Santa Barbara

Although the common perception of Santa Barbara is as a playground for the rich and famous, the reality is that the average income within city limits is only slightly higher than California as a whole. Notable for its California Mission-style architecture (a long-standing local ordinance ensures that all commercial construction follows the Mission theme, which results in a plethora of red-tiled roofs and faux adobe supermarkets), local residents are intensely proud of their city's roots and traditions, and a number of hugely popular festivals throughout the year celebrate the many cultures found in the city.
In addition, the city's large Latino population, concentrated in the east side of the city around Milpas Street, means there are a great many tacquerias and Mexican restaurants to be found. Santa Barbara has also been influenced by Los Angeles' food-truck scene.

Orientation

The city of Santa Barbara is part of what's known as the South Coast, so named because the coastline between Point Conception and the city of Ventura faces more south than west. The road that serves as the city's nexus is State Street, which runs roughly north–south in and near downtown and east-west in the uptown area. It continues west as Hollister Avenue through Goleta. The area immediately to the east of lower State Street, between the waterfront and Highway 101, is known as the Funk Zone and features a more off-the-beaten-path experience that is still immediately adjacent to the downtown area. The Latino part of town is on the east side of the city and has its own main street, Milpas Street, which is almost a mile away from, but parallel to, State Street in and near downtown. Upper State Street connects to Highway 154, a state highway that connects Santa Barbara with Los Olivos and wine country.
Santa Barbara's downtown neighborhoods are generally working, middle- and upper-middle-class areas, while Montecito to the east of the city and Hope Ranch to the west are the city's wealthy enclaves, known as part-time hideouts for Hollywood celebrities and rich retirees.

Santa Barbara Visitors Center

Has information about Santa Barbara, including maps, pricing and hours of attractions, restaurant guides, bus and waterfront shuttle schedules.

Climate

Santa Barbara has slightly different climate than the rest of the area. It maintains idyllic temperatures for most of the year and it is rare to go a week during any season without at least one day getting hotter than 70. There are occasional temperature extremes: heat waves are common in the late summer and early fall and night time temperatures can reach the high thirties during the winter. The best times to travel are not always what travelers expect. Spring and early summer are normally very cloudy with temperatures in the 60s and low 70s in what the locals call june gloom. During August and early September temperatures get into the 80s and cloudy days are rare. In mid to late September and October temperatures day time temperatures stay mostly in the 70s.

By plane

• Santa Barbara Municipal Airportprovides access to LAX through a shuttle service that flies between the two airports several times per day. There is also service to San Francisco, Las Vegas, Phoenix, Denver and other destinations. Santa Barbara Metropolitan Transit District's Route 11 bus links the airport with downtown Santa Barbara.

The airport can be pricey, and flight schedules limited; flying to Los Angeles (LAX) or Burbank (BUR) and driving the 100 miles to Santa Barbara may come out ahead on price, time, or both. Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner (see below) stops at Burbank airport, but as there are only 5 trains a day in each direction and they can be subject to delays, give yourself plenty of extra time if you plan to use this connection.

By train

Amtrak provides service to Santa Barbara with both the Pacific Surfliner (San Luis Obispo to San Diego) and Coast Starlight (Seattle to Los Angeles) trains. The ride is beautiful on its legs that are near the coast, but delays are frequent. The is housed in a historical landmark, built in 1902 and located at 209 State St.

By bus

The Greyhound station is downtown, at 224 Chapala, near the Amtrak station. The Santa Barbara Airbus operates several times per day between Goleta, Santa Barbara, Carpinteria and LAX.

By car

There is only one major highway in and out of Santa Barbara: US 101, which is coterminous with Highway 1 for over 30 miles both north and south (well, east, but down the coast) of the city. From the 101, downtown Santa Barbara can be accessed via the Garden St. exit, while the beaches can be found off the Cabrillo Blvd. off ramp. Traffic patterns are the opposite from the famous Los Angeles grid lock, as the 101 can come to a grinding halt on Sunday afternoons.
State Route 154 is a secondary road that leads into the hills and eventually to Los Olivos and is accurately designated a "Scenic Highway" by the California Department of Transportation. However, it's probably less of a way to get into town and more of a road to take on a day trip from Santa Barbara.

The Santa Barbara Metropolitan Transit District (SBMTD) runs buses all over Santa Barbara proper, and neighboring Goleta and Montecito. Routes and fares are on their website. It's a cheap and fairly comprehensive way to get around town, but not particularly fast.
The SBMTD also runs shuttle bus services along State St between downtown Sola St and the waterfront, and along the waterfront, leaving every 15 or 30 minutes between 9AM and 6PM (till 10PM F-Sa in summer). Fare is 25 to 50 cents; get a free shuttle transfer to switch between the two shuttles.
Bill's Bus specializes in transporting the student party crowd safely Downtown from Isla Vista and back again on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights. $10 round trip, $7 one way.
Taxis are plentiful but expensive, but given the relatively compact size of downtown Santa Barbara, they're viable if you don't need to go out too far into the suburbs.
Along the waterfront, many businesses offer bicycle or inline skate rentals for exploring the beach areas, and "rickshaw" taxis are also common.
Budget and Hertz car rental outlets are present at the airport terminal, and several other rental agencies are located in Santa Barbara. Santa Barbara is fairly easy to drive around, and in most areas parking is rarely difficult to find, either in a municipal garage or on the street. One confusing wrinkle is the presence of 3 similarly named major streets, Carrillo St, Castillo St, and Cabrillo Blvd. Don't mix them up. As anywhere, you shouldn't drive under the influence of alcohol, but be aware that Santa Barbara police are particularly merciless about catching and prosecuting drunk drivers.

• Santa Barbara County Courthouse

  address: 1100 Anacapa St
  Built in 1929 and the grandest building in the town. A working courthouse, this Spanish-Moorish castle has frescoes, murals and Tunisian tilework. The El Mirador Bell Tower provides great views of the city and the bay. The grounds contain a collection of palms and specimen trees from more than 25 countries, and a printed guide to the plants is available.

