Welcome to Santa Barbara Downtown
From its historic, red-tiled Spanish roofs to its views of the gleaming Pacific, Santa Barbara has long held a luminous reputation as one of the truest tastes of the ever-majestic state of California. Within driving distance of the country’s second-largest metropolis, Santa Barbara is the perfect marriage between cosmopolitan busyness and coastal, laidback luxury. And with stunning, unique neighborhoods and a slew of real estate options — from upscale condominiums to historic estates from West Beach and The Upper East to the Mesa and East Beach — incoming residents are bound to find the enclave that resonates with them.
Santa Barbara is legendary for its vibrant, dynamic culture, which is evidenced in its magnificent array of shops and boutiques, museums and galleries, five-star resorts, and fantastic arts and culinary scene. Bustling and beautiful, the Golden State’s most desirable region provides a wonderful way of life.
What to Love
- Steeped in a rich, enthralling history
- Filled with picturesque charm and sweeping views
- Proximity to Ventura and Los Angeles
- A haven for outdoor enthusiasts
- Brimming with Craftsman and Victorian homes
- Abounding with energy
- Premier condos ranging from under one million to 15 million
Local Lifestyle
An enormous part of Santa Barbara’s charm rests in the wide assortment of residents it attracts. From college students to surfers, from golf-playing retirees to corporate professionals, and from celebrated musicians to prosperous artists, the people of Santa Barbara are what gives it its enticing atmosphere.
Downtown Santa Barbara offers a bounty of places to live, work, and play, and yet it’s small enough to have a tight-knit, thoroughly affable feel. You’ll often see your neighbors cruising around State Street, running on the beach, or engaging in a sport at one of the area’s many country clubs.
Dining, Shopping & Entertainment
Santa Barbara’s prime location in Southern California renders it a hotbed for a vast range of culinary specialties. Whether you’re in the mood for authentic fish tacos or melt-in-your-mouth sushi, downtown Santa Barbara is certain to satisfy.
Carlitos Cafe y Cantina is perennially popular with locals and visitors alike. The buzzy spot is as famous for its margarita choices — think mango, blood orange, and agave nectar — as it is for its tapas, like fresh and creamy guacamole and halibut ceviche. Ca’Dario Santa Barbara delivers time and again with its Italian fare. Here, you can pair an unforgettable bottle of wine with eats ranging from bruschetta to bolognese.
French fare at its finest is the star of the show at Bouchon, a place that lives up to its wish to serve wine-country cuisine. Opal on downtown Santa Barbara’s famed State Street exceeds expectations with sensational craft cocktails and a menu teeming with the likes of pesto scallop salad and duck confit artisan pizza. From the sumptuous seafood at The Lark Santa Barbara to the fun ambiance at Joe’s Cafe, Santa Barbara is a veritable destination for foodies.
Things to Do
There are few things one cannot do in Santa Barbara. Eager to try longboarding? Done. Consider yourself an avid hiker? The city has more than 80 hiking trails and 1,800-plus acres of parkland and open space. Do you prefer to spend your Sunday indulging in a massage at an opulent spa? That, and countless other activities, are within reach. Whether you’re in the mood for a leisurely stroll on Stearns Wharf or a day of observing wildlife at the Santa Barbara Zoo, the city overflows with both tranquility and downright fun.
Santa Barbara is also globally known for its outstanding events and festivals. Old Spanish Days Fiesta is chief among them. The spirited, week-long fete celebrates the region’s fascinating history with performances, live music, excellent food, and more. The Santa Barbara International Film Festival attracts luminaries from around the world and reminds all who arrive of the American Riviera’s astounding appeal.
Schools
Children in Santa Barbara are served under the Santa Barbara Unified School District, and its assortment of great schools is part of its allure. A few of the top schools for both school-aged children and adults include:
