So much to love about these 10 blocks of Shopping, Wine, Beer, Coffee, Restaurants, Art, Museums…read moreand Culture, Hotels, and more Shopping. And all nestled nicely between Highway 101 and Cabrillo Blvd, and between Garden Street and State Street. Can't even start with what my favorite spots are, I find a new one each time I visit. Usually plenty of street parking on the weekdays, and on the weekends definitely need to use one of the assorted public parkling lots in the area. You'll also find Live DJ's, Karaoke, Trivia Nights, Live Music, Bingo, Happy/Hoppy Hours . . . and sometimes dancing in the streets.

This is a truly funky place to explore. There's an eclectic mix of restaurants, unique shops,…read morewineries, breweries, coffee, antiques, and more. Parking is challenging on the weekends. We've been there when it's busy and it can be festive-- pop ups in old vintage rv's or outside beer halls can appear; bands playing in several spots, etc. Experiences can be hit or miss. We visited a winery called Area 51 which sounded fun, but the wines were just okay. But Pali Wine had very good wines, a relaxing patio, and cool live music. The stores vary from very pricey threads to affordable knick knacks; succulents to vintage records to original artwork. Many spaces occupy previously owned old businesses that give it a nostalgic feeling. A few top name wineries have spaces here (i.e. Fess Parker). Definitely worth checking out in looking for a unique time in Santa Barbara.

Just steps from the SBMA, and State Street, come visit and see art that you can actually take home…read morewith you. I was surprised with the quality of the pieces. Even though the gallery highlights local artists, it's still a serious gallery with quality modern and contemporary art pieces for sale. They also had a gallery full of gorgeous sculptures! The space is welcoming, professional, and clean. I will keep this gallery in mind to visit monthly, because I'd like to be exposed to new names and their work.

This is the best contemporary & abstract art gallery in Santa Barbara. The curator always has a…read moregreat selection of artwork featuring prominent local artist & sculpture. The display art is refreshed once a month, so you always get to see new works by different artist. When I'm in SB I always stop by to see what's new. They also have catalogs of the artists they represent so if you missed something by a favorite artist you can check to see if that " piece you saw last time " is still available.

The paintings are very nice and Mr. Waterhouse, the owner, is friendly without being overly…read moreintrusive. His wife at the Montecito location made us uncomfortable with her personal questions immediately upon entering the store (where are you from?, which hotel are you staying at?, etc.), however.

The Waterhouse Gallery is one of our favorite stops in Santa Barbara. They handle only first class…read moreart. And our house in Minnesota is fully decked out with art by both Ralph Waterhouse and some of the artists the gallery represents. Always pleasant. Never pushy. Very relaxed atmosphere. They will take the time to help select the perfect piece for your home or office. I believe they are the best gallery in Santa Barbara. And, they are located in the quaint La Arcada shopping area off State Street in the heart of Santa Barbara. Check them out!

I stopped in this new gallery on First Thursday. Really stunning images, particularly of the desert…read moreat night. The photographer captured every star in the night sky. If you love nature, it will transport you. You'll want to be in your sleeping bag, gazing skyward. I asked and they swore these were captured in the camera, without later manipulation. So if you are a photographer yourself, or just appreciate gorgeous photography, or simply love nature, go check this place out.

Moments of awe are special life affirming occasions. I discovered the Slice of Light Gallery by…read morewalking past the gallery one day. The image of Luna Dunes stopped me in an instant. The gallery was closed at the time but it wasn't long before my return and numerous visits . J K Lovelace's images from space and his landscape photography give me pause to wonder and be with nature. The Slice of Light personnel and Lovelace the artist are engaging and helpful. I encourage anyone reading my review to visit this gallery.

So what's better than history, culture, food and a vibrant street scene? ART! Located directly next…read moreto the historic Arlington Theatre on State Street is this roomie serene art gallery. The breath of interesting works is quite remarkable and this gallery offers a rich and rewarding start to your adventure on State Street. One of the featured artists, Richard Schloss may actually be painting behind the scenes in the gallery. How cool that? Some of his works feature the other worldly qualities of rainy conditions around the area. They are deeply interesting and atmospheric! The staff is super laid back, knowledgeable and very in tune with the artists featured in their gallery. This rich experience was further enhanced by the adorable dog that accompanies the owners to work and has run of the gallery. The paintings in this gallery were amazing and you could certainly build a room or house around some of them! State Street is an experience like no other and this Art Gallery made it even more so. A must stop for anyone in the area! -G