• Santa Barbara Mission

  phone: +1 805 682-4149
  address: 2201 Laguna St
  Known as "The Queen of the Missions," Santa Barbara's "Old Mission" is a superb example of California's Franciscan Spanish architecture. The tenth California Mission to be constructed, it was consecrated in 1786 as the first of Father Lasuen's nine missions. Today, Mission Santa Barbara is both a scenic wonder and a fine anthropological study of original native culture in the surrounding area. Santa Barbara is the only California mission with twin bell towers, owing to its status as a cathedral in the early days of California statehood. It also has had a longer continuous association with the Franciscans than any other mission, and a longer continuous history of choral music than any other mission. The headquarters of the mission system in the 1830s and 40s, it is where many of the archives of the California missions are held. Note the adjacent pottery kiln and tanning vat ruins. The mission also features a small but well-regarded rose garden. The mission continues to be used as an active church, with regular masses on Wednesdays, Sundays, and holy days. Admission to masses is free, but a small donation is customary

• Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History

  phone: +1 805 682-4711
  address: 2559 Puesta Del Sol
  This large, well-presented museum is - literally - a hidden treasure. Highlights in the eleven exhibit halls include regional natural history, a life-size Blue Whale skeleton, and a rare skeleton of a pony-sized "pygmy mammoth." Note: The museum is undergoing a comprehensive remodel throughout 2018 and several galleries are closed. During this time, admission is half-price.

• Santa Barbara Museum of Art

  phone: +1 805 963-4364
  address: 1130 State St
  A remarkably well-provisioned museum considering the size of the town, Santa Barbara's main art museum features a strong collection of Roman antiquities, as well as an impressive lineup of classical European and modern art. Frequently rotated exhibitions are among the strongest in California.

• Santa Barbara Historical Museum

  address: 136 East De la Guerra St

• Presidio of Santa Barbara

  phone: +1 805 965-0093
  address: 123 East Canon Perdido St
  A military fortress founded in 1782, only parts of which remain. Some parts are gradually being rebuilt.

• Stearns WharfThis picturesque 1872 wharf - the longest deep-water pier between Los Angeles and San Francisco - has lots of history. It is named after its builder, local lumberman John P. Stearns. Badly damaged several times by fire, it has been repeatedly rebuilt and today features more than a dozen shops and restaurants, and one of the best views in California from the end of its pier. There's also a small public aquarium, the Sea Center, that's associated with the Museum of Natural History. You may see brown pelicans at the end of the wharf. There's a bait and tackle shop, and no fishing license is required to fish from the wharf. It was once owned by Hollywood legend James Cagney.

• Karpeles Museum

  phone: +1 805 962-5322
  address: 21 West Anapamu St
  The Karpeles Library is the world's largest private holding of important original manuscripts & documents. Among the items on permanent display in the museum is an original Stone copy of the Declaration of Independence, a replica of the globe used by Columbus (sans the Western Hemisphere), handwritten scores by a dozen leading composers, and the computer guidance system used on the first Apollo lander flight to the moon.

• Santa Barbara Zoo

  phone: +1 805 963-5695
  address: 500 Ninos Dr
  Every day, 10AM-5PM, except for Thanksgiving and Christmas, and some private events. Small but well-represented with over 600 animals, the zoo has provided entertainment for all ages since 1963 and is the largest zoo between Los Angeles and San Francisco (unless you count the Monterey Aquarium). Adults 13-59: $14. Children 2-13 and Seniors 60+: $10. Children under 2: Free.

• Santa Barbara Botanic Garden

  phone: +1 805 682-4726
  address: 1212 Mission Canyon Rd
  Located on 65 acres in the foothills just above the city, the Garden features exquisite exhibits of California native plants displayed in beautiful landscaped settings. Walk along a meadow, through a canyon and redwood forest, across a historic dam, and along ridge tops that offer sweeping views of the Channel Islands. Established in 1926 as an educational and scientific institution, it is the oldest botanic garden in California dedicated to the study, conservation, and display of native flora.

• Santa Barbara Contemporary Arts Forum

  phone: +1 805-966-5373
  address: 653 Paseo Nuevo
  CAF is a non-profit, non-collecting institution dedicated to exhibiting the highest quality of contemporary art while recognizing "the artists of tomorrow," and was founded in 1976 by artists and art supporters seeking a venue dedicated solely to contemporary art. What began as a grassroots, artist-run organization with nominal funding now serves as the leading contemporary arts presenter in Central California. CAF offers its innovative education and exhibition programming to the region primarily free of charge. Foundations and individuals keep CAF active with opportunities for artists, children, and adults to experience all the visual and performing arts have to offer.

• Reagan Ranch Center Exhibit Gallery

  phone: +1 805-957-1980
  address: 217 State Street
  Features original Reagan Ranch artifacts matched with state-of-the-art, interactive, multimedia exhibits that highlight the history of Ronald Reagan's quarter-century at Rancho del Cielo and the accomplishments of his presidency. Over six hours of dynamic multimedia exhibits provide access to exclusive speeches, interviews, radio addresses, and original video presentations. The centerpiece is a 28-foot-long interactive "timeline" that gives users the ability to explore the "Western White House" during the 1980s.

• Santa Barbara Surfing Museum

  phone: +1 805-962-9048
  address: 16 1/2 Helena Ave
  The surf history is on display since 1992 and contains historic boards from the collection of James O'Mahoney. It also displays old surf films.

• Upper East SideRoughly bounded by State St to the West, Micheltorena Street to the South, Olive and Laguna Streets to the East, and Constance Ave to the North, this area was where most well-to-do residents lived when Santa Barbara first started to attract that class. As a result you'll see large, impressive houses in a variety of architectural styles, including late Victorian, Craftsman, Mission Revival, Romanesque, and even including a couple of eye-catching Mid-Century Moderns. As anywhere if you're looking at residential architecture, please respect the residents' privacy.

Although Santa Barbara is an atypical coastal town, it offers the typical Southern California variety of outdoor activities, from surfing to whale-watching.

