Ahhh, La Arcada Plaza... The natives refer to it as "La ArcaTa" but there is no hard "t," it's simply a light "d." In Spanish 'Arcada' translates to an arcade: a series of adjoining arches that form a complex of shops. This is a visual example of just that. The arched entrances are off of State Street (look for the 1880 clock modeled after a similar one at Marshall Field's in Chicago), Figueroa Street or behind the Santa Barbara Museum of Art. The plaza has been in this location since its construction in 1926 with architecture by Myron Hunt mainly taking after 1920s Spanish Colonial Revival style. Talk a stroll and you will think you have been transported to Europe.
At the center of the T-shaped arcade is a fountain with statue and real turtles. Throughout you'll find creepy, lifestyle human statues that are difficult to distinguish whether they'll real or not; those were created by J. Seward Johnson and George Lundeen. For photographic moments, make a stop at the London-style phone booth, 1741 Spanish Galleon canon opposing the original Santa Barbara Mission bell from 1761, main entrance La Arcada archway and sculptures of Thomas Jefferson, dolphins (by Bud Bottoms, the same artist as the dolphins at Stearn's Wharf) and more.
To be completely honest, I don't frequent La Arcada to shop, per se. Unless that includes wine tasting since I often visit Sanford Vineyards tasting room that has the first planted pinot noir vines in the county.
However, I definitely dine here. The new Eleven14 (a gastropub, previous Viva), Petit Valentien (normally French cuisine, except on Saturdays and Sundays from 11:30am - 2:30pm when they offer Ethiopian food), State & Fig (brunch), Jeanine's (bakery and brunch), Mizza (pizza and Italian) and Andersen's (Danish bakery and restaurant) are all contained within La Arcada. There are several small art galleries and shops within the plaza that feature chocolates, kid's wear and toys, barbershops, optometry, and clothing.
La Arcada is one of the most scenic and romantic places to stroll in Santa Barbara, yet easy to pass by. Don't miss out! read more