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Santa Barbara Real Estate Blog

Explore the Santa Barbara Funk Zone

July 28, 2025

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The Funk Zone: Santa Barbara’s Creative and Culinary Capital

The Funk Zone has become one of the most iconic and influential districts in Santa Barbara, California. Located between the Pacific Ocean and Highway 101, this lively neighborhood attracts art lovers, wine enthusiasts, foodies, and culture seekers. Locals and visitors alike enjoy the Funk Zone for its unmatched character, flavor, and fun.

People milling about at an outside restaurant in Santa Barbara's Funk Zone.
Image courtesy of DMHA

What is the Funk Zone?

Once an industrial area filled with marine repair shops and surfboard shapers, the Funk Zone has become Santa Barbara’s center for art, food, fashion, and flavor, offering a lively and walkable environment just steps from the beach.

Today, these former warehouses and industrial spaces burst with color, featuring bold murals and modern art that capture the Funk Zone’s creative energy. It’s home to artisans, innovative vintners, and rising culinary stars, all honing their craft in this dynamic area of Santa Barbara.

Where Is the Funk Zone in Santa Barbara?

The Funk Zone is just east of State Street, stretching from Cabrillo Boulevard and bordered by Garden Street and the 101 freeway. This coastal area is within walking distance of the train station, the beach, Stearns Wharf, and the Downtown Arts District. Its location makes it one of the most accessible and popular neighborhoods in Santa Barbara.

Tee shirts, hats and other merchandise found only in the Funk Zone in Santa Barbara.
Photo by Susan Hartzler

Explore the Funk Zone with the Map and New ArtZone App

On the Funk Zone website, you’ll find information about all the businesses along with the official Funk Zone Map. You can also pick up a printed version at the Santa Barbara Visitors Centers, participating businesses, and most local hotels.

For a more interactive experience, download the new ArtZone app, a smartphone guide to the Funk Zone and surrounding neighborhoods. ArtZone offers live directions, detailed business info, photos, and real-time updates you won’t find on paper.

Beneath the palm-lined streets of the Funk Zone, you’ll find:

Close up of a wine glass filled with red wine with the Santa Barbara Winery logo.
Photo courtesy of Santa Barbara Winery

Wine & Tasting Rooms: The Soul of the Funk Zone

Santa Barbara’s Funk Zone is the hub of the city’s Urban Wine Trail. With more than 20 tasting rooms in this 10-block neighborhood, wine enthusiasts have plenty of options. Must-visits include:

  • The Valley Project – With geological AVA displays and regional tasting flights
  • Santa Barbara Winery – One of the oldest, most beloved wineries in town
  • Melville, Riverbench, Pali Wine Co. – High-quality producers with curated tasting experiences
a microbrewery with people drinking beer.
Photo by Susan Hartzler

A Hoppy Haven by the Coast

While the Funk Zone is renowned for its wine scene, it’s also becoming popular with craft beer lovers. This walkable neighborhood features several top microbreweries where small-batch beers, inventive flavors, and coastal vibes blend together. Whether you're craving a hoppy IPA, a crisp lager, or something adventurous and experimental, you're sure to find the perfect pour at one of these standout spots:

  • Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co. – A relaxed place with indoor and outdoor seating and a rotating selection of award-winning ales and seasonal favorites.
  • Lama Dog Tap Room + Bottle Shop – A blend of taproom and beer store with over 20 craft beers on tap, many from California’s leading microbreweries.
  • Topa Topa Brewing Co. – Originally located in Ventura, this Funk Zone spot offers a relaxed vibe and well-made brews like their signature Chief Peak IPA.
The front of the Lark restaurant at dusk.
Photo courtesy of The Lark

Hospitality & Culinary Delights

From craft cocktails to fine dining, the Funk Zone energizes Santa Barbara’s food scene by offering a feast for all the senses. Local favorites include:

  • The Lark – A destination restaurant in a repurposed warehouse
  • Loquita – Tapas, Spanish wines, and an open-air courtyard
  • Lama Dog, Tyger Tyger, and Santa Barbara FishHouse – Trendy, casual spots serving memorable bites
Large pieces of art inside a store in the Funk Zone.
Photo by Susan Hartzler

Art & Design in the Funk Zone

Creativity pulses through the Funk Zone. Art galleries, studios, and installations make this neighborhood a visual playground. Notable stops:

  • The Arts Fund Gallery – Championing local artists through exhibits and programs
  • GraySpace Gallery – Showcasing fresh, contemporary voices
  • Scattered murals & installations – Ever-changing street art makes every visit unique
A hip shoe store with a golden retriever.
Image courtesy of SeaVees

Retail & Fashion: Santa Barbara Style with Edge

Funk Zone boutiques combine coastal style with high-end design. Shoppers seeking something unique will enjoy:

  • SeaVees – Flagship store for the SB-based sneaker brand
  • Whiskey & Leather – Fashion-forward with a modern, beachy vibe
  • Municipal Winemakers – A tasting room-meets-lifestyle concept space
Image of the front of the Rivera Beach Club framed by a beautiful pink and purple sunset.
Image courtesy of the Rivera Beach House

Funk Zone Lodging with Local Flavor

The Funk Zone isn’t just a place to visit; it’s a place to stay. Accommodation options range from chic boutique hotels to artsy, amenity-filled lodgings that reflect the neighborhood’s creative vibe. These walkable stays let visitors enjoy everything the Funk Zone offers, sun, surf, and Santa Barbara style.

