The Eclectic Neighborhood In Southern California You Could Spend Weeks Exploring

Santa Barbara has several distinct and visit-worthy neighborhoods. I never tire of the city’s beautiful architecture, shopping and dining options, and gorgeous waterfront. The vibrant neighborhood known as the Funk Zone in Santa Barbara began as a hub for artists and manufacturers and is now a walkable area full of galleries, restaurants, wineries and breweries, boutique shops, and public art.

The funk zone is a 13-block section of the city near the train station, between the ocean and downtown Santa Barbara boasting lots of character and a mix of architecture, including businesses occupying converted warehouses, historic marine buildings, etc.

Throughout the Funk Zone, you’ll discover a ton of murals and public art pieces that distinguish this neighborhood from the other parts of Santa Barbara, and they make for interesting photo ops.

Fuel up for a day of exploration with coffee and pastries from Dart Coffee or Helena Avenue Bakery, then choose your Funk Zone adventure.

At its heart, the Funk Zone is rooted in art and culture, and you could easily spend days visiting the art galleries, studios, and museums. For one, MOXI (The Wolf Museum of Exploration and Innovation) is a highly interactive space that’s fun and educational for everyone, from individuals to families.

You’ll find an eclectic range of boutique shops and businesses scattered through the neighborhood, from antiques to home goods to textiles, and more. Make sure to stop into The Blue Door (you’ll know it when you see it) to discover a constantly evolving selection of vintage treasures and one-of-a-kind finds.

At least 10 wineries on Santa Barbara’s Urban Wine Trail are located here in the Funk Zone. Enjoy wine tasting in an elegant tasting room at Margerum and Barden Wines, an oceanfront tasting deck at Deep Sea Tasting Room, in front of a hand-drawn chalk map of Santa Barbara County at The Valley Project, or any of several other unique spaces.

Wine is not the only beverage to enjoy here. Visit a brewery like Validation Ale or sample spirits at Cutler’s Artisan Spirits.

There are plenty of restaurants around for a delicious lunch or dinner, too, whether you’re in the mood for pizza, Spanish tapas, Middle Eastern cuisine, an old-fashioned steakhouse, or nearly anything else.

It could take weeks to really discover and enjoy everything this eclectic artsy neighborhood has to offer. Have you explored the Funk Zone in Santa Barbara? Share your favorite spots with us in the comments. Visit the Funk Zone website for a map, upcoming events, and more. If you're not sure where to start or want to quickly discover the highlights, check out this small group Funk Zone walking tour! Need more inspiration? Check out our entire collection of fun and unique things to see and do in Southern California.