comfy rompers, cozy cashmere and the loungey-est of loungewear. Boho chic accessories range from totes and crossbody bags to clutches and face masks. Lovebird hits the sweet spot of affordable luxury with a beachy elegance. Their online store is well-stocked yet not overwhelming. Think of it as the Lovebird edit!

Photo credit: @lovebirdsb via Instagram

Dylan Star is a contemporary women’s clothing boutique in Santa Barbara’s Funk Zone neighborhood. With an emphasis on personal styling, the staff is known for their keen eyes and genuine passion for accessible fashion. You can trust the stylists to do right by you when it comes to finding the perfect styles and fits that will feel most authentically “you,” be it for barefoot casual days or a date night out on the town.

Photo credit: @dylanstar.sb via Instagram

Family owned and operated, the Italian Pottery Outlet has been a State Street institution since 1982. The Spalutto’s offer the largest selection of authentic Italian “Majolica” hand-painted pottery and volcanic tables in the Western U.S. The colorful home and garden wares are primarily sourced from Umbria, Tuscany and Sicily and fit perfectly with Santa Barbara’s Mediterranean style. Better yet, you can buy these beautiful ceramics at wholesale prices — expect to pay at least 30% less than what you’d find at a traditional retailer.

Photo credit: @italianpottery via Instagram

The Lotus Boutique in Santa Barbara is a hidden gem for fashion lovers seeking effortlessly chic, bohemian-inspired pieces. Located in the heart of downtown, this curated boutique features a thoughtfully selected mix of clothing, accessories, and gifts that reflect a laid-back California aesthetic. From flowy dresses and statement jewelry to beachy basics and artisan finds, Lotus Boutique captures the spirit of Santa Barbara style.

Photo courtesy of The Lotus Boutique

Domecíl is a beautifully curated home and lifestyle boutique on State Street, offering artisan-made décor, ceramics, textiles and gifts. With a focus on craftsmanship and timeless design, it’s a go-to spot for elegant, one-of-a-kind souvenirs or meaningful gifts that reflect Santa Barbara’s refined style.

Photo courtesy of Domecíl

Riviera Towel Company is a standout spot for thoughtful shopping in Santa Barbara, especially if you’re looking for stylish souvenirs or gifts with a coastal vibe. Located just steps from the Presidio, this charming boutique offers beautifully designed Turkish towels, throws and home goods that reflect the relaxed elegance of the area. Each purchase supports ocean conservation efforts, so you can feel good about bringing home a piece of Santa Barbara that gives back.

Photo credit: @rivieratowel via Instagram

Whiskey & Leather is a lifestyle concept store created by friends Zee Chew and Ariel Hujar. Their Coast Village Road boutique carries clothing and footwear for women and men and—as the name implies — everything you need for a styling home bar. Whiskey & Leather presents a youthful interpretation of Santa Barbara’s signature easy-going elegance that extends beyond clothing to the art, antiques, accessories, books and candles that fill their Montecito space.

Photo credit: @whiskeyleather via Instagram

Mate Gallery is a tiny den of New England style curated by owners Ron Brand and Matt Albiani. Albiani’s fine art beach photography and vintage oil paintings are displayed alongside out of print books (like The Hardy Boys series) and rare nautical artifacts. Nearly every surface of their maritime-themed Montecito Country Mart shop is adorned with eye-catching items, from surfboards wrapped in rope and American flags to stacks of vintage OP shorts and racks of preppy polos.

Photo credit: @mategallery via Instagram

Longtime Santa Barbara entrepreneurs Wendy Foster and Pierre Lafond’s Upstairs at Pierre Lafond is the iconic home and gift store in their local retail and culinary empire. The Upper Village shop set above the Wendy Foster clothing boutiques and Pierre Lafond Café features an ample selection of Moroccan rugs and pillows, tabletop décor and luxurious bedding. There are rooms dedicated to women’s loungewear and pampering products, men’s clothing and lifestyle goods and kids’ toys and clothes. You’ll also find coffee table books, sophisticated stationary and vibrant art works by local painters.

Photo credit: @upstairspierrelafond via Instagram

While Jenni Kayne isn’t technically a homegrown Santa Barbara brand, the California tastemaker’s Montecito boutique is one of only six in the country and exudes the laid back luxury of The American Riviera®. The Upper Village shop is pure earthy elegance with its reclaimed wood shelving and concrete floors that complement the selection of Jenni Kayne clothing, shoes, accessories, bedding and home accents on offer. Other brands blended in include Janessa Leone hats, Jesse Kamm pants and The Great’s wardrobe staples.

Photo credit: @jennikayne via Instagram

Summerland’s The Sacred Space will take you on a spiritual journey as you wander through the interior galleries and peaceful gardens out back. The calming space is sourced with furniture, statues, art and textiles that foster tranquility from all over the world. Buddhas, prosperity elephants and meditation benches fill the fragrant shop where incense, candles and Asian artifacts give you much to touch, smell and see. You can even enjoy a cup of tea. The quality of the items and serenity of the space have attracted notable local clientele like Oprah Winfrey and Jeff Bridges.

Photo credit: @mahgey via Instagram

True Love Always is a jewel box of a boutique tucked along Coast Village Road in Montecito, curated by mother-daughter duo Lori and Olivia Runnfeldt. Opened in 2022, the shop blends global finds with a distinctly personal touch — think Italian cashmere, Turkish velvet pillows, handcrafted leather bags and one-of-a-kind jewelry. Every piece is handpicked, reflecting their shared love of travel, design, and timeless style. It’s part treasure hunt, part lifestyle haven and entirely unique to the Montecito shopping scene.

Photo courtesy of True Love Always

​Homer Maker is a boutique in Montecito specializing in handcrafted, heirloom-quality leather goods. Founded by fashion industry veteran Terry Pillow, the store offers a range of products, including bespoke bags, belts and wine carriers, all meticulously crafted using traditional techniques and premium materials. Each piece can be personalized with monogramming or custom hardware, ensuring a unique and timeless accessory.

Photo credit: Jeff Brierly

Tucked into the breezy elegance of Rosewood Miramar Beach, a handful of luxe boutiques turn the resort into a destination for style as much as seaside relaxation. Browse high fashion at The Webster, where labels like Celine and Saint Laurent mingle effortlessly with ocean air. Step into Bottega Veneta for sculptural leather goods and coastal-cool sophistication, or explore goop Sundries for clean beauty and curated wellness with a Montecito twist. The Shop at Miramar keeps things playful with resort wear and beachy finds, while Zegna delivers timeless menswear with Italian precision.