Drew & Stephanie
Things To Eat, Drink, & Do
Explore the Funk Zone!
The Funk Zone is Santa Barbara’s newest "it" neighborhood, luring guests to an eclectic pocket of wine, dining, shopping, and art. Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and Highway 101 in downtown Santa Barbara, the Funk Zone offers a vast collection of artisan shops, hip eateries, over 20 wine tasting rooms, and award-winning microbreweries. From winemakers to surfboard shapers to adventurous chefs, the creative flock to the Funk Zone.
The Urban Wine Trail
Over 20 wineries make up the Urban Wine Trail, also located in the Funk Zone. This prominent collection of tasting rooms represent Santa Barbara County wineries and are accessible by foot via a 3-block walking trail. Wineries on the Santa Barbara Urban Wine Trail include: Au Bon Climat Carr Winery Conway Deep Sea Tasting Room Cottonwood Canyon Grassini Family Vineyards Jaffurs Wine Cellars Kalyra Winery Kunin Wines Margerum Wine Company Municipal Winemakers Oreana Winery Pali Wine Company Sanguis Santa Barbara Winery Silver Wines Summerland Winery Whitcraft Winery
Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co.
This taproom features indoor and outdoor table seating with all of their core beers on tap and ready "to go" in bottles.
Lama Dog Tap Room & Bottle Shop
Lama Dog is a nice beer bar with a good selection of bottles, full bar, and craft beers on tap. There is also a restaurant called "The Nook" inside that is housed in an old shipping container making great fish tacos, burgers, etc.. Connected next door is Topa Topa Brewery which has a good selection of fresh beers and even a wine bar too. So this spot has a lot going on!
Cutler's Artisan Spirits
The city’s first legal distillery since Prohibition, featuring top-shelf bourbon, whiskey, vodka, gin, and apple pie liqueur.
The Lark
In the heart of the Funk Zone, The Lark is the ultimate farm-to-table restaurant in Santa Barbara. Discover this urbane eatery with a Central Coast inspired menu, featuring seasonal ingredients which celebrates our local community! Reservations required far in advance. Fun fact: The Lark resides in a former fish market!
Loquita
Loquita showcases the flavors and traditional cooking methods of Spain with hot and cold tapas, wood-fired seafood, grilled meats and three types of paella. A separate pintxos bar named Poquita serves small snacks, charcuterie and cheeses. The wine list is comprised almost entirely of Spanish wines with a few exceptional local wines that pair well with the cuisine. Reservations recommended.
Lucky Penny
Both a pizzeria and a coffeehouse, Lucky Penny offers java, pizza, wood-oven pies, and pastries in a low-key atmosphere with a patio.
Seven Bar & Kitchen
Join Seven Bar & Kitchen for great food and drinks in a lively setting! Select from a menu of contemporary American fare and cocktails, served in a brick and stone accented space with unique art. From truffle fries to gastro pub sandwiches to craft cocktails, make sure you bring your appetite!
Los Agaves Restaurant
This Mexican restaurant offers a casual setting and some of the best Mexican food in town! Select from traditional favorites, such as chile rellenos, cheese enchilada combo plates, enchiladas, tacos, guacamole, and much more.
Handlebar Coffee Roasters
If you’re an early bird or you just love a good cuppa joe first thing in the AM, head over before the line is out the door to get your caffeine fix.
Cajun Kitchen Cafe
Eat like a local for breakfast and get a plate full of tasty diner-style eats at Cajun Kitchen. Word to the wise: get there early or risk waiting 45-60 minutes for a table!
Santa Barbara Public Market
The Santa Barbara Public Market is a contemporary urban marketplace offering locally & regionally sourced food, wine, and beer. Nestled in the thriving performing and cultural arts district of downtown Santa Barbara, the Public Market is Santa Barbara's premiere dining destination for locals and visitors alike. With such a diverse collective of merchants under one roof, the Santa Barbara Public Market offers a truly unique experience to dine, drink, gather and host special events.
Santa Barbara Zoo
The Santa Barbara Zoo is located on 30 acres near the ocean. It was built on the site of what was known as the Child Estate. The zoo has been ranked numerous times as one of the nation's best small zoos. Take a stroll and enjoy the beautiful weather and ocean views!
Santa Barbara Courthouse
Soak up the last bit of sunshine for the day and marvel at the view of the Channel Islands, downtown area, and surrounding mountains. Insider’s tip: this place has THE best view in town and it doesn’t cost you a cent!
Stearns Wharf
Built in 1872, Stearns Wharf is Santa Barbara's most visited landmark. Expansive views of the mountains, cityscape, and harbor unfold from every vantage point on the three-block-long pier. It has several restaurants and a wine tasting room with beautiful views of the ocean and mountains.
Old Mission Santa Barbara
Known as the crown jewel of California's missions, you’ll get a good dose of early Santa Barbara history as you wander through the ancient walls either docent-led or running solo. The Rose Gardens and Lawn nearby is also a great place for a picturesque picnic while soaking up some sunshine.
Ganna Walska Lotusland
Named one of the 10 best gardens in the world, Lotusland is home to over 3,000 plants from the world over and the horticultural passion of an extraordinary woman. This 37-acre historic estate features more than 14 distinct gardens uniquely intertwined to create one of the most spectacular botanic experiences in the country. Because Lotusland is a public garden operating in a private, residential neighborhood, advance tour reservations are required to visit.