Santa Barbara Shopping Tour (Self Guided), Santa Barbara
Shopping in Santa Barbara, California is a serious affair! To those who may take it lightly, one can say (jokingly paraphrasing Oscar Wilde) that it is so shallow of them:) Indeed, from boutique-lined streets to charming courtyards, this coastal city boasts a wide retail spectrum, spanning from world-class stores to a multitude of local crafts shops fit to please even the most discerning and meticulous consumers.
Wonderful outdoor paseos, shadowed plazas, and long brick sidewalks make shopping in Santa Barbara the most enjoyable way to spend your free time. Let's take a stroll through some of the notable spots and see what they are.
State Street is the bustling heart of Santa Barbara's shopping scene. Stretching from the beach to the foothills, it's a vibrant mix of high-end retailers, unique boutiques, and delightful eateries. Paseo Nuevo, an outdoor shopping center nestled along State Street, is a prime spot for fashion enthusiasts, featuring popular brands and local boutiques.
For those seeking art and culture, the La Arcada Historic Courtyard is a hidden gem. This charming enclave houses art galleries, boutiques, and cafes, making it the perfect place to explore Santa Barbara's creative side. Bella Rosa Galleries, located in this courtyard, showcases a stunning collection of fine art and jewelry that's sure to captivate art aficionados.
Arlington Plaza is another shopping destination worth exploring. It's a chic retail district where you can find upscale boutiques, offering everything from fashion to home decor. And don't forget Santa Barbara Cigar and Tobacco, where cigar enthusiasts can indulge in a wide selection of cigars and accessories.
If you have a sweet tooth, Chocolate Maya is a must-visit. This artisanal chocolate shop slightly off State Street offers delectable handmade chocolates and truffles that are simply irresistible.
So, wait no more! Come and explore the retailing delights Santa Barbara has to offer, and let the shopping adventures begin!
Wonderful outdoor paseos, shadowed plazas, and long brick sidewalks make shopping in Santa Barbara the most enjoyable way to spend your free time. Let's take a stroll through some of the notable spots and see what they are.
State Street is the bustling heart of Santa Barbara's shopping scene. Stretching from the beach to the foothills, it's a vibrant mix of high-end retailers, unique boutiques, and delightful eateries. Paseo Nuevo, an outdoor shopping center nestled along State Street, is a prime spot for fashion enthusiasts, featuring popular brands and local boutiques.
For those seeking art and culture, the La Arcada Historic Courtyard is a hidden gem. This charming enclave houses art galleries, boutiques, and cafes, making it the perfect place to explore Santa Barbara's creative side. Bella Rosa Galleries, located in this courtyard, showcases a stunning collection of fine art and jewelry that's sure to captivate art aficionados.
Arlington Plaza is another shopping destination worth exploring. It's a chic retail district where you can find upscale boutiques, offering everything from fashion to home decor. And don't forget Santa Barbara Cigar and Tobacco, where cigar enthusiasts can indulge in a wide selection of cigars and accessories.
If you have a sweet tooth, Chocolate Maya is a must-visit. This artisanal chocolate shop slightly off State Street offers delectable handmade chocolates and truffles that are simply irresistible.
So, wait no more! Come and explore the retailing delights Santa Barbara has to offer, and let the shopping adventures begin!
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Santa Barbara Shopping Tour Map
Guide Name: Santa Barbara Shopping Tour
Guide Location: USA » Santa Barbara (See other walking tours in Santa Barbara)
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Sightseeing)
# of Attractions: 7
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.9 Km or 1.2 Miles
Author: HollyZ
Sight(s) Featured in This Guide:
Guide Location: USA » Santa Barbara (See other walking tours in Santa Barbara)
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Sightseeing)
# of Attractions: 7
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.9 Km or 1.2 Miles
Author: HollyZ
Sight(s) Featured in This Guide:
- Arlington Plaza
- Santa Barbara Cigar and Tobacco
- Bella Rosa Galleries
- La Arcada Historic Courtyard
- Paseo Nuevo
- State Street
- Chocolate Maya
1) Arlington Plaza
Arlington Plaza presents a compact yet varied collection of retail, dining, and cultural offerings, arranged around landscaped walkways and shaded outdoor seating. Its storefronts include locally owned destinations such as DIANI Boutique, DIANI Shoes, and DIANI Living, offering fashion, home goods, and design objects with a distinctive regional aesthetic. The plaza also features The Travel Store and Marisa Mason Jewelry, offering handcrafted accessories and unique gifts, while Blossom Salon contributes a personal care option to the overall mix.
Several dining spots anchor the plaza's atmosphere of casual gathering. Renaud鈥檚 Patisserie & Bistro serves French-inspired breakfast and lunch fare, while Carlitos Caf茅 y Cantina provides Mexican cuisine with patio seating that faces the plaza鈥檚 interior. The restaurant鈥檚 patio often features live music that complements the plaza鈥檚 steady rhythm.
