Funk Zone Santa Barbara

One of my favorite parts of Santa Barbara is the quirky Funk Zone.

This trendy 10-block district is inside an old industrial area, and is full of restaurants, wine bars, art galleries and boutiques. I found it easy to get to, and just followed Yanonali Street from downtown Santa Barbara.

Funk Zone was formerly full of warehouses for the fishing and grain industries. It then became a haven for artists in the 1980s and 1990s, in search of cheap rent. Today it's been re-imagined as a thriving cultural center, with something unique around every corner.

I love exploring the re-purposed buildings in the Funk Zone, that ooze character and atmosphere. It's a big departure from the Spanish Colonial architecture that defines the rest of Santa Barbara, and is completely unexpected!

10 best things to do at Funk Zone Santa Barbara

1. Santa Barbara Wine Collective

The Santa Barbara Wine Collective is in an industrial chic warehouse in Funk Zone, and full of wines from local producers.

Sit outside on the pretty patio, or hang out on the comfy sofas inside.

Order a wine flight at the Santa Barbara Wine Collective.

These are some of the many wines on offer.

The Santa Barbara Wine Collective also shares space with Helena Avenue Bakery, which serves coffee and absolutely scrumptious baked goods.

2. Pearl Social Cocktail Club.

The sumptuous interior of the Pearl Social Cocktail Club has an old world feel with mirrors, antique prints and wallpaper, and velvet sofas. This is juxtaposed against modern elements like the exposed beams of the old warehouse, and industrial light fixtures. Hang out here for an aperitif or cocktail. Order oysters or a cheeseboard in the evening.

3. Dart Coffee Company.

My favorite coffee shop in the Funk Zone is the Dart Coffee Company. This light and breezy cafe donates a portion of its profits to local artists' studios.

The Dart Coffee Company has a cool garden across the road, where you can enjoy your coffee under the shade of a magnificent oak tree (below).

4. Lucky Penny Pizza.

Lucky Penny Pizza is a true community hub in Funk Zone, and shimmers with a wall of 150,000 pennies!  Order wood-fired pizza, salads, beer or wine, then relax in the garden-like setting.

There's also some bright murals tucked away in a quieter corner of Lucky Penny Pizza (below).

5. Validation Ale.

Validation Ale is another Funk Zone business that promotes a great sense of community. They regularly run singles socials, pub quizzes and beer dinners in a fun atmosphere. Look up at the electronic board to see the most ordered beer here, otherwise known as the "Validated Beer". Pair it with yummy comfort food like chicken wings and burgers.

There's also cornhole and lawn games outside.

6. Lama Dog Taproom.

The hip Lama Dog Taproom has a fun and laidback vibe, and up to 20 craft beers on tap. Order a burger, tacos and fries, and sit out on the busy patio in the alley.

Dogs are also welcome on the Lama Dog Taproom patio.

7. Shalhoob's Brewing Company.

If you're looking for an amazing culinary experience in Funk Town, then order the tasty BBQ meats at Shalhoob's, including delicious tacos, sandwiches or burgers. The food is incredible! Purchase a margarita or beer, then sit outside on the large patio.

8. La Lieff Wines.

La Lieff Wines has a modern, elegant interior, and serves Rhone Varietals from the California Central Coast. There's also plenty of shaded seating outside.

9. Sea Vees California.

Sea Vees is a quintessential California store, selling sneakers, footwear, and casual clothing. All sneakers are made from recycled materials like plastic and rubber.

The Sea Vees brand was launched in 1964, sold to Converse in 1969, then closed in 1971. Almost forty years later it was re-launched in 2008, when founder Steven Tiller found an old pair of Sea Vees in Tokyo!

The Sea Vees store in Funk Town feels like walking into a 1960s surfshop, and transports you back to an earlier era (below).

10. Dylan Star boutique.

I was initially drawn in by the intriguing exterior of Dylan Star boutique, with towering cacti, and a fun, bright facade. The exuberant owner of this boutique has stocked it full of amazing finds. Shop for hats, clothing in bold prints, jewerly, toiletries and so much more. 

11. Elvn boutique.

Elvn boutique is in a minimalist space with all your classic, timeless clothing essentials. 

12. Loveworn boutique.

Loveworn is your go-to boutique in the Funk Zone for the most amazing selection of vintage denim. You can also stock up on cool tees from the 70s and 80s. There's also a fun gallery next door.

13. The Shopkeepers boutique.

Step inside the The Shopkeepers boutique for a beautifully curated selection of trendy clothing, footwear and jewelry. 

14. Channel Islands Surfboards.

The Channel Islands Surfboards flagship store is one of the best surf shops in Santa Barbara, and is just one block from the beach. It sells surfboards, fins, clothes and towels. 

There's a lot of history here, with vintage surfboards from greats like Kelly Slater and Tom Curren. The shop was founded in 1969 by Al and Terry Merrick, shaping surfboards from their parents' garage in Carpenteria. Today this is a worldwide brand.

15. Rodeo Gallery.

Rodeo Gallery showcases the work of artist Wallace Piatt, with a pop art influence that draws on contemporary subjects for inspiration. It's adjacent to the Loveworn boutique, so you can combine the two in one trip.