8 Best Hidden Gems to Discover in Santa Barbara

Behind an ordinary storefront in a strip mall off of Hollister Avenue is Goleta Coffee Company – a long corridor with high ceilings and walls covered in art and recycled street signs. Students and families stop in for the breakfast burritos, sandwiches and strong house-brewed coffee. The plentiful seating, outlets and free Wi-Fi make it an ideal place to study or read.

La Super-Rica Taqueria is not very ‘hidden’ anymore, but it remains a local gem—in this author’s opinion, it’s the best place for authentic Mexican fare. Julia Child deemed it one of her favorite restaurants, according to a New Yorker article from 2012. Located on a quiet, shaded corner of Milpas Street, it’s well worth the detour from downtown.

The sister duo behind the award-winning tapas bar Milk + Honey also run a hole-in-the-wall bar called Alcazar. In recent years, it’s become a preferred local haunt. Low lighting, bohemian decor, a projection screen showing vintage cartoons and mix of younger and older clientele create an inviting ambiance. Tasty small plates include lamb sliders, tiger prawns, ceviche and warm Brie with caramelized apples. The margaritas, whiskey sours and more experimental cocktails are some of the best in town.

If you’re a reader, The Book Den should not be missed. Originally founded in Oakland in in 1902, it’s one of the oldest bookstores in California. The selection is small but top-notch, with a mix of new releases, and many rare, signed editions of older books. Don’t miss their back wall, which is entirely dedicated to poetry. Pick up a unique postcard drawn or designed by a local artist to remember your trip by.

While you’re shopping, stop in at Warbler Records and Goods, where you’ll be welcomed by the sunny atmosphere and friendly staff. Along with vintage trinkets and home decor pieces, take some time to browse through the wonderful selection of popular and obscure vinyl. On a recent visit, we picked up Stevie Wonder’s Songs in the Key of Love (for just $3 in mint condition), a compilation of classic, American folk songs, Radiohead’s Kid A and four other records for under $30.

The Santa Barbara Art Museum is certainly worth a visit, but fewer people know of the Museum of Contemporary Art, located on the upstairs level of the Paseo Nuevo Shopping Center. Founded in 1976 by community artists and supporters, the humble space hosts the Santa Barbara Poetry Series every season, along with a number of intriguing exhibits by local artists.

Santa Barbara has no shortage of extravagant brunch options that are sure to be packed on weekends. A slightly less obvious option is The Shop Café, housed next to an old auto-body shop down the street from Super-Rica Taqueria. While the breakfast fare and sandwiches are delicious, the real draw is the outdoor terrace, which overlooks the Santa Ynez Mountains. Relax with a group of friends at one of the picnic-style tables and enjoy a cold, local beer on draft.

Finally, follow the winding roads of Montecito, past the secluded mansions, and you’ll reach Lotusland. Madame Gana Walska, an opera singer and socialite, purchased the estate in 1941 and spent the following four decades making it into a lavish botanical garden. There are 18 different gardens to explore within the 37 acres – a Japanese garden, a butterfly garden, a tropical garden and more. Lotusland also offers a variety of community events, including bird walks and lectures from visiting naturalists. The garden is accessible by reservation only.