Several dining spots anchor the plaza's atmosphere of casual gathering. Renaud鈥檚 Patisserie & Bistro serves French-inspired breakfast and lunch fare, while Carlitos Caf茅 y Cantina provides Mexican cuisine with patio seating that faces the plaza鈥檚 interior. The restaurant鈥檚 patio often features live music that complements the plaza鈥檚 steady rhythm.
2) Santa Barbara Cigar and Tobacco
Santa Barbara Cigars and Tobacco opened in 1996 and provides the city with refined cigars and original accessories. The selection of humidors, lighters and cigar cutters will satisfy even a very pretentious consumer. This is a shop for all your smoking needs. Inside the store you can relax and enjoy aromas of the shop and flat screen TVs. This shop carries all the top brands available today, like Canacho Liberty, Tatuaje, La goria Cubana Artesanos de Miami, Rood 101 and many others.
3) Bella Rosa Galleries
Bella Rosa Galleries offers a distinctive blend of art and luxury retail, centered on a selective collection of estate, vintage, and antique jewelry. Inside, glass cases display rare colored diamonds, natural gemstones, and one-of-a-kind pieces that span eras and regions. The gallery emphasizes mined stones and handcrafted detail, with particular attention to items that carry historical significance or cultural artistry.
In addition to showcasing finished pieces, the gallery offers full appraisal services and extensive expertise in valuation, making it a resource for collectors and sellers alike. Jewelry, watches, coins, and gold are actively bought, sold, or accepted on consignment, creating a dynamic inventory shaped by both new acquisitions and reimagined heirlooms. Custom design services are also available, allowing clients to transform older items into modern, wearable forms while preserving their original essence.
In addition to showcasing finished pieces, the gallery offers full appraisal services and extensive expertise in valuation, making it a resource for collectors and sellers alike. Jewelry, watches, coins, and gold are actively bought, sold, or accepted on consignment, creating a dynamic inventory shaped by both new acquisitions and reimagined heirlooms. Custom design services are also available, allowing clients to transform older items into modern, wearable forms while preserving their original essence.
4) La Arcada Historic Courtyard
La Arcada Historic Courtyard is a captivating blend of art, shopping, dining, and historical charm. Established in 1926 in the Spanish Revival style, the space is designed for leisurely exploration. Visitors can enjoy tile-lined walkways, fountains, and sculptures that enhance the peaceful atmosphere. The iconic clock tower, inspired by a famous Chicago clock, stands out as one of the courtyard's key architectural highlights. Along with these, visitors can admire realistic statues, including playful bronze dolphins and a turtle fountain, perfect for snapping photos and interacting with the art.
The courtyard offers a diverse range of shopping options. Boutiques feature unique clothing, jewelry, home decor, and art, with local galleries showcasing paintings, sculptures, and historical artifacts by both established and emerging artists. For something out of the ordinary, the historic barbershop displays antique equipment, adding a quirky touch to your visit.
After some time spent browsing and exploring, a meal at one of the nearby eateries becomes a well-earned pleasure鈥攑erhaps Danish pastries from Andersen鈥檚 Bakery or the distinctive blend of French and Ethiopian flavors at Petit Valentien. The area also offers a variety of other dining choices, from California cuisine to Italian dishes and decadent French chocolate, ensuring there鈥檚 something to satisfy every taste.
The courtyard offers a diverse range of shopping options. Boutiques feature unique clothing, jewelry, home decor, and art, with local galleries showcasing paintings, sculptures, and historical artifacts by both established and emerging artists. For something out of the ordinary, the historic barbershop displays antique equipment, adding a quirky touch to your visit.
After some time spent browsing and exploring, a meal at one of the nearby eateries becomes a well-earned pleasure鈥攑erhaps Danish pastries from Andersen鈥檚 Bakery or the distinctive blend of French and Ethiopian flavors at Petit Valentien. The area also offers a variety of other dining choices, from California cuisine to Italian dishes and decadent French chocolate, ensuring there鈥檚 something to satisfy every taste.
5) Paseo Nuevo (must see)
Paseo Nuevo is a shopping center that boasts Spanish-style architecture for an exciting shopping experience. Beautiful courtyard areas are a perfect place to gather with shopping buddies and enjoy the sunshine.
Regular events, such as outdoor markets and activities for children, as well as a movie theater, provide fun for everyone. Regardless of whether you're seeking fun in addition to your shopping or are looking for activities for a family day out, Paseo Nuevo won't disappoint you.
Local stores are well-represented here, including Angie's Boutique, Maker's Market, Te Amo, and Zitzilan Imports. The Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara also has a store here. Shopping at these merchants helps to support the local community.
Popular stores represented at this shopping center include Claire's, Gap Kids, Abercrombie & Fitch, American Eagle Outfitters, Game Stop, and Victoria's Secret.