• GolfSanta Barbara has numerous private and public golf courses located in and around the city. Hidden Oaks, Twin Lakes, and Ocean Meadows are nine-hole courses that provide budget prices for a round of golf. For those wishing to play 18 holes without spending a lot, the Santa Barbara Golf Club, located at 3500 McCaw, provides reasonably priced rounds. For those wishing to spend more, Sandpiper Golf Course, located north of Goleta on Hollister, or Rancho San Marcos, located about 15 miles up the 154, provide a world class golf experience.

• HikingFrom the Mesa to the Santa Ynez Mountains, the unique geography of Santa Barbara provides amazing opportunities to see panoramic views and abundant wildlife. Hiking guides and maps are easily obtained at any local bookstore, well-equipped newsstand, or selected stores in tourist-heavy locations such as downtown. Examples include the Douglas Family Preserve, a great off-leash open space that often serves as the backdrop for numerous weddings, and East Camino Cielo Road off of Highway 154, which has several spots one can park and find a little trail to hike on, or even just sit and enjoy the view.

• Eagle Paragliding

  phone: +1 805 968-0980
  Santa Barbara offers year-round flying, and some of the best flying in the United States. You can fly solo on your first day at Elings Park. Tandem Flights are also available from the Mountains, the Beach, or the Elings Park Training Hill.

• SurfingThere are numerous beaches in the area fit for surfing and several companies that rent surfboards. Although the surf tends to be much smaller in the summer, it is perfect for beginners. There are also several nice long board breaks that are suitable year round.

• The Harbor

  address: 132 Harbor Way
  Cruises, kayak and paddleboard rentals, learn to sail, you name it. Or just take a pleasant stroll along the breakwater. Lil' Toot, a bright yellow water taxi, runs back and forth between the Harbor and Stearns Wharf every 30 minutes. If you're lucky, you'll see one of Santa Barbara's sea urchin fishing boats come in. In years past, almost all the catch ended up in Japan, but uni has caught on in the west, and some of the crews will even sell the spiky but tasty little creatures right off the pier, and show you how to crack them open.

• Wine Tasting in the Funk ZoneSanta Barbara has a number of wineries all within blocks of downtown and mostly within the area known as the Funk Zone for its earlier, funkier roots as the industrial part of town. A number of smaller wineries have set up shop, many in converted industrial buildings, in the Funk Zone, which is located in the blocks just east of State Street and between the waterfront and the Highway 101 overpass. This up-and-coming part of the city now features a large number of wineries, including Santa Barbara's Urban Wine Trail, restaurants, craft breweries and craft distillers, making it a popular destination for foodies and those wishing to escape the shopping scene on State Street. Most wineries have tasting rooms and are open to the public.

• Wine Tasting in the Santa Ynez ValleyFor those who want to escape the city limits and get out in to wine country, the Santa Ynez Valley is just a short drive north of Santa Barbara, accessible either via U.S. Highway 101, or by State Highway 154. Here in north Santa Barbara County are hundreds of wineries and vineyards, and the fall harvest period is an especially scenic time to make the trip. Most of the wineries are part of the Santa Barbara County Vintner's Association. Pinot noir, and to a lesser extent, chardonnay, are the signature varietals of Santa Barbara wine country. Just pop up to Solvang, Santa Ynez, Los Olivos or Buellton and enjoy. The region takes responsible consumption very seriously, and since the February 2008 launch of the CHP Designated Driver Program, DUI checkpoints have been frequent. Consider hiring a limo or signing on for a wine tour.

• Wine ToursDaily wine tasting excursions depart from most area hotels, and you can pick from several different approaches. The Grapeline Wine Country Shuttle, (888) 8-WINERY, offers a flexible day aboard deluxe shuttles. Stagecoach Wine Tours offers wine tasting tours in the Santa Ynez Valley of Santa Barbara County. Cloud Climbers Jeep Tours offer a wine tour in open air jeeps. Sustainable Vine, +1 805 698-3911, focuses on the producers employing sustainable practices.

• Sanguis

  phone: +1 805-845-0920
  address: 8 Ashley Ave
  Santa Barbara Winery

An easy walking tourFind some free parking on the side streets from Cabrillo Boulevard after passing State Street (i.e. on Bath Street and Yanonali St). Then walk on the sidewalk or the beach to State Street. At the intersection of Cabrillo Boulevard and State Street you will find the pier which will give you great views of the city. After walking on the pier, take State Street up past the train station. Shops and restaurants line up State Street up and down providing a great visitor experience. Take a right on West Carillo St and go one block and then take a left on Anacapa St. This should get you to the Santa Barbara Courthouse (details above under See) opposite the public library Main Branch, where you can enjoy the pleasant views from its tower. Next, walk up the street to Anapamu St and take a left. This will put you back on State Street. If you're not tired yet you can keep walking up State Street to Mission St and take a right. If you follow the street to Laguna St and take a left and after three blocks take a right on Los Olivos. This will get you to the Santa Barbara Mission. After visiting the mission and the delightful rose garden in front of the Mission, you can walk back to Cabrillo Boulevard or just take the shuttle back to the waterfront.

Red Tile Walking TourThe Santa Barbara Visitors Center gives out a nice free guide to Santa Barbara that includes a suggested self-guided walk that's about 1.2 miles long in total. It features historic red-tiled adobe buildings in Downtown Santa Barbara but also helps visitors to get a sense of the lay of the land and see some of the stores and restaurants on State St. and a few paseos. Not to be viewed as a substitute for the easy walking tour listed above, as that is a longer walk and encompasses parts of the city not included in this one.

Fiesta 5 Theatre

address: 916 State St

The cinema has 5 screens for good movies in downtown Santa Barbara with decent seats.

Santa Barbara Arts and Crafts Show

address: Cabrillo Boulevard at Stearns Wharf

Every Sunday, local artists display their work along Cabrillo Boulevard near the beach. The "art walk" stretches for several blocks. You can stroll along and browse the paintings, sculptures, photographs, and other pieces, and buy something if it strikes your fancy.

Metro 4 theatre

address: 618 State St

The cozy theatre has big screens. It sells discounted tickets on Tuesdays. It screens during the Santa Barbara Film Festival.

