Really this is a giant mall, designed to look like an Italian village (or maybe a SW village--I'm not sure), which is a clever idea to make you think that you're shopping in an Italian hill town that has Neiman-Marcus. Great shopping and dining possibilities
Plan to spend a full day exploring this area - great vintage fashion shopping in addition to the usual, and lots of hidden gems in the alleyways and streets behind. Highly recommend happy hour at La Arcada Bistro and happy hour at Cafe Azul on Santa Barbara St for authentic Mexican food and amazing hospitality.
I was on a bucket list road trip down the southern coast my destination Santa Barbara when I got here I got my room on state street settled in then went shopping along the way back from Stearns Wharf so many shop and restaurants to choose from it's a must when visiting Santa Barbara
We went down to the Farmers' Market on Tuesday (late afternoon) and seeing everything laid out so beautifully and it was nice to be able to sample fruits and/or vegetables that aren't available at my local market. State Street gets closed down when the Farmers' Market is open so you can meander to your heart's content.We drove down State Street a couple of days later and there were lots of shops to look at.
Many choices to grab a bite to eat, music venues, theaters. Shopping very "average", in that I didn't come to shop at the Old Navy or Marshall's. Very chain type shopping.
Lots of shopping, restaurants and bars. In late evening (weekend) many of the restaurants transformed into bars. Drinks can be expensive ($6 beers). But it is a great place to hangout and bring walking shoes if you plan on walking the strip
This street is a very busy place but feels fun at the same time, great place to wander up and down looking at all the stores and restaurant's etc.An easy walk to the pier and a trolley bus to catch if you get tired for 50 cents a person well worth it .Lots of places to eat outside and people watch or pubs and bars for music and such.
This is one of my favorite streets to just meander, shop, ts ke a stroll or just window shop. Along with the traditional stores there are a varity of wonderful second- hand stores with quality merchandise. Love to go here.
Enjoyable shopping and great choices for eating! Wear comfy shoes & bring your appetite. Street parking is hard to come by with limited time so just pay to park and make it easy on yourself.
State street is the heart of Santa Barbara. Something for everyone...restaurants of all flavors, historical walks, shopping, art galleries, street performers, and a straight shot to Stearn's Wharf. You can spend a full day here and in the walkable area.