Julia’s guidebook
Neighborhoods
You’ll be staying in the heart of downtown Santa Bárbara, more specifically in the Arts/theater District which hosts an international film festival each February in the historic theaters here. The courthouse, Museum of Art, library, SB Bowl (concerts), quaint shops, wine tasting rooms, art galleries.... all within easy walking distance.
Centro de Santa Barbara
You’ll be staying in the heart of downtown Santa Bárbara, more specifically in the Arts/theater District which hosts an international film festival each February in the historic theaters here. The courthouse, Museum of Art, library, SB Bowl (concerts), quaint shops, wine tasting rooms, art galleries.... all within easy walking distance.
Between our neighborhood and the beach, this neighborhood is artsy cool with nightlife, wineries, murals in lots of converted spaces. Try Loquita or The Lark for $$$ deliciousness, or Shalhoob’s Funk Zone Patio for $$, Mony’s Tacos $. Tap rooms and wineries galore, try SB Winery or stumble upon your own faves
54 moradores locais recomendam
The Funk Zone
137 Anacapa StBetween our neighborhood and the beach, this neighborhood is artsy cool with nightlife, wineries, murals in lots of converted spaces. Try Loquita or The Lark for $$$ deliciousness, or Shalhoob’s Funk Zone Patio for $$, Mony’s Tacos $. Tap rooms and wineries galore, try SB Winery or stumble upon your own faves
As you head down State St toward the beach in the eve, you will find tons of bars and good crowds on weekends. This will bring you closer to the hotel district, so you’ll find lots of visitors looking for a good time. Great local businesses putting out music, drinks, and low key party vibes. Some dog friendly bar options include The Cruisery, Wine Therapy... Joe’s Cafe is an iconic spot
Estado Inferior
As you head down State St toward the beach in the eve, you will find tons of bars and good crowds on weekends. This will bring you closer to the hotel district, so you’ll find lots of visitors looking for a good time. Great local businesses putting out music, drinks, and low key party vibes. Some dog friendly bar options include The Cruisery, Wine Therapy... Joe’s Cafe is an iconic spot
Millas area is a great place for authentic Mexican food (La Super Rica, Lito’s, Taqueria El Bajio) and the closest groceries to us (Chapala Market, Trader Joe’s, Sprouts). You’ll want to drive, and traffic can be a little busy here as it is a throughway for locals.
Milpas
Millas area is a great place for authentic Mexican food (La Super Rica, Lito’s, Taqueria El Bajio) and the closest groceries to us (Chapala Market, Trader Joe’s, Sprouts). You’ll want to drive, and traffic can be a little busy here as it is a throughway for locals.
Sightseeing
This must see spot in SB is 1 block from our place. Featuring grassy sunken gardens, weddings galore, and Friday night outdoor movie screenings all summer long. Learn some Spanish/SB history through the murals inside, and def check out views from the top
162 moradores locais recomendam
Superior Court Of California County Of Santa Barbara
1100 Anacapa StThis must see spot in SB is 1 block from our place. Featuring grassy sunken gardens, weddings galore, and Friday night outdoor movie screenings all summer long. Learn some Spanish/SB history through the murals inside, and def check out views from the top
Only one mile walk up Garden Street from our space! Featuring a large green space for a picnic, playing catch, or meeting friends at this combo garden and historic landmark/museum. Gorgeous rose garden maintained by local volunteers. Adjacent to Rocky Nook Park for more trails to wander in this amazing spot
72 moradores locais recomendam
Mission Rose Garden
420 Plaza RubioOnly one mile walk up Garden Street from our space! Featuring a large green space for a picnic, playing catch, or meeting friends at this combo garden and historic landmark/museum. Gorgeous rose garden maintained by local volunteers. Adjacent to Rocky Nook Park for more trails to wander in this amazing spot
Tourist hot spot at the bottom of State St at the beach. Art market starts here on Sat and Sun
48 moradores locais recomendam
Stearns Wharf
217 Stearns WharfTourist hot spot at the bottom of State St at the beach. Art market starts here on Sat and Sun
The presidio is more than a historic landmark... check out the shops, restaurants, bars, and events in these historic buildings, especially the pop up vintage markets some Saturdays, the Pickle Room a cool funky bar, and Handlebar Coffee a local hangout
23 moradores locais recomendam
El Presidio de Santa Barbara State Historic Park
123 E Canon Perdido StThe presidio is more than a historic landmark... check out the shops, restaurants, bars, and events in these historic buildings, especially the pop up vintage markets some Saturdays, the Pickle Room a cool funky bar, and Handlebar Coffee a local hangout
Food scene
High class local establishments... here are some modern and some traditional options. Check menu prices and reach out if you want helping finding great food to fit your budget
Great food, great drinks, great atmosphere and location, only 3 blocks away. Love sweet & salty? Us too. Try the Brie, sliders, and cocktails at this cool local’s lounge
32 moradores locais recomendam
Milk & Honey
30 W Anapamu StGreat food, great drinks, great atmosphere and location, only 3 blocks away. Love sweet & salty? Us too. Try the Brie, sliders, and cocktails at this cool local’s lounge
The best craft cocktails in Santa Barbara are only 3 blocks away on State Street right next to the famed Granada theater in a hip romantic setting
65 moradores locais recomendam
The Good Lion
1212 State StThe best craft cocktails in Santa Barbara are only 3 blocks away on State Street right next to the famed Granada theater in a hip romantic setting
The best sushi, or most highly rated at least, in Santa Barbara, is right across from The Good Lion, just 3 blocks from our space.