Mahakankala Buddhist Center

phone: +1 805-563-6000

address: 508 Brinkerhoff Ave

Offers relaxation meditations and meditation classes.

Performance Venues and Organizations

The events calendar of the Santa Barbara Independent (a local weekly newspaper) is a good source for the latest events in town.

• Arlington Theater

  address: 1317 State St
  A 2,000-seat single screen movie theater, used mainly for blockbuster films, but also hosts occasional live performances. Also has a restored theater organ, that is used occasionally for solo performances or to accompany silent movies. Even if nothing special is going on, it's worth catching a flick there just for its charming interior design, with a faux "Spanish" village around the walls and a dark blue ceiling that even has a few pinpricks of light to represent "stars"

• Lobero Theatre

  address: 33 E Canon Perdido St
  California's oldest continuously operating theater is an elegant, intimate venue that hosts a little bit of everything, from chamber music to folk to ballet to jazz.

• Santa Barbara Bowl

  address: 1122 N Milpas St
  Still often referred to as the "County Bowl," this 6,000-seat amphitheater hosts some surprisingly big-name acts for a city the size of Santa Barbara, including Bob Dylan, Norah Jones, and Radiohead, and you'll get to see them in a smaller venue than you might if you caught them in L.A. or San Francisco.

• The New Vic

  phone: +1 (805) 965-5400
  address: 33 W Victoria St
  Home of the Ensemble Theatre group. Also hosts various other performances and films.

• Granada Theater

  address: 1214 State St
  Opulent theater hosting musicals, opera, ballet, and the Santa Barbara Symphony

• UCSB Arts and Lectures

  phone: +1 (805) 893-3535
  UCSB brings numerous performers, authors, and other lecturers to town. Some performances are on the UCSB campus, others are in town at some of the venues mentioned above.

Parks

Santa Barbara has numerous attractive public parks. A few notable ones are listed below.

• Alameda Park

  address: 1400 Santa Barbara St
  Upper East Side Park covering two city blocks. Includes a popular community designed playground, and picnic tables popular for family celebrations (no alcohol is allowed, though). The western half of the park has a somewhat sketchy reputation for being a hangout for drug addicts, but it has been cleaned up a lot in recent years.

• Alice Keck Park Memorial Garden

  address: 1500 Santa Barbara St
  Across the street from Alameda Park. Something of a cross between a park and a botanical garden, it features a large pond with ducks, koi and turtles, as well as numerous differently themed plantings, most with labels describing the different plant species. Local wags sometimes refer to it as "Alice Keck Park Park," but you'll often hear it just called "Alice Keck Park" since many people are unaware that "Park" was Alice's last name.

• Shoreline Parkoffers a blufftop walk with stunning views overlooking the ocean.

• Chase Palm Park

  address: 323 E Cabrillo Blvd
  This is a long, narrow park that stretches along East Beach. Features pedestrian and bike paths, as well as a skate park.

• Skofield ParkSmall rural park that contains the trailhead for Rattlesnake Canyon, one of the most popular local hikes. Its name comes from the sinuous nature of the trail, not any particular concentration of rattlesnakes, although like anywhere in the California backcountry, you should be alert for them.

Beaches

• East Beach & West BeachSeparated by Stearns Wharf, for all practical purposes these are one continuous beach, usually referred to just as East Beach. This is Santa Barbara's most popular beach, and most easily accessible from the tourist amenities on State St.

• Leadbetter BeachOn the other side of the harbor from West Beach and near Santa Barbara City College, this beach tends to be less crowded than East Beach. It usually has a fairly mellow break that is suitable for beginner surfers.

• Arroyo Burro BeachAlmost universally referred to by locals as "Henry's" or "Hendry's" beach, and more isolated than the downtown beaches. Dogs are permitted to be off-leash, and one end is a nude beach, where you'll often see nude dudes frolicking.

• Butterfly BeachTucked away in Montecito by the fancy Biltmore Hotel, and something of a hidden gem. Depending on tides and fluctuations of the sand, some parts of the beach may not be easily accessible. Though you'll often see off-leash dogs here, unlike Arroyo Burro beach, this isn't officially sanctioned.

Festivals and Events

• Santa Barbara International Film FestivalHeld annually towards the end of January/beginning of February - an eleven day celebration at several historical theaters, the Santa Barbara International Film Festival welcomes some of the biggest names in Hollywood with awards ceremonies and world premier screenings. SBIFF has gradually built a reputation for its growing program that features some of the industry's top distributors in attendance. Individual tickets are available for the tribute events.

• Summer Solstice

  address: Alameda Park
  In 1974 friends of local artist Michael Gonzalez dressed up in costumes and ran down State Street, without a permit, to celebrate his birthday. Several decades later this has turned into a civic celebration of the first day of summer. There's a carnival-like parade on State Street, and a festival with live music in Alameda Park. Check the website for exact dates.

• Old Spanish DaysIn the 1920s, the Chamber of Commerce decided that there should be a reason to visit Santa Barbara in August, and so invented "Old Spanish Days." Nowadays it's universally referred to as "Fiesta" and is still held in early August. In modern times it's probably more popular among locals than among visitors, but worth a look-in. There's a parade, "El Desfile Historico," that features pretty impressive costumes and horsemanship. downtown becomes "El Mercado," with live bands and stalls selling food. "El Mercado Del Norte" in has a county fair ambience with carnival rides. "Las Noches de Ronda" is the collective name for numerous performances around town of traditional Spanish and Mexican performances such as flamenco dances and mariachi bands. There's also a horse show and rodeo at the .

Santa Barbara is a shopping paradise. State Street alone offers more than a mile stretch of everything from trendy boutiques to popular chain stores like Restoration Hardware. El Paseo (812 State St., downtown) is an upscale mall that bills itself as "California's First Shopping Center," while lushly themed and nearby Paseo Nuevo (651 Paseo Nuevo) offers Nordstrom's and more than 50 specialty shops. Whatever you're looking for, you'll likely find it on State Street. There is plenty of parking downtown with the first 75 minutes free in most lots (except at the beach). A good bet is the parking structure on Ortega.