I had the pleasure of purchasing an oil on canvas painting from Santa Barbara Fine Art a little…read morewhile back. It is absolutely perfect and adds so much character to our home. From the organized and open lay out of the gallery, to the friendly assistance by Mr. Rick Schloss and his wife, Julie - my experience at SB Fine Art was second to none. For those that are not familiar with Mr. Schloss's artistic style, he specializes and demonstrates mastery in depicting Seascapes. The way in which he captures natural light and reflections is truly stunning. One must see for themselves to appreciate his level of expertise. Additionally, what I also appreciate about SB Fine Art is that Mr. Schloss has opened his doors (and walls) to display artwork by local Artists of various styles. He continuously exhibits his love and support for the Santa Barbara community and we are very lucky to have him! For those looking to add exquisite artistic decor to their homes that embodies the natural beauty of Santa Barbara I highly recommend stopping by SB Fine Art.

I enjoyed discovery Seahorse Gallery in the Funk Zone in Santa Barbara. It's hard to miss its…read morebuilding, it has a cool look and texture. Very nice photography inside, some black and white, the lady working there was pleasant and welcoming. Definitely a cool place in the Funk Zone, if you love photography, Seahorse Gallery is a hidden gem.

I stopped in today and absolutely fell in love with this gallery. The artist has a talented eye for…read morenatural beauty. A must for art collectors!!

It is all local artists with a huge variety of styles. You can find everything from oils to…read morepastels. There are beautiful one of a kind cards, jewelry, and fun small items, perfect for a gift. The art is very affordable.

What a gem! The gallery is off State St. in the heart of Santa Barbara's shopping, restaurant and…read moregallery district. A little off the path in La Arcadia, but it is a great place to visit if you're in the area. The lighting is so natural, with it's high ceilings and they have a mezzanine for featured artists. The gallery hosts are always so pleasant and helpful and the art is by all local artists. So much talent! All kinds of mediums, and from notecards, matted prints and truly beautiful originals, this is a must stop and check it out type of gallery.

SBCAW is the best! They are so organized, professional and friendly. I have submitted art to their…read moreReady to Hang show for the past three years and am already looking forward to next year.

Without closing your eyes to transport yourself, take a step inside the miniature Mate Gallery…read morewhere the West Coast meets the East Coast. The adorable store is hidden inside the inner courtyard of the Montecito Mart. It is filled to the ceiling with nautical-themed home goods and tchotchkes. A few favorite items were a braille Playboy magazine, unique Dusk and Sunburn candles, and plenty of whale items (I personally have a collection). I just so happened to venture in during the Holidays of which there were ornaments, Christmas trees and a bunch of fabulous gifts for that special person. Even better yet: they offer to wrap whatever you purchase with their adorable seagull tissue paper! Consider Christmas present shopping done and done! If you prefer more personal space, they also have a website to peruse at your leisure.

Fabulous gift store with one of a kind and vintage items. Definitely a must-stop-shop when looking…read morefor something out of the ordinary. Thanks Reed for guiding us through the shop. Glassware, specialty decanters, books, mugs, hats, candles, watches . . . my "wish-list" is pretty much the entire shop. Located in the Montecito Country Mart, and surrounded by boutiques, coffee and pastries, Read 'n Post, Von's, and Bettina.

"Sullivan Goss - An American Gallery" sounds like a boring documentary, but it is in fact a cute,…read moreinteresting art gallery. It doesn't take a long time to visit - unless of course you're feeling spendy - but it's a pleasant stop in a beautiful walkable part of Santa Barbara. The art is modern, and on my visit I enjoyed a nice display of geometric art in front and some cool optical illusion art in a room with a giant bead curtain in the back. The middle room held more picturesque art, paintings with people and scenes of bustling cities. That's as descriptive as I can wax as I am no art critic, but Sullivan Goss is definitely worth a look if you're in the mood for a quick diversion.

This is a very sophisticated and charming art gallery. There are varied styles of art, ranging from…read moreimpressionist to postmodern to folkish, and they have a small book selection as well. I stumbled upon it on my way to the Arts and Letters Cafe. (One must walk through the gallery to get to the cafe - see my review) I found all the pieces to be thought provoking, whether I cared for the art or not. My favorite item, hands down, was a metal sculpture of a rhino the size of a terrier. (I have a friend who collects rhinos, and he would just love this) The gallery is about half a block up from State Street. If you're in the Santa Barbara area, I highly recommend checking it out and the cafe.