150 moradores locais recomendam
Arigato Sushi
1225 State StThe best sushi, or most highly rated at least, in Santa Barbara, is right across from The Good Lion, just 3 blocks from our space.
If you like Asian fusion...you'll love this place. Only 3 blocks away. Delicious flavors, light portions
60 moradores locais recomendam
Sama Sama Kitchen
1208 State StIf you like Asian fusion...you'll love this place. Only 3 blocks away. Delicious flavors, light portions
Delicious, upscale Mexican food across from Arlington theater. 40 years in SB!
48 moradores locais recomendam
Carlitos Café y Cantina
1324 State StDelicious, upscale Mexican food across from Arlington theater. 40 years in SB!
Gluten-free? This is the place for you. In fact, it's kinda famous for their GF baking, and there bkfst/lunch menu is outstanding.
19 moradores locais recomendam
Lilac Pâtisserie
1017 State StGluten-free? This is the place for you. In fact, it's kinda famous for their GF baking, and there bkfst/lunch menu is outstanding.
Breakfast burritos, tacos, vegan options, friendly prices, in the presidio!
Rudy’s Mexican Restaurant
138 E Canon Perdido StBreakfast burritos, tacos, vegan options, friendly prices, in the presidio!
Like cupcakes and home-style healthy food in a cozy atmosphere? This is a super cute & relaxed place to sit and do work on the laptop, read, etc...over a great cup of coffee or latte and some sweets or a full meal. Family owned and queer friendly
39 moradores locais recomendam
Crushcakes & Cafe
1315 Anacapa StLike cupcakes and home-style healthy food in a cozy atmosphere? This is a super cute & relaxed place to sit and do work on the laptop, read, etc...over a great cup of coffee or latte and some sweets or a full meal. Family owned and queer friendly
Like ice cream? This place is sorta famous...
53 moradores locais recomendam
McConnell's Fine Ice Creams
728 State StLike ice cream? This place is sorta famous...
Can't make up your mind on what you want to eat? There are a handful of options here, all good stuff. We love Corazón Cocina, Little Heart Cafecito, Shalhoob’s Burgers, and Empty Bowl. Fala Bar is super vegan friendly too. Dessert at Rori’s Ice Cream!
77 moradores locais recomendam
Santa Barbara Public Market
38 W Victoria StCan't make up your mind on what you want to eat? There are a handful of options here, all good stuff. We love Corazón Cocina, Little Heart Cafecito, Shalhoob’s Burgers, and Empty Bowl. Fala Bar is super vegan friendly too. Dessert at Rori’s Ice Cream!
Scarlett Begonia
21 W Victoria StBrunch, try the cinnamon roll...
Trattoria Vittoria
30 E Victoria StRomantic Italian food, delicious pasta
Cool patio in the Presidio for Mediterranean food and sometimes belly dancing
57 moradores locais recomendam
Zaytoon
209 E Canon Perdido StCool patio in the Presidio for Mediterranean food and sometimes belly dancing
Local neighborhood spot for all the vices... late night food like cheap & tasty burgers & tacos, plus liquor selection, snacks, and basics. Great people, open till 2am on weekends.
6 moradores locais recomendam
Presidio Market Liquor & Grill
1236 Santa Barbara StLocal neighborhood spot for all the vices... late night food like cheap & tasty burgers & tacos, plus liquor selection, snacks, and basics. Great people, open till 2am on weekends.
Walk to the bountiful Saturday farmers market on Cota St. Not here on Saturday? The Santa Bárbara area features a farmers market within 20 min drive almost everyday of the week. Check online schedule for locations
6 moradores locais recomendam
Santa Barbara Farmers Market // Saturday
119 East Cota StreetWalk to the bountiful Saturday farmers market on Cota St. Not here on Saturday? The Santa Bárbara area features a farmers market within 20 min drive almost everyday of the week. Check online schedule for locations
Museums etc.
For a small city, we have wonderful museums and a great zoo. Learn, explore, play
World class collections and lovely local docents! In the heart of downtown. Great gift shop next door
107 moradores locais recomendam
Museu de Arte de Santa Barbara
1130 State StWorld class collections and lovely local docents! In the heart of downtown. Great gift shop next door
Near the SB Mission, this museum is just over a mile from our place, in the beautiful Mission Canyon. So fun for kids, great outdoor spaces and local natural history
118 moradores locais recomendam
Museu de História Natural de Santa Barbara
2559 Puesta Del SolNear the SB Mission, this museum is just over a mile from our place, in the beautiful Mission Canyon. So fun for kids, great outdoor spaces and local natural history
Kids love this spot! It’s near the beach and Montecito. Visit the unique Channel Islands fox!