• Channel Island Surfboards

  phone: +1 805 966-7213
  address: 36 Anacapa St
  The retail shop has a big choice of wet suits and surf boards.

• Cranky's Bikes

  phone: +1 805 963-7433
  address: 1014 State St
  They do repairs and sell bikes. Knowledgeable staff.

• Farmers Market

  address: Cota Street and Santa Barbara St
  The market hosts vendors who sell local eggs, fresh fruits, vegetables, oils and many other organic products. There is also a Tuesday evening market on State Street and markets on other days in other nearby towns.

• Fusano OlivesThis local olive oil mill sells from their own grounds smoked olives, delicious tapenades, olive oil and other olive based products.

• Mama's PreservesThis stand sells extraordinary homemade jams and marmalade. Mama recommends the sweet and spice Jalapeño along with cheese. The nectarine, blueberry are delicious too. One is always welcomed to taste on their stand. Their fresh berries are excellent too and vary in taste according to season.

Hazard's Cyclesport

phone: +1 805 966-3787

address: 110 Anacapa St

The bicycle shop has been around since 1914, they sell bikes, do service (not snobby) and charge reasonable prices. They also have a running store in their bike shop.

The Italian Pottery Outlet

address: 929 State St

A family-owned business, it has been in this location for more than 15 years. It carries the largest collection of Italian pottery in the west and at discounted prices.

Mountain Air Sports

phone: +1 805 962-0049

address: 14 State St

This outdoor shop sells good for camping, kayak, rock climbing, skiing and many other activities. They have a great selection on site.

Santa Barbara does French-inspired California cuisine quite well. Locally sourced food is a point of pride for many chefs, who are able to draw from the bounty of fresh produce grown within a few hundreds miles of the city, as well as the fresh seafood that's pulled in from the ocean daily. The town's elevated cultural status attracts high-powered chefs from all over the world, and the selection and sheer variety of local fare is quite astonishing for a community of 90,000.
In addition, Santa Barbara's Mexican food ranks with any other town in California and the food truck scene born in L.A. has emerged in the city as well. Here are just a few of Santa Barbara's culinary choices:

Budget

• Cajun Kitchen

  phone: +1 805 965-1004
  address: 901 Chapala St
  Very popular breakfast and lunch place. The best breakfast in town. Delicious sausages. Good price. Another location at 1924-A De la Vina St.

• The Habit

  phone: +1 805 892-5400
  address: 628 State St
  Stop by for a cheap, charbroiled sidewalk burger at this regional chain, which has roots in Santa Barbara. Also 216 S. Milpas St. (+1 962 7472)

• Los Arroyos

  phone: +1 805 962-5541
  address: 14 W. Figueroa St
  The restaurant serves popular and very good Mexican food.

• The Natural Café and juice bar

  phone: +1 805 962-9494
  address: 508 State St
  Outdoor, sidewalk dining that is healthy and good. If there is a vegan/vegetarian in the group, they will be happy here. Part of a small regional chain.

• On The Alley

  phone: +1 805 962-6315
  address: 117 Harbor Way
  Burgers, seafood, and other simple but tasty meals right at the harbor. You can take your food around the corner to sit on the beach or the sea wall and enjoy the ocean view while you eat.

• Panino

  phone: +1 805 963-3700
  address: 834 Santa Barbara St
  Good variety of sandwiches, part of a local chain.

• Romanti-Ezer

  phone: +1 805 730-1612
  address: 701 Chapala St
  "Weird Name - Delicious Food" A great walk-up Mexican restaurant with outdoor and limited indoor seating, in-the-know locals look for options with the mole sauce.

• Rudy's Restaurant

  phone: +1 805 899-3152
  address: 305 W. Montecito St
  Very good tamales, chimichangas and burritos. Charming family-owned business. A total of six locations.

• La Super-Rica Taqueria

  phone: +1 805 963-4940
  address: 622 N. Milpas St
  Once named "Best Mexican Food in the Country" by the New York Times. You won't come here for the atmosphere. There is no sign on the building, and seating is first come-first served, but you'll be happy you stood in the long line forming outside the door once you taste what's served up here. Julia Child is said to have named this her favorite Mexican restaurant, but other, recent reviews call it pleasant but not extraordinary. Cash only. After you order, keep the tab with your order, and wait in the dining area for your number to be called.

• Super Cuca's Restaurant

  phone: +1 805 966-3863
  Two Locations. Big burritos, vegetarian recommended even for those die-hard carnivores.

• Super Cuca's Restaurant (Cliff Dr)

  address: 2030 Cliff Dr

• Super Cuca's Restaurant (Micheltorena St)

  address: 626 W. Micheltorena St.

Woody's BBQ

phone: +1 805 967-3775

address: 5112 Hollister Ave

Serving delicious BBQ; voted Santa Barbara's Favorite BBQ for 19 years in a row.

Rusty's Pizza Parlor

phone: +1 805 564-1111

address: 232 W. Carrillo St

Favorite local pizza chain. Pizzas have quality toppings and a thin but fluffy crust. 7 other locations around town (see website). The Carrillo St location has the most character, as it's located in an authentic Tudor-style building that was originally a pub. Great place to take the kids. They also deliver.

Mid-range

• Arigato Sushi

  phone: +1 805 965-6074
  address: 1225 State St
  Good sushi. They don't take reservations and are usually packed Thursday through Saturday nights with people queuing up. While they serve also US-style sushi combinations like grilled stuff and with funny sauces on top, they have a great choice of traditional sushis and rolls with for example mackerel, salmon, tuna or yellowtail. The choices of sake are excellent.

• Boathouse at Hendry's Beach

  phone: +1 805-898-2628
  address: 2981 Cliff Dr
  The restaurant serves local seafood. One can either have a breakfast, brunch or dinner. For the happy hour selection there is a designated outdoor seating area. Its choices include cheeseburger, tuna and black mussels plus local wine choices.

