Nestled between the mountains and the ocean, Santa Barbara is a treasure trove of cultural sites that showcase the citys natural beauty and creative spirit. From secret gardens to offbeat museums, here are some hidden gems you wont want to miss.
If youre a fan of visual arts, make sure to visit The Art Den (5266 Hollister Ave #121) in Goleta. This unique gallery features works by local artists who use unconventional materials like discarded objects and recycled items. Another mustsee art destination is MichaelKate Interiors & Art Gallery (132 Santa Barbara St), where you can browse contemporary paintings and sculptures alongside stylish home decor.
The theater scene in Santa Barbara is also thriving with exciting venues such as Center Stage Theater (751 Paseo Nuevo) which hosts an array of performing arts events from opera performances to dance productions. If youre looking for something more intimate, check out The Hatlen Theater (UCSB Campus Rd.) on UC Santa Barbaras campus for experimental plays performed by students or Out Of The Box Theatre Company(305 W De La Guerra St Suite E.), known for cuttingedge productions at their cozy location Downtown.
For a dose of California history and culture head over The Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum(21 W Anapamu St.), which houses oneofakind manuscripts ranging from medieval texts to historic letters written by famous figures like Abraham Lincoln.Theres even museum dedicated entirely to sea shells Shell Beach Tide Pools Inland Collection Display (2127 Grand Ave.)
Santa Barbarans love their music too! Dont miss catching bands playing inside Velvet Jones Music Venue 423 State St.), they offer both live shows outside or inside depending on weather conditions,and have acts featuring everything from indie rockers to electronic DJs.
Stroll through Alice Keck Park Memorial Garden located downtown it features beautiful gardens,fountains and a large koi pond. You can also catch a glimpse of Santa Barbaras unique architecture by hiking up to the Lizards Mouth (Highway 154), where youll find enormous rock formations that have been carved into whimsical shapes.
Santa Barbaras rich culture and scenic surroundings truly set it apart from other California cities. Make sure to put these hidden gems on your itinerary for an unforgettable trip!
Websites:
The Art Den: https://www.theartden.net/
MichaelKate Interiors & Art Gallery: https://michaelkate.com/
Center Stage Theater: https://centerstagetheater.org/
Hatlen Theater: http://theaterdance.ucsb.edu/facilities/hatlentheatre
Out Of The Box Theatre Company:http://ootbtheatre.com/
Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum :https://www.rain.org/karpeles/sanbarb2.html
Shell Beach Tide Pools Inland Collection Display :http://tripsandthecity.blogspot.com/p/shellbeachtidepoolcollection.html
Velvet Jones Music Venue: http://velvetjones.com/
Twitter handles:
Center Stage Theater @CST_SantaBarbara
Out Of The Box Theatre Company @OOTB_SB
5266 Hollister Ave #121
Santa Barbara, CA
United States
132 Santa Barbara St
Santa Barbara, CA
United States
751 null
Paseo Nuevo, CA
United States
Ucsb
null Campus Rd.
Santa Barbara, CA
United States
305 W De La Guerra St
Santa Barbara, CA
United States
21 W Anapamu St.
Santa Barbara, CA
United States
2127 Grand Ave.
Santa Barbara, CA
United States
null Highway 154
Santa Barbara, CA
United States