How To Explore Santa Barbara’s Funk Zone

As a tourist destination, Santa Barbara has been attracting people with its famous wine tours and beautiful beaches for years. But as one of California’s top vacation spots, there’s more than just sun and surf in store for visitors coming here. You’ll find art galleries, studios, boutique tasting rooms, cafes, wineries and distilleries, hip street art, shops, and plenty of tasty restaurants serving local, farm-to-table, artisan and upscale cuisine.

Beyond the chic Mediterranean vibes of Santa Barbara and the all around cool factor of the city, there’s a funky pocket of pop culture that’s cropped up in what’s known as the Funk Zone. This hip art, food and wine scene just blocks from the ocean is a cool clash of trendy and sophisticated.

While there is no shortage of things to do in Santa Barbara, the Funk Zone is one of the most unique spots Downtown to check out. Read on to find out how to explore Santa Barbara’s Funk Zone.

^{photo by Julia Mary}

How To Explore Santa Barbara’s Funk Zone

My friend Julia and I spent an afternoon wandering through the Funk Zone checking out the scene and looking for interesting spots to shoot in. The Funk Zone is the perfect spot to find hip art, tasty food and of course wine. This up and coming area has a sophisticated vibe that will make you feel like an artist yourself!

What was a warehouse district has now turned contemporary art and wine scene. It’s quickly becoming one of the hippest spots in Santa Barbara to hang out in. You never know what cool wall mural or art installation is waiting for you just around the corner.

Start on the corner of State Street and Cabrillo Blvd to explore these ten square blocks that make up the Funk Zone. Download this super cool Santa Barbara Funk Zone Map for a helpful guide of shops, galleries, wineries and restaurants!

^{photos by Julia Mary}

Santa Barbara is a town with a lot of great things to do, but the Funk Zone is where you’ll find some really cool and funky vibes! From food to music and everything in between, this place has it all. If you haven’t been there yet, here are three reasons why you should go right now.

1. Funk Zone Eateries

There are tons of amazing restaurants in the Funk Zone that will be sure to satisfy any adventurous palate. The Funk Zone features hipster-friendly restaurants with unusual dishes such as Lamb Shawarma Rillettes, Honey Poppyseed Slaw or Wild Arugula & Strawberry Salad with shaved fennel, toasted pistachio, balsamic vinaigrette, and ricotta salata.

If you are looking for a place to eat with great food and ambiance in Santa Barbara, check out these three places.

Lucky Penny

We enjoyed yummy garden fresh salads and artisanal pizzas at the Lucky Penny while dining in their super cute outdoor seating area. We relaxed in the warm, summer air while we enjoyed some of the best salads and pizza I’ve had this year. Their dishes are so flavorful! The Little Gems Caesar Salad is to die for, with its lemon caesar dressing made from scratch, and full of locally sourced ingredients.

And if you’re ever looking for something different than your average pepperoni or cheesy pie then order their Today’s Farmers Market Pizza which features tutti frutti heirloom tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, Calabrian chile and lemon basil – talk about a savory explosion of delicious flavors in your mouth!

Loquita

Looking for delicious Mexican tapas?! Check out Loquita for amazing food pairings like their Carpaccio de Carne or the Patatas Bravas which are tasty roots farm marble potatoes with brava sauce, hot pimentón emulsion, roasted garlic aioli and parsley!

The cozy vibe in this restaurant is perfect for a date night or hanging out with friends. This is the perfect spot for ordering a table full of food and sharing all around. So be prepared to fill up on a variety of savory plates meant to be shared from their fantastic and authentic Spanish menu. Order from their selection of delicious Spanish wines including exceptional local wines chosen to pair perfectly with the menu.

The Lark

Or how about dining family-style with seasonal and Mediterranean inspired dishes at The Lark. This is where community, family and friends come together. Named for the passenger train that used to cruise by, you’ll love the gorgeous exposed beams and the chef’s inventive takes on classics likes Brussel sprouts or creating a delectable vegetable tartine!

Known for their family-style dining experience and locally sourced menu. They use the highest quality seasonal ingredients based on the abundant bounty of the Central Coast.

Drawing inspiration from the coastal regions of the Mediterrean Sea, you’ll enjoy beautifully plated food with bold flavors created to delight your senses. At the same time you’ll find a menu that is rooted in beautiful Santa Barbara and all the area has to offer.

^{photo by Julia Mary}

2. Funk Zone Wineries

If you’re really looking to experience the Funk Zone, this eclectic 10-block section of downtown boasts some of the best tasting rooms Santa Barbara has to offer. Not only does it offer 30 of Santa Barbara’s most amazing tasting rooms, 17 of them are on the Urban Wine Trail.

Municipal Winemakers

Let’s start at Municipal Winemakers. Personally I’m in love with their groovy tasting room decorated with old school lockers, desk chairs and eclectic wall art. At Municipal Winemakers there are three things they value. First they believe that wine should respect earth. They are passionate about local agriculture and only work with growers in Santa Barbara who sustainably farm their fruit without herbicides.

Second they believe wine should be fun. Come to learn and be fascinated by the wine, but never embarrassed. And lastly, they believe quality wine should be affordable. From refreshing to fruity to rich there’s a pour everyone will enjoy.