• Brophy Bros

  phone: +1 805 966-4418
  address: 119 Harbor Way
  Breakwater at the Harbor, great seafood, known for seafood and particularly clam chowder, the setting cannot be beat. Longstanding local favorite.

• Cold Spring Tavern

  phone: +1 805 967-0066
  address: 5995 Stagecoach Rd
  Located off of Highway 154 near wine country (from downtown Santa Barbara, the trip is approximately 15 miles, and may last as long as 30 minutes or so), this historic rustic tavern, restaurant and coach stop is a touch of Old West and a world away from the glitz of lower State Street. Stop for lunch at this family-friendly historic tavern and restaurant that's also popular with the weekend biker crowd. The place serves up some of the best tri-tip sandwiches on Sundays, when outdoor live music from local bands is usually on tap as well. Great location and great food. It also offers a fun atmosphere on weekend nights with live music. It can be very crowded especially on sunday when various car and motorcycle clubs will stop by.

• Chuck's of Hawaii

  phone: +1 805 564-1200
  address: 3888 State St
  The watergrill is found on 113 Harbor Way, A great cut of beef. Try anything with artichokes.

• Los Agaves

  phone: +1 805 564-2626
  address: 600 N Milpas St
  Los Agaves is one of the favorites of Milpas and often earns the coveted Best Of Santa Barbara award from the Santa Barbara Independent in the Mexican food category. Many of the dishes are seafood-centric, and the seafood enchiladas are a regular favorite. The restaurant was so popular in its Milpas Street location that it opened a second location in Santa Barbara in 2013. The new location is located on upper De La Vina St, in the Mid-Town District.

• Opal Restaurant

  phone: +1 805 966-9676
  address: 1325 State St
  A great example of typical mid-range Santa Barbara cuisine, with an innovative, California-French menu and lovely atmosphere. The salmon with thai curry sauce is a good bet.

• The Palace Grill

  phone: +1 805 963-5000
  address: 8 E. Cota St
  This place celebrates the cuisine of New Orleans. It has a fun, yet laid back atmosphere with great service. Try the Caribbean coconut shrimp.

• Palazzio

  phone: +1 805 564-1985
  address: 1026 State St
  Extremely generous portions of pastas and salads. One entree and a half salad is enough to feed up to three people. Every fifteen minutes waiters walk around with freshly baked garlic rolls that are to die for.

• Pascucci

  phone: +1 805 963-8123
  address: 729 State St
  Santa Barbara's best affordable Italian food from local producers. Often a local band plays during dinner.

• Restaurant Roy

  phone: +1 805 966-5636
  address: 7 West Carillo St
  Good "off State St." bar. Serves great food late at night, focus on local ingredients.

• La Playa Azul Cafe

  phone: +1 805 966-2860
  address: 914 Santa Barbara St
  Not perhaps the most authentic Mexican food, but very tasty and popular. Excellent margaritas.

• Santa Barbara Shellfish Company

  phone: +1 805 966-6676
  address: 230 Stearns Wharf
  Rustic little spot with mostly counter seating. Excellent views. Probably the best food on the wharf, but it's shellfish only - if it's got scales and a backbone, it's not on the menu.

• Finch & Fork

  phone: +1 805 879-9100
  address: 31 West Carrillo St.
  Progressive, New American food. Excellent cocktails.

• Arnoldi's Cafe

  phone: +1 805 962-5394
  address: 600 Olive Street
  Quaint little Italian joint, serving homey Italian classics and espresso. Has a lovely patio. The bocce courts out back have some fairly serious league play.

• Via Maestra

  phone: +1 805-569-6522
  address: 3343 State St
  Delicious Italian restaurant in a little strip mall on upper State St. They also do catering and takeout.

Splurge

For a city as wealthy as it is, Santa Barbara has fewer real fine dining options than you might expect. A few good options are below.

• Wine Cask

  phone: +1 805 966-9463
  address: 813 Anacapa St
  As the name implies, Wine Cask has an extensive wine list, much of it drawn from co-owned and neighboring Margerum Wine Co. The French-inspired menu is quite pricey, and the restaurant is a favorite among the city's movers and shakers. It is located in the gorgeous El Paseo building, one of the city's earliest Spanish Colonial Revival structures. If you're looking for a cheaper taste of the menu and a more casual atmosphere, try Intermezzo Bar + Café, the bar area off to the side. They offer delicious, fresh-baked flatbreads.

• Olio e Limone

  phone: +1 805 899 2699
  address: 11 West Victoria Street, Suite 17
  Upscale Italian. Excellent wine list. The Dover sole, when available, is particularly good. Also has a lower-priced pizzeria connected to it.

• Bouchon

  phone: +1 805 730-1160
  address: 9 West Victoria St
  Innovative California French cuisine. Extensive local wine selection. Affiliated with the Wine Cask

Bars

In addition to Santa Barbara wine tasting, the region is also full of bars. Many of them cater to crowds of students from the nearby university. Thursday nights are the official college night of downtown bars at which time the drinks are particularly cheap. Really any bar on lower State Street is Fun on Thursday nights to relive those college days.

• Dargan's Irish Pub & Restaurant

  phone: +1 805 568-0702
  address: 18 E Ortega St
  Sportsbar with Irish music. Good lamb stew.

• Elsie's

  phone: +1 805 963-4503
  address: 117 West De La Guerra St
  Neighborhood beer and wine joint with good music. Meet the locals out back in the outdoor smoking area or over rounds of pool inside. It is a former bike shop turned into a comfy bar. It can get very crowded.

• Intermezzo Bar + Cafe

  phone: +1 805 966-9463
  address: 819 Anacapa St
  The place has a wide selection of wines per glass. It's the bar of the upscale wine cask restaurant. It serves simple food plates too.

• The James Joyce

  phone: +1 805 962-2688
  address: 513 State St
  Yes, it's an Irish pub, or "A Traditional Irish Bar." Free peanuts, karaoke, a fireplace and dixieland jazz bands on the weekend. Guinness flows freely.

• Joe's Cafe

  phone: +1 805 966-4638
  address: State Street 536
  This upbeat bar and steakhouse severs the stiffest drinks on State St. Have a couple at the beginning of the night.