Paseo Nuevo also offers several restaurant options. Some of the restaurants include 805 Boba, California Pasta, California Pizza Kitchen, Eureka Burger, Panda Express, Pickles & Swiss, and Sushytime.
If you're looking for a quick snack or drink, try some French pastries from Le Macaron. You might also consider an acai bowl from Oak Berry or fresh-squeezed juice from Pressed Juicery. See's Candies, Sweet Creams, and Tendi Gelato are also available for a quick break.
Regardless of why you decide to visit this shopping center, you'll come away pleased with what they have to offer. The atmosphere is on that encourages you to get out and enjoy everything.
Paseo Nuevo Mall is part of The Paseo de la Guerra complex of historic buildings. Since 1977 it is listed (as El Paseo and Casa de la Guerra) in National Register of Historic Places.
Regular events, such as outdoor markets and activities for children, as well as a movie theater, provide fun for everyone. Regardless of whether you're seeking fun in addition to your shopping or are looking for activities for a family day out, Paseo Nuevo won't disappoint you.
Local stores are well-represented here, including Angie's Boutique, Maker's Market, Te Amo, and Zitzilan Imports. The Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara also has a store here. Shopping at these merchants helps to support the local community.
Popular stores represented at this shopping center include Claire's, Gap Kids, Abercrombie & Fitch, American Eagle Outfitters, Game Stop, and Victoria's Secret.
Paseo Nuevo also offers several restaurant options. Some of the restaurants include 805 Boba, California Pasta, California Pizza Kitchen, Eureka Burger, Panda Express, Pickles & Swiss, and Sushytime.
If you're looking for a quick snack or drink, try some French pastries from Le Macaron. You might also consider an acai bowl from Oak Berry or fresh-squeezed juice from Pressed Juicery. See's Candies, Sweet Creams, and Tendi Gelato are also available for a quick break.
Regardless of why you decide to visit this shopping center, you'll come away pleased with what they have to offer. The atmosphere is on that encourages you to get out and enjoy everything.
Paseo Nuevo Mall is part of The Paseo de la Guerra complex of historic buildings. Since 1977 it is listed (as El Paseo and Casa de la Guerra) in National Register of Historic Places.
6) State Street
State Street has a reputation for being one of the most pedestrian-friendly plazas in Santa Barbara. Because this area is easy for visitors to go walking in, the street attracts a lot of visitors daily.
Many of the most popular stores are locally-owned boutiques or gift stores, such as 33 Jewels at El Paseo, Beads of the Earth, and Letter Perfect Santa Barbara. National brands that are well-represented include the Apple Store, CVS, Foot Locker, H & M, the Levi's Store, Old Navy, and Sunglass Hut.
If you want to grab quick snacks or drinks, 7-Eleven, Chocolats Du Calibressan, and Mini-Mart are great places to stop. Consider stopping by SB liquor & Crafts during your trip to buy liquor or crafts brews.
The street also plays host to regular family-friendly events throughout the year. Some of these events include crafts and other types of fun for all ages.
Many of the most popular stores are locally-owned boutiques or gift stores, such as 33 Jewels at El Paseo, Beads of the Earth, and Letter Perfect Santa Barbara. National brands that are well-represented include the Apple Store, CVS, Foot Locker, H & M, the Levi's Store, Old Navy, and Sunglass Hut.
If you want to grab quick snacks or drinks, 7-Eleven, Chocolats Du Calibressan, and Mini-Mart are great places to stop. Consider stopping by SB liquor & Crafts during your trip to buy liquor or crafts brews.
The street also plays host to regular family-friendly events throughout the year. Some of these events include crafts and other types of fun for all ages.
7) Chocolate Maya
Chocolate Maya is an artisan chocolate shop devoted to handcrafted creations made from heirloom cacao and fresh, often local, ingredients. Inside, the display cases are filled with truffles, bonbons, and bars鈥攅ach made in-house with precision and a clear sense of flavor experimentation. European chocolate-making techniques are blended with American innovation, resulting in offerings that range from familiar combinations to bold, seasonal infusions using herbs, spices, fruits, or liquors sourced from the Santa Barbara Farmers Market.
The shop also functions as a working bean-to-bar workshop, where couverture is developed from scratch, and each batch reflects a commitment to quality without artificial additives or preservatives. Alongside the confections, the store features spicy and traditional chocolate drinks, a variety of organic options, and selections made with natural ingredients for those seeking minimally processed treats. The collection includes items suited for gifts, including customizable shapes, logos, and flavors.
The shop also functions as a working bean-to-bar workshop, where couverture is developed from scratch, and each batch reflects a commitment to quality without artificial additives or preservatives. Alongside the confections, the store features spicy and traditional chocolate drinks, a variety of organic options, and selections made with natural ingredients for those seeking minimally processed treats. The collection includes items suited for gifts, including customizable shapes, logos, and flavors.
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