5 minute read
A Day in Santa Barbara
Written by Kerrilyn Collins, Photographed by Phillip Ndowu and Reagan Lee and Illustrated by
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Whether it’s the beach, hiking, shopping or eating good food, Santa Barbara has it all," says Savannah M. do we have her last name? , junior at Santa Barbara City College. "That’s what I love about going to school here. It’s a small, big city. Everyone knows everyone."
One of the greatest perks of being a college student in Southern California are all of the beautiful places to visit — Santa Barbara being one at the top of the list. With two universities in the area, this city is a hit for college students and offers something for everyone. If you’re not from the area it can be overwhelming when visiting, but fear not — whether it be eating, shopping or exploring, this guide is the key to all the best places to visit.
For the Avid Shopper
From luxury to thrifty, it can be found in Santa Barbara. Whether you are window shopping, people watching or looking to expand your closet, State Street is the place to go. The streets come alive as people spend their day shopping and eating while the sound of street musicians fill the air.
Aspiring musician and Santa Barbara resident, Justice Claverias, 18, said he moved from Montana to Santa Barbara to be closer to family, and since then has fallen in love with it. He spends many of his days playing guitar on State Street because of its growing popularity.
“State Street is the place everyone comes to shop. It’s considered Santa Barbara’s mall, making it one of the most popular places around town,” Claverias says.
Shopping on a budget may seem like a foreign concept in the luxury city of Santa Barbara, but it is possible. The thrifting scene thrives in Santa Barbara; from dollar buys to consignment finds, college students are bound to find something they love.
United Family Association Thrift, also known as Magnolia Thrift, is a popular store among local college students. By offering great prices on furniture and clothing, it has become a favorite for those looking to find good deals in the area.
Carly Johnson, Santa Barbara local and Loyola Marymount University student, says it’s her favorite thrift store in town.
“My favorite thing about Magnolia Thrift is that it always has such fun clothes and furniture,” Johnson says.
The Closet Trading Company, an upscale consignment boutique on State Street, also offers great prices on designer and brandname items. The store is easy to shop — the clothing is already hand-picked for customers by the store buyers.
Madison Brenton, California Baptist University senior exercise science major, says this store is great for finding high-end items at discounted prices.
“Whenever I visit Santa Barbara I always make sure to stop by here. I am an avid thrifter and this store always has really nice items for a discount," Brenton says. “I love fashion but being a college student, my budget limits me. I like that I can go here and not feel bad for buying name-brand items.”
For The Foodie
From remaining open during Prohibition to outlasting a 6.3-magnitude earthquake, Joe’s Cafe is a great option for those looking for great food with a little history.
Sitting at 512 State St., Joe’s Cafe is a treasured eatery. Whether it’s the classic French dip sandwich or the prime rib, this cafe has something for everyone. History fills every nook and cranny of Joe’s, leaving customers amused and intrigued as they indulge.
Despite new restaurants opening over the years, Johnson says Joe’s has a special place in her heart.
“Joe’s is a classic eatery that everyone loves. It’s where my parents met 30 years ago, which makes it extra special for me,” says Johnson, who added that the lasagna is his go-to order.
Calling all ice cream lovers — McConnell's Ice Cream is the place to go while visiting Santa Barbara.
Made from scratch with simple ingredients, the ice cream at this family-run shop has been making customers happy for the past 70 years.
Dallas Flannery, CBU junior history major and Santa Barbara resident, says he believes it’s the tradition behind McConnell’s that makes it a staple in the city.
“McConnell’s is the best in town. In high school we would always go there, making it a tradition," Flannery says. “Yes, their ice cream is incredible, but it’s the family feel and tradition that makes it one of the best places in the city.”
For smoothie lovers, Blenders In the Grass has some of the best smoothies in town. With their focus on offering delicious, healthy alternatives to fast food meals, Blenders has quickly become a favorite among locals and students alike.
Antonia Dimaria, Santa Barbara City College student, says Blenders is her favorite smoothie stop in town.
“My favorite smoothie to get is the peanut butter or the strawberry colada," Dimaria says. “They have great options for everyone."
For the avid coffee lover, The Daily Grind is a must-visit, offering delicious coffee with a backstory.
In 1995, a former Shell gas station was converted into the popular coffeehouse. Remnants of the gas station are still present, specifically the Shell sign hanging above the cash register.
Whether you are starting your day off or need a midday pick-me-up, The Daily Grind is a great option for a cup of joe.
Blenders, a smoothie shop found on Santa Barbara's famous State Street, draws customers of all ages with a variety of smoothies, bowls and fresh juices that offer healthy alternatives to fast food snacks.
For The Outdoor Lover
The beautiful beaches are one of the main attractions in Santa Barbara. College students especially love this perk, as it offers a relaxing getaway from the stress of school.
At the beach, one can unwind while basking in the sand, play a game of volleyball with some friends or skate down the boardwalk.
With many different beaches along the coast of Santa Barbara, it can be hard to choose one to visit. Savannah M. recommends Butterfly Beach.
Santa Barbara is a beautiful location to put on the bucket list. Whether it’s shopping, eating, going to the beach or hiking, the city and its surroundings make it easy to pack a day trip — or why not a whole weekend? — full of activities.
Pancho de la Mora, Santa Barbara resident, takes his dogs Luna, Chloe and Gordo to the beach for sunset.