169 moradores locais recomendam
Zoológico de Santa Barbara
500 Ninos DrKids love this spot! It’s near the beach and Montecito. Visit the unique Channel Islands fox!
Beaches, parks, hiking
Recreation in Santa Bárbara style. Relax and soak up the sun and waves. Here are some great nearby beaches, parks, and trails. AllTrails is a great resource for more options and current trail conditions. Or reach out for more trail recs!
Classic SoCal beach with bike path, palm trees, beach volleyball. At low tide, walk south to Butterfly Beach in Montecito. Dogs must be on leash until you get closer to Butterfly Beach (south of the volleyball courts) which is more dog friendly
Praia do Leste
Classic SoCal beach with bike path, palm trees, beach volleyball. At low tide, walk south to Butterfly Beach in Montecito. Dogs must be on leash until you get closer to Butterfly Beach (south of the volleyball courts) which is more dog friendly
Duck pond with turtles, walking trails, lots of great spots for yoga, tai chi or a picnic. Across the street from Kids World playground, well loved by local families!
33 moradores locais recomendam
Alice Keck Park Memorial Gardens
1500 Santa Barbara StDuck pond with turtles, walking trails, lots of great spots for yoga, tai chi or a picnic. Across the street from Kids World playground, well loved by local families!
Beach near the harbor and SBCC. Kayaks for rent, some surfing spots too
59 moradores locais recomendam
Praia Leadbetter
Beach near the harbor and SBCC. Kayaks for rent, some surfing spots too
Gorgeous sunset spot! Fun trails meander through epic groves of trees overlooking the Pacific. Great spot to watch for dolphins and whales, especially in the morning and evening. Off leash for dogs!
81 moradores locais recomendam
Douglas Family Preserve
Gorgeous sunset spot! Fun trails meander through epic groves of trees overlooking the Pacific. Great spot to watch for dolphins and whales, especially in the morning and evening. Off leash for dogs!
Sweet short trails and fun for kids, great for wildflowers in spring!
136 moradores locais recomendam
Jardim botânico de Santa Bárbara
1212 Mission Canyon RdSweet short trails and fun for kids, great for wildflowers in spring!
My favorite trail is only 10 min drive from our space. Go early to enjoy more solitude. Super dog friendly & off leash optional. Climb as far as you want on this out and back, the top features awesome views from Inspiration Point and totals 6 miles round trip with 1,200ft elevation gain. Creek alongside the trail runs in winter and spring
10 moradores locais recomendam
Jesusita Trailhead
San Roque RoadMy favorite trail is only 10 min drive from our space. Go early to enjoy more solitude. Super dog friendly & off leash optional. Climb as far as you want on this out and back, the top features awesome views from Inspiration Point and totals 6 miles round trip with 1,200ft elevation gain. Creek alongside the trail runs in winter and spring
Everyone loves this dog beach, just below Douglas Preserve. It can get busy because it’s so awesome and has a beachside restaurant The Boathouse with great seafood, breakfast, lunch and dinner. Just watch out for crowded parking lots on busy weekends/holidays. Option to park near Douglas Preserve and take a walking trail down the hill to the beach via the parking lot
155 moradores locais recomendam
Praia de Hendrys
Everyone loves this dog beach, just below Douglas Preserve. It can get busy because it’s so awesome and has a beachside restaurant The Boathouse with great seafood, breakfast, lunch and dinner. Just watch out for crowded parking lots on busy weekends/holidays. Option to park near Douglas Preserve and take a walking trail down the hill to the beach via the parking lot
Shops
Some of our fave local shops in the Arts District
Santa Barbara Company
214 E Victoria StLocally crafted Santa Bárbara themed goodies. Great for souvenirs and gifts
Spiritual store for incense, candles, crystals, books, art, cards... treat yourself to Santa Bárbara’s healing vibes and hippie culture
8 moradores locais recomendam
Paradise Found
17 E Anapamu StSpiritual store for incense, candles, crystals, books, art, cards... treat yourself to Santa Bárbara’s healing vibes and hippie culture
Don’t miss this gem of a local book store... in business on the central coast for well over 100 years! Dog friendly
The Book Den
15 E Anapamu StDon’t miss this gem of a local book store... in business on the central coast for well over 100 years! Dog friendly
Wine tasting
Welcome to wine country! Tons of tasting rooms tucked into the quaint streets of SB
Kunin Wines Tasting Room
831 E Yanonali StGreat local wines in walking distance
Grassini Family Vineyards
24 El PaseoBeautiful courtyard setting for wine tasting