Santa Barbara is a haven for shoppers, and the epicenter of all the action is State Street downtown. Here, visitors will find Spanish-style Paseo Nuevo, a picturesque outdoor shopping mall punctuated by potted palms and fountains. Nordstrom anchors the mall, and a host of fabulous boutiques, big-name chain stores, and cafes line the paved walkways between. Paseo Nuevo is especially beautiful when it’s decorated for the holidays. Even if not buying anything, it’s still fun to stroll around here.
From Paseo Nuevo, wander along State Street and browse other specialty shops, antique stores, and boutiques. Cafes and restaurants spill out onto the sidewalks here and make great people-watching spots. On Tuesday afternoons, State Street hosts the popular Santa Barbara Farmers Market, with fresh, locally grown produce.
