In Santa Barbara, State Street is synonymous with shopping, and if you don’t want to be tempted, you’d better put on blinders before you walk. But the lively thoroughfare offers far more than boutiques and storefronts. Stretching from the historic heart of downtown toward the waterfront, State Street buzzes with sidewalk cafés, wine bars, and art galleries, along with historic landmarks that shine light on the history of this ever-popular coastal enclave.
Shopping Along State Street
But back to shopping. If you’re ready to dive in and enjoy, start at State Street’s upper end, with luxury retailers such as Tiffany & Co. at La Cumbre Plaza. Next up, La Arcada; it’s twisting walkways with fountains and flowerpots allow plenty of time to gaze into boutique windows and think, “Oh, I really need that…”
Grab an espresso at local favorite The French Press to keep you going then continue south to the babbling fountains and lush landscaping at Paseo Nuevo shopping center, home to more than 50 stores. Continue to Victoria Court, with an alluring mix of independent shops and top restaurants.
Beyond the big-name retailers and open-air centers, State Street also rewards shoppers who wander into its environs—all along there are a sprinkling of independent boutiques that showcase a more artisan side, from stylish clothing shops to locally owned gift stores filled with distinctive jewelry, handmade goods, and beachy decor.
Where to Eat on State Street
Once you’re ready to call it quits, settle in south of the 101, where State Street meets the waterfront and dining options range from breezy seafood spots to casual cafés. At Olio e Limone Ristorante, refined Italian dishes are paired with a cozy, rustic-chic atmosphere next door to the wood-fired pizzas at Olio Pizzeria. Nearby, Finney’s Crafthouse draws a lively crowd with craft beer and elevated pub fare, and Oku serves creative sushi and Japanese-inspired plates with rooftop ocean views. It’s an ideal stretch for lingering over dinner after a day of browsing shops.
Head north of the 101 and the culinary scene shifts to elegant bistros, global flavors, and longtime local favorites. The beloved Bouchon Santa Barbara remains the gold standard for refined farm-to-table dining, showcasing Central Coast ingredients in sophisticated French-inspired dishes. Just a few blocks away is Loquita, a Michelin Bib Gourmand spot with vibrant Spanish tapas and paella. Apna Indian Kitchen brings aromatic curries and tandoori specialties to the mix.
For something lighter, try Cajé Coffe Roasters’ expertly brewed drinks plus sandwiches, bowls, and pastries. For casual Italian, California Pasta Makers fits the bill perfectly, and you can feast on authentic southeast Asian cuisine at Sama Sama Kitchen and Asian-inspired sandwiches at The Blue Owl. For seafood, book a table at The Drunken Crab, Broad Street Oyster Company, or Holdrens’ Steak & Seafood, all within a block of one another.
Cocktails, Wine, and Beer on State Street
There’s no better place to be than State Street when the urge to raise a glass strikes. At The Good Lion, mixologists shake up inventive craft cocktails in a romantic, speakeasy-like setting, while nearby Test Pilot leans into tiki-inspired drinks and tropical flair. Other notable spots include Dusk Bar, Shaker Mill, and The Cruisery.
Wine lovers can settle in at Satellite Santa Barbara, a sleek urban wine bar and vegetarian restaurant known for its thoughtful list of natural and small-production wines; also perfect for tipping back a glass are Longoria; Paradise Springs Winery (where private cellar tastings are available); and Barbieri & Kempe Wines. None require reservations.
For craft beer, visit Institution Ale Co. where you’ll find a rotating lineup of locally brewed favorites, including German and Viennese-style pours; the sustainability-minded Night Lizard Brewing Company, where many of the beers are named after endangered species of the Central Coast; Mosaic Locale, where beers from Draughtsman Alwworks out of neighboring Goleta are proudly featured on the menu; and the family-owned-and-operated M Special Brewery.
Art Galleries Along State Street
Art lovers will want to drop by spots such as Waterhouse Gallery, for contemporary realist and figurative works; 10 West Gallery, an artist-run cooperative just off State Street, for rotating exhibitions of painting, photography, and sculpture by local talents; and the nearby Arts Fund Gallery, which highlights emerging regional artists and community-focused exhibitions.
Historic Landmarks Along State Street
Historic landmarks are found throughout Santa Barbara’s downtown, giving a stroll along State Street a strong sense of place. Among the most striking is the Arlington Theatre, a 1931 Spanish Colonial Revival showpiece whose ornate interior evokes a Spanish village courtyard. Just a few blocks away, the Santa Barbara County Courthouse—often considered one of the most beautiful civic buildings in the country—features colorful tile murals, lush gardens, and sweeping views from its clock tower. Nearby, the Lobero Theatre—named one of the 11 most beautiful theatres in the world in 2023 by Condé Nast Traveller magazine—was founded in the 19th century and continues to host concerts, dance, and theater, underscoring the area’s long tradition as a cultural gathering place.