Santa Barbara Wine Collective

With a variety of delicious Santa Barbara wines the collective has something for everyone. With Santa Barbara-based producers such as Stolpman, Fess Parker, Fiddlehead (and many more) on the list you cannot go wrong! They offer flights, by-the-glass, carafe or bottle options. No matter what your preference is they have it all covered in their industrial-chic space with outdoor patio seating available too.

At Santa Barbara Wine Collective you’ll be treated to intentionally curated tastings from wineries throughout Santa Barbara. And don’t miss out on morning mimosas offered every Saturday & Sunday.

Pearl Social

Ditch the wine tasting and head to Pearl Social for live music and creative cocktails. Pearl Social features blues, folk, jazz, rock, acoustic instrumental and vocal performances Thursdays through Sundays beginning at 5 p.m.

You’ll love the intimate atmosphere meant to cultivate community as people come together. The combination of music, drinks and warmth will make for the perfect evening out on the town.

3. Galleries, Museums and Shops

MOXI

The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation

MOXI is a museum that values creativity and hands-on activities. With interactive exhibits everywhere, you’re sure to have fun when visiting MOXI!

Check out the Wind Column Workshop and conduct test flights, or how about play a tune on their Giant Guitar, or create a laser light show with friends.

From exhibits, to art installations to their innovation workshop, this is a museum created to engage you. Each exhibit invites you to interact, explore and play! From child to adult alike you will have so much playing at MOXI.

FInd out more at www.moxi.org

SeeVees

SeaVees. It’s a name that is synonymous with comfort and cool, an Americana classic. Born in 1964, SeaVees is the original way to go casual. But what is it about these shoes that make them so irresistible? Beyond their versatility – SeeVees broke the mold when BF Goodrich deisnged a shoe not for the gym, but stylish enough to replace a dress shoe in confort – as well as their undeniable style and commitment to quality construction. No matter where you adventure takes you this summer, we have the perfect pair of SeaVees for your journey!

A short three years of preduction and then a 40 year hiatus until shoe designer Steven Tiller revitalized the brand. Find a pair of SeeVees at their flagship location in Santa Barbara!

The Blue Door

Behind the large blue doors of this three-story shop awaits a time capsule. Inside, you’ll find all sorts of vintage and modern furniture, accessories, trinkets and art that will transport you back to earlier days or bring your style into tomorrow’s trends. With new and unique items added daily there is no shortage of treasures to discover at The Blue Door. Find local art by Santa Barbara artists like Richard Anderson and Sherry Spear, or Peter Max prints and original postcards, to vintage Gucci and Danish modern furniture. You’ll love exploring this vintage and modern collection.

Loveworn and Rodeo Gallery

Shop vintage and locally designed hand-screened or heat-pressed clothing items made in Santa Barbara. You’ll find an amazing selection of hundreds of vintage denim, signature Loveworn art hand-screened or heat-pressed t-shirts and clothes, and posters by local artist Wallace Paitt. This shop is pure Funk Zone vibes.

Zone Studios

This creative space includes open studios, retail, galleries, a photo studio, workshops and a social yard. Check out Jess Conti Leather Goods for handcrafted leather bags and accessories hand made and designed by Jess. Next stop by Lancaster Wood Prints where owners Meadow & Andy handcraft their gorgeous wood prints. For artisan jewelry, home goods and bath and body products check out Jules By The Sea. You’ll love all the seasdie inspired goods you’ll find in her shop!

The Shopkeepers

Selling Curious Goods for Curious People you’ll love their Womenswear and Menswear collections lifestyle goods and gallery. With art on the walls, vibrant rugs, and cozy chairs, The Shopkeepers atmosphere is chill and welcoming. Shop comfy staples by Taylor Stitch, the body care collection by P.F. Candle Co., sustainability and ethically handmade pieces by ARTESANO, gorgeous handmade belts from Guatemala by Yaxa and so much more!

Jeanne Dentzel Art Studio

A Minneapolis native with her BFA from the Minneapolis College of Art and Design, Jeanne’s fine art features nature, beaches, landscapes, animals and people. She shares, “It is in my nature to turn to my painting process which establishes a record to share and also interprets what I see and feel.“ Visit her gallery, Jeanne Dentzel Art Studio, daily from 1-5 p.m.

For all the the Santa Barbara Funk Zone has to offer check out funkzone.net for a full listing of things to do!

• ARTS & CULTURE
• DINING
• LODGING
• RETAIL & BUSINESS
• WINE, BEER & SPIRITS

When in town exploring Santa Barbara’s Funk Zone is a must! From picking up scrumptious goodies at the bakery, enjoying a farm-to-table meal or watching a local performance on a warm Santa Barbara night it’s the perfect spot to explore.

After reading this article you’ll hopefully have an idea about how best to spend your time while exploring Santa Barbara’s Funk Zone. Happy traveling friends!

xoxo Naomi

Photos by Julia Mary. Julia is a brand photographer based out of Minnesota. Her sweet spot is working with aesthetically driven creatives and small business owners. What’s unique about Julia’s brand photography experience is that it is rooted in a strategic, storytelling approach. She works with creatives and small business owners to create a strategic plan for your photoshoot.

Follow Julia on Instagram @_juliamary and check out more of her beautiful work here. Visit julia-mary.com to find out how Julia can work her magic for your brand or business.
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