Santa Barbara’s bars range from casual sports bars to rooftop lounges with ocean views. As the sun sets, patios fill up, live music kicks in and the city’s neighborhoods hum. Whether you’re after a craft cocktail, local wine or a late-night music set, there’s a spot that fits the mood.
Drinks With a View
Tucked between the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Ynez Mountains, Santa Barbara is built for picture-perfect open-air evenings. This is the kind of place where happy hour stretches easily into night. Rooftop bars and winery patios make the most of the coastal breeze, golden light and year-round mild weather, so you can sit back with a drink and enjoy the views. Explore outdoor wine tasting experiences.
Taste What’s Local
Santa Barbara’s tasting culture is rooted in craftsmanship. In the heart of the city, you’ll find distilleries, breweries and wine bars pouring the region’s best. Small-batch spirits, seasonal cocktails and varietals from nearby vineyards fill the menus, and the people behind the bar know their pours. Whether you’re into sours and stouts or on the hunt for a full-bodied red along the Urban Wine Trail, there’s always something new to sip.
Tap Into the Nightlife Scene
Live music is easy to find in downtown and the Funk Zone — small stages, open patios and bars book jazz sets, acoustic strummers and full bands. During the week, karaoke and trivia nights rotate through different spots, and First Thursdays bring local art into tasting rooms alongside extended hours at nearby galleries. On weekends, DJs take over bars with plenty of room to jam out and dance. Check out Santa Barbara nightlife.
