
What’s Happening Now on State Street
The City of Santa Barbara is actively reviewing the future of the State Street Promenade, an expansive 10-block, pedestrian-only corridor stretching from Sola Street to Gutierrez Street in Downtown Santa Barbara. Originally created during the pandemic, this beloved promenade transformed State Street from a traditional traffic artery into a European-style outdoor destination filled with restaurants, café seating, street performers, art installations, and boutiques, making it the perfect place to stroll on a sunny afternoon.
With major decisions now underway, city leaders are determining how this iconic thoroughfare will evolve in the years to come. Here’s what we know so far:
- A Draft State Street Master Plan was approved to move forward
- The City Council is considering whether to keep the promenade pedestrian-only
- whether to reopen sections to vehicles
- establish new outdoor dining regulations and design standards
- ADA access improvements
- A formal ordinance is being created governing long-term use of outdoor dining spaces
- Businesses must now comply with updated parklet and outdoor dining design rules
These discussions are shaping how restaurants and retailers will operate in the pedestrian mall, with the goal of creating a safe, accessible, beautifully designed public space that supports business and enhances community life. The City is expected to vote on a final ordinance in the near future.
While we wait, one thing is certain: outdoor dining has become a defining part of the Santa Barbara experience — and it’s here to stay in some form.

Santa Barbara Outdoor Dining Rules
New city guidelines require businesses to comply with updated design and accessibility standards for outdoor dining areas, including:
• adherence to City-approved parklet design rules
• accessibility improvements
• clear pedestrian pathways
These updated design standards aim to balance safety, aesthetics, and functionality as the City refines its long-term vision for the Promenade. While those decisions continue to take shape, one thing remains unchanged: you can still enjoy some of Santa Barbara’s favorite restaurants while soaking up the fresh air, ocean breezes, and lively outdoor atmosphere.

Where to Eat on the State Street Promenade
Whether you're looking for a casual lunch, a glass of wine, or a delicious dinner under the stars, the Promenade offers endless options. A few of Cristal Clarke’s favorites include:
Benchmark Eatery
Located across from the Museum and Granada Theatre, Benchmark is known for its welcoming atmosphere, Crispy Brussel Sprouts, homemade soups, salads, and hearty sandwiches.
Mizza
Fresh, handmade pasta and pizza dough, locally sourced produce, smoked chicken and salmon, and house-made sauces make Mizza a standout for Italian cuisine lovers.
Satellite Santa Barbara
A farmers-market restaurant and natural wine bar in the center of the Arts District, Satellite features seasonal vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, plus a thoughtful global wine list.
SB Public Market
Santa Barbara’s premier food hall offers a range of local food and drink options, now enjoyed in outdoor seating areas perfect for casual dining.
Breweries like M. Special and The Shaker Mill plus several wine bars continue to draw crowds seeking relaxed outdoor enjoyment.

Al Fresco Living at Home
There are many reasons outdoor dining thrives in Santa Barbara. Our Mediterranean climate is at the top of the list. Warm, sun-soaked days, cool coastal evenings, and gentle ocean breezes create the perfect setting for enjoying a meal under the open sky, whether you’re sipping wine along the State Street Promenade or grilling in your own backyard in any of the area’s upscale communities.
Another key factor is our celebrated indoor–outdoor lifestyle. Homes and restaurants here are designed to blur the line between inside and out, with patios, courtyards, terraces, and gardens that invite people to linger longer. Add in breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and Santa Ynez Mountains, and it’s no surprise that al fresco dining has become a defining part of the Santa Barbara experience.
That’s why beautiful outdoor spaces are increasingly important to homebuyers in coastal neighborhoods. Homes with spacious patios, outdoor kitchens, and ocean or mountain views are in exceptionally high demand.
If you’re considering upgrading your outdoor living area, here are a few essentials:
• a quality grill sized for your entertaining style (30"–36" works for most homeowners)
• natural stone surfaces such as bluestone, limestone, or granite
• proper sealing and access doors for gas connections
• outdoor sinks, refrigerators, burners, storage, and lighting
• convenient proximity to the indoor kitchen
Think of everything you love indoors and bring it outside.
Discover Homes Designed for indoor/Outdoor Living
From ocean-view estates in Carpinteria to Tucson-style homes in Montecito, Santa Barbara offers some of the most desirable outdoor living spaces in the world. Just take a look at the available properties featured on the website of top realtor Cristal Clarke. If you see a property you love, she’ll happily arrange a private tour. Call Cristal at (805) 886-9378 or email her at Cristal@montecito-estate.com. Meanwhile, enjoy everything the State Street Promenade has to offer as Santa Barbara shapes its next chapter, one al fresco meal at a time.
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