• Cruisery

  phone: +1 805 730-1040
  address: 501 State St
  The revamped location of the old Santa Barbara Brewing Company; still features good quality beer but has a significantly more interesting and better, though still reasonably priced, food menu. The name refers to its bicycle themed decor.

• SOhO Restaurant and Music Club

  phone: +1 805 962-7776
  address: 1221 State St
  Jazz/live music club above Victoria Court.

• Wildcat Lounge

  phone: +1 805 962-7970
  address: 15 W Ortega St
  Danceclub.

• The Press Room

  phone: +1 805 963-8121
  address: 15 E Ortega St
  Small, friendly bar with a very English vibe. Popular spot for watching European soccer. Sometimes keeps fairly oddball hours to accommodate important matches in distant time zones.

• Telegraph Brewing

  phone: +1 (805) 963-5018
  address: 418 N Salsipuedes Street
  No-frills (well, besides a dartboard) tasting room for Santa Barbara's premier microbrewery. Located in a neighborhood that has stubbornly resisted gentrification, it's nonetheless popular with locals due to its excellent beer and friendly bartenders. No food other than the usual basic packaged bar snacks.

Cafés

There are several good places to relax in Santa Barbara:

• The Andersen's

  phone: +1 805 962-5085
  address: 1106 State St
  Very perfect café and pasteries, the place is ideal for breakfast. On the happy hour they serve wine for special prices. It established itself in 1976 and expanded since. One can dine here too. Many people stop by for pastries on the go.

• D'Angelo Bakery

  phone: +1 805 962-5466
  address: 25 W Gutierrez St
  Great place to start the day with a breakfast. It offers poached eggs, delicious omelets all accompagned with their bread or home made pastries.

• The French Press

  phone: +1 805 963-2721
  address: 1101 State St
  The café serves fine espressos, chocolate chais, various leaf teas and also fine pastries. One can buy great coffee beans.

• Handlebar Coffee Roasters

  address: 128 E. Canon Perdido St.
  The Handlebar is owned by two former pro-cyclist. They bring that same focus and dedication to detail to in-house roasting, espressos, brewed coffees, teas and their selection of baked goods from local bakers. You'll find baristas and extremely friendly stuff doing excellent coffee together with fine croissants.

• Savoy Cafe & Deli

  phone: +1 805-962-6611
  address: 24 West Figueroa St
  Good breakfast with large selection of leaf teas. Serves great sandwiches to go.

Other

The local ice creams or blenders are great for the go or to relax on one of the state street benches.

• Blenders In the Grass

  phone: +1 805 962-5715
  address: 720 State St
  The juice shop sells pressed fruity juices with several possible supplements for the go. The local chain has 12 shops in and around Santa Barbara.

• McConnell's Fine Ice Creams

  phone: +1 805 324-4402
  address: 728 State St
  Selling handcrafted local ice creams from Santa Barbara since 1949.

Santa Barbara has a huge number of hotels and motels, ranging from Motel 6 to Fess Parker's astonishing Doubletree Resort. One thing you won't find here is dives. Prices are before tax; allow another 8% for tax.

Budget

• Motel 6 Santa Barbara - Beach

  phone: +1 805 564-1392
  address: 443 Corona Del Mar
  Basic simple hotel room with bed, private bath, small pool, and TV. Has air conditioning, but noisy in window units. Friendly staff. About 75 yards to the beach. This was the world's first Motel 6.

• Presidio Motel

  phone: +1 805 963-1355
  address: 1620 State St
  This sweet motel is run by a charming young couple, with a foible for mid-century design. Free wireless internet and some books on design or art are likely to be part of the rooms set up, as much as TV and a coffee and muffin in the morning.

• Sandpiper Lodge

  phone: +1 805 687-5326
  address: 3525 State St
  In addition to conventional guest rooms, there are two-bedroom units (good for families), as well as one- and two-bedroom apartments include a full kitchen. Free wireless internet in guest rooms and in lobby.

• Santa Barbara Tourist Hostel

  phone: +1 805 963-0154
  address: 134 Chapala St
  Amazingly, an inexpensive backpacker two blocks from the beach and one block from the State Street buzz. Basic breakfast and wifi internet in the lobby included.

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Mid-range

• Avania Inn of Santa Barbara

  address: 128 Castillo St
  Pillow-top beds, 32" LCD HD TVs, free breakfast, free parking, free Internet. Located 1 block from the beaches.

• Brisas Del Mar, Inn at the Beach

  address: 223 Castillo St
  A Mediterranean-style villa two blocks from the beaches and yacht harbor.

• Best Western Encina Lodge & Suites

  address: 2220 Bath St
  Offers lodging accommodations including suites and apartments with small luxury hotel amenities and bed and breakfast charm near local tourist attractions.

• Colonial Beach Inn

  address: 206 Castillo St
  Located near the beach, Amtrak Station, golf and wineries. Offers lodging accommodations reminiscent of the romantic American South and a variety of hotel packages.

• Country Inn by the Sea

  phone: +1 805-963-4471
  address: 128 Castillo St
  Located 1 block to the waterfront and beach. King beds, jacuzzi rooms, queen beds and 2 double beds. Free breakfast and cookies and milk every evening. Heated pool & spa, his and hers sauna.

• Inn by the Harbor

  address: 433 W. Montecito St
  The Inn by the Harbor is an enchanting Spanish colonial hotel and resort offering vacation packages from wine country to whale watching. Extended stay lodging is also available.

• The Eagle Inn

  phone: +1 805-965-3586
  address: 232 Natoma Ave
  Santa Barbara bed and breakfast. King- or queen-size bed, private bath, whirlpool tub, fireplace, balcony/patio, high speed Internet, etc. Free on-site parking, complimentary continental breakfast.

• Hotel Santa Barbara

  address: 533 State St
  "European-style" hotel smack in the middle of Santa Barbara's busy downtown shopping area. $129–219, ask about midweek specials.

