Santa Barbara

Downtown is the dynamic heart and soul of Santa Barbara—a postcard-pretty city with a fascinating past. This is the most pedestrian-friendly breadth of the city, where our rich Spanish heritage is on vivid display and seamlessly mingles with modernity. Here, you can grab a morning coffee at local favorite Handlebar Coffee and look out over a 1782 Spanish fortress, or catch a show at the historic 1873 Lobero Theatre right next to a strip of contemporary boutiques.

The city’s deep commitment to preserving its Spanish Revival architecture visually ties the entire neighborhood together. With classic red-tile roofs, white-washed stucco walls, intricate wrought-iron balconies, and kaleidoscopic tiles, it is an aesthetically pleasing, highly walkable urban crux where Santa Barbarans go to see and be seen.

The Vibe: Culture, Charm, and Community

Downtown attracts a lively mix of young professionals, families, long-time residents, and retirees drawn to the area’s bustle and beauty. It is both a centralized hub for major employers and startups, and a cultural center that satisfies everyone from history buffs to foodies and art aficionados.

A Thriving Pedestrian Promenade

State Street is the main artery of the downtown area, and it is currently redefining itself as a thriving, car-free promenade. It is incredibly easy to explore on foot or aboard the electric shuttle. The redesign has turned the street into an expansive, open-air gathering place for the community.

The Best Produce in the Country

One of my absolute favorite things about living here is our access to incredible, fresh ingredients. The downtown area hosts the legendary Santa Barbara Certified Farmers Market twice a week. On Tuesday afternoons in Old Town (3:00 PM to 7:00 PM) and Saturday mornings right at the intersection of State and Carrillo (8:00 AM to 1:00 PM), the streets fill with the best local produce, artisanal meats, fresh-cut flowers, and local musicians playing in the street. We are so incredibly lucky to have local farms right at our fingertips.

The Lifestyle: Entertainment, Dining, and The Arts

Living downtown means endless opportunities for shopping, dining, and entertainment, with the stunning coastline just a short distance away. Despite having a “small town” feel, the cultural amenities here are decidedly big-city.

1st Thursday Art Walk

One of our most beloved local traditions is the 1st Thursday Art Walk. On the first Thursday evening of every month from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, downtown comes completely alive. Participating galleries, historic venues, and hidden courtyards open their doors for a free evening of visual and performing arts. It is an incredibly festive and fun opportunity to stroll down State Street, weaving through the galleries to see the latest featured artists while enjoying live music and local wine tastings.

The Arts & Theater District

Locals are immensely proud of our storied history and the city’s commitment to preservation. A short spin around downtown brings you past the handsome El Presidio State Historic Park and the stately Santa Barbara Courthouse. The Courthouse is a literal work of art; it is a premier wedding venue, and in the summer, locals set up blankets and farmers’ market picnics on the sunken gardens for incredible al fresco movie nights.

When it comes to live entertainment, I am especially drawn to the Granada Theatre for incredible performances, political speakers, and visiting authors. Additionally, the Lobero Theatre—one of the oldest continuously operating theaters in America—provides a fantastic, intimate venue for artists and inspiration.

The Urban Wine Trail

You don’t need to drive out to the Santa Ynez Valley to experience Santa Barbara’s world-class wine country. The popular Urban Wine Trail picks up right here in the downtown area. A booming collection of fantastic, atmospheric tasting rooms is densely concentrated around East De La Guerra Street and Anacapa Street, making it easy to spend a Saturday afternoon wine tasting entirely on foot.

My Local Dining Guide

Downtown boasts a thriving culinary scene, from historic establishments to modern, farm-to-table concepts. If you are looking for my personal recommendations:

• Arigato Sushi: In my opinion, this is the absolute best sushi in Santa Barbara.
• Carlitos: The perfect spot for classic downtown ambiance and the most delicious guacamole.
• Aperitivo: Incredible, homemade Italian pasta and a fantastic wine list.
• The Daisy: Their menu is heavily inspired by the farmers’ market—it simply does not get fresher than this.
• The Good Lion: My favorite spot for craft cocktails in a stylish setting before catching a show.

The Market: Diverse Urban Living

The real estate market downtown offers a fantastic mix of housing options. Newer multi-family developments, including luxury apartments, duplexes, townhouses, and sleek condos, mingle seamlessly with older cottages, classic ranch homes, and historic bungalows.

If you want to be right in the action, central State Street offers incredible condo living. If you move just a few blocks east or west of the main promenade, you will find quaint, single-family homes standing at attention on quiet, tree-lined streets. Most single-family residences in this coveted area start around the $1 million mark.