• Ramada Santa Barbara

  phone: +1 805 964-3511
  4770 Calle Real. Beautiful gardens and freshwater lagoon. Complimentary deluxe continental breakfast, Wifi, parking, free offsite fitness center & airport shuttle. AAA 3 diamond. $99–119.

• The Wayfarer

  phone: +1 805 845-1000
  address: 12 E Montecito Street
  Guest rooms for two or three. Also lists all-female or all-male dorm rooms for up to five, and a shared kitchen. Free wireless internet. Close to the beach and the "funk zone". Whimsical animal-themed decor. Very close to the Amtrak train station.

• Old Yacht Club Inn

  phone: +1 805 962-1277
  address: 431 Corona Del Mar Dr
  14-suite Bed and Breakfast on East Beach in Santa Barbara. Charming inn with fireplaces, whirlpool tubs & bicycles.

Splurge

• Canary Hotel

  phone: +1 805-884-0300
  address: 31 West Carrillo St
  A boutique hotel near State Street in downtown Santa Barbara. Amenities include function space for meetings and wedding receptions, spa service, and dog friendly accommodations. Also has a great rooftop bar with wonderful views, exclusively for hotel guests.

• Cheshire Cat Inn

  phone: +1 805-569-1610
  address: 36 West Valerio St
  The Cheshire Cat Inn features three stately Queen Anne Victorians, an elegant Coach House, three cottages, all surrounded by flower-filled gardens and patios. The Inn is located in a residential area, one block from Santa Barbara's main shopping street. Each of the sunny guest rooms and cottages is uniquely furnished and ranges from the elegant to the whimsical. Some are larger split-level junior suites with private balconies; others have in-room Jacuzzi tubs and fireplaces. Amenities may include TV/DVD, ironing boards and refrigerators. All the rooms have private baths and telephones. Breakfast is served daily and is included in the rate.

• El Encanto Hotel and Garden Villas

  address: 1900 Lasuen Rd
  Good views and a favorite with the glitterati, like Diane Lane, Barbra Streisand, and Sharon Stone.

• Fess Parker's Doubletree Resort

  phone: +1 805 564-4333
  address: 633 East Cabrillo Blvd
  24-acre oceanside resort. Starting around $255 for a two queen bedded room, up to $735 for a Presidential Suite with whirlpool bath. Add $25 for breakfast for two adults. Enter off Calle Puerto Vallarta.

• Harbor View Inn

  address: 28 W. Cabrillo Blvd
  Boutique 4-diamond family friendly beachfront hotel. All rooms and suites have a patio or balcony.

• Pacifica Suites

  address: 5490 Hollister Ave
  All-suite hotel adjacent to the beautifully restored Sexton House, an 1880s architectural landmark. Meeting space and conference facilities.

• San Ysidro Ranch

  phone: +1 805 565-1700
  address: 900 San Ysidro Ln
  "Hotel ranch," with room, suite and villa accommodations, dining, day trips to local beaches and wineries, guided hiking.

• Simpson House Inn

  address: 121 East Arrellaga St
  A historic Italianate Victorian manor considered one of the best preserved and restored homes of its era in California. Guestrooms inside the estate house, private English style cottages and four rooms in the Carriage House. Landscaped gardens, wood-burning fireplaces and personalized service. All rates include daily gourmet breakfast, evening wine tasting and hors d'oeuvres and complimentary parking. Rates from $235 to $615.

Although Santa Barbara is somewhat geographically isolated, with only one major route in or out of the city, the surrounding area is rife with fascinating side-trips.

• Cachuma Lake Recreation Area - This rural county park in the hills, about 18 miles up Route 154, makes for a pleasant day trip for kayaking or hiking, or you can arrange to camp there.
• Channel Islands National Park - Channel Islands National Park is a series of islands that are home to incredible marine life, beautiful and remote scenery, and the wily Channel Islands fox. While most trips to the Channel Islands depart from Ventura, Truth Aquatics runs trips from Santa Barbara.
• Goleta - Neighboring Santa Barbara to the west, Goleta offers similar beaches and resorts to its more famous neighbor. It is also home to a grove of trees that is an overwintering area for monarch butterflies, with the insects gathering in huge numbers each year from mid-November until mid-February.
• Los Olivos - About 50 miles north of Santa Barbara on Highway 154. This is a cute little one-horse town with about 20 local winery tasting rooms lined up on Grand St. A great place to go wine tasting without having to drive a zillion miles from winery to winery.
• Montecito - This affluent town is located just south of Santa Barbara and is home to the rich and famous, including Oprah Winfrey. Montecito Village is home to some interesting shops and markets, while upscale resorts can be found on the coast.
• Solvang - Located approximately 40 miles north of Santa Barbara in the Santa Ynez Valley, Solvang is a gingerbread town. What must have started several decade back as a small "Little Denmark" tourist trap has grown into an entire town and surrounding community obsessed with its own overwhelming Danishness. Every sign, roof, light post and pothole is Danish-themed here, and reports of wandering bands of drunken men in plastic Viking helmets are firmly founded in reality. Take Highway 101 north/west to Buellton (the home of the original Pea Soup Anderson's), exit at the Highway 246 offramp and follow the destination signs to Solvang. If you're up for a twisty drive, take Highway 154 (also known as the San Marcos Pass) back to Santa Barbara at sunset and enjoy an unforgettable view.
• Santa Ynez - 31 miles northwest of Santa Barbara, Santa Ynez sits at the heart of the rural Santa Ynez valley, an area that attracts travelers to its many wineries. The valley was the setting for the 2004 film Sideways, and fans of the film are known to make pilgrimages to the inns and restaurants from the movie.
• Wine Country. North on US 101 in the Solvang region.
• Los Angeles is about 90 miles down the coast, but whether you take the 101 or the Pacific Coast Highway (Route 1), be prepared for a major tie-up somewhere along your route in the best of times. Without traffic, the trip could take an hour and a half, but actual driving time is often easily twice that and can be more. Both routes have their appeal, though, as after they diverge in Ventura, Route 1 goes past beautiful coastline and the Malibu Cliffs, whereas the 101 ultimately climbs high into the hills.