  • Hotel Californian – Living up to its reputation as the front door of the vibrant Funk Zone, a stay at this five-star luxury hotel means ditching your car because your home away from home is located just steps from tasting rooms and galleries.
  • The Waterman by Sonder – Situated in the vibrant heart of this lively district, this hotel combines modern design with a welcoming community atmosphere, featuring a shared kitchen and curated events.
  • The Riviera Beach House — Do you have guests coming to town? Get them a room at this boutique hotel where they’ll receive generous hotel amenities, dining by Santo Mezcal, and thought-provoking art at every corner of the boutique hotel.

Ready to Explore the Funk Zone?

As you can see, the Funk Zone provides a unique blend of culture, walkability, and Santa Barbara charm. If you're ready to explore this vibrant district during a break from looking at Santa Barbara vacation homes, or as a local with Funk Zone access year-round, contact me at (805) 886-9378 or Cristal@montecito-estate.com to schedule your free, one-on-one real estate planning session.  


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Client Reviews

“It was an emotional experience selling our mother’s home in Montecito that we all loved so much but Cristal made the process easier on our whole family by guiding us through the transaction every step of the way. She knows the market so well and everything she recommended was on point including the asking price, painting, and staging the home, which looked beautiful and helped the buyer envision her new home. We sold it the first day it hit the market with an offer above asking! Cristal did an incredible job communicating with us and the buyer to ensure that the transaction would run smoothly. We highly recommend using Cristal, she was a pleasure to work with! ”

- J & A

“Cristal is a pleasure to work with! Her knowledge of the local real estate market coupled with her amazing listening skills resulted in her showing us an array of homes that were all excellent choices. Her low-pressure patient attitude made us feel extremely comfortable with the whole process. I cannot recommend her highly enough.”

- M.F.

“Cristal Clarke is #1 in her field - and you don't become #1 by luck. Cristal works harder, and longer, and with more charm and patience than any real estate agent I have ever worked with in the past; her calendar has no weekend, her days have no clocks, her only concern is selling your property as soon as possible and for the best price on the market. Am I a fan? You bet!”

- P.B.

“We have used Cristal now several times and cannot express how grateful we are for her expertise, dedication, and unwavering support throughout the entire home-buying process. Cristal is knowledgeable, patient and attentive. Her attention to detail is remarkable, and she consistently went above and beyond to provide us with all the information and resources we needed to make informed decisions. Cristal is a skillful negotiator and advocate. She can navigate complex negotiations with professionalism and grace and felt like a true partner to us in the home-buying process. Cristal has a genuine passion for real estate and a deep commitment to her clients' satisfaction. I cannot speak highly enough of Cristal and her exceptional service. She is a true expert in her field and her dedication to excellence, combined with unwavering support is the reason we choose to work with her for all our real estate buying needs.”

- T.C.

“Cristal is a top-notch realtor who sold my home before it ever went on the market. I had two competing offers that enabled me to get top dollar for my home. Not only is Cristal superb but her team is extraordinary. I cannot say enough about Cristal and her team. They are simply phenomenal, the consummate professionals, who took care of every possible detail, making the sale and transition period, smooth from our end. They are also lovely, caring people, who knew all the right professionals, to get the job done. Thank you, everyone!”

- D.R.

“I could list lots of cool adjectives to describe Cristal. All good by the way. But, that is not why I or anyone should hire Cristal. My reason for hiring her, which proved to be correct, is very simple. She got the job done. And, she does it time and time again and with zero issues. And, that is why she is one of the top agents in the country. End of subject. ”

- M.A.

“Working with Cristal was a complete pleasure. Cristal was extremely patient with us as we evaluated nearly 2 dozen homes over a span of 2 years. Her knowledge of the market is unmatched. Cristal provided us with exceptional counsel as we evaluated opportunities and negotiated pricing. The closing process was handled thoroughly and efficiently. We could not be happier with our purchase and even more happy to now call Cristal our friend.”

- D.K.

“Cristal Clarke has conducted numerous real estate transactions for me beginning 13 years ago with the purchase of a Lemon Ranch. She has handled both large and small purchases and sales with equal dedication. As a negotiator, you can’t find anyone better. Her transactions are always conducted in the most appropriate and professional manner. Cristal has considerable knowledge of the Santa Barbara market.”

- S.N. Decker Ph.D.

“Living in Europe, we were to say the least, unaccustomed to the nuances of Real Estate acquisition in California and Cristal steered us through the process with absolute professionalism and personal attention to detail at every turn. Her in-depth knowledge of the market place combined with enthusiasm and drive was the only reason we secured the property of our dreams and will be forever grateful. If you are looking for personal discrete and private representation of the highest quality we suggest you look no further than Cristal Clarke.”

- Johan and Paula van den Berg

“Cristal is very straightforward, cheerful, helpful, professional and trustworthy….we felt very lucky to work with her.”

- John and Lacey Williams

“After considering our many choices, we are grateful it was Cristal Clarke of Sotheby’s International who represented the sale of our Montecito cottage. We are familiar with Cristal’s reputation of hard work and dedication to clients, but it was her attention to detail that made our experience so positive. She offered suggestions for staging the property, worked in harmony with potential buyers and was even able to secure back up offers. The sale of our cottage was completed much sooner than we expected, due in great part to Cristal’s professional skills and support. We highly recommend Cristal as a first choice for anyone needing representation with real estate.”

- Michael & Nancy Lee

“Our experience in working with Cristal Clarke resulted in the successful and discrete acquisition of a property which was not yet on the open market. Her knowledge of the Montecito/Santa Barbara area and vast expertise blended with her passion for real estate and architecture, provided us with the very highest level of professionalism and personalized services. Cristal exhibited a rare combination of excellent communications, attention to detail, creativity and patience.”

- Richard and Catherine Frinier

“Cristal really breaks the mold. She knows every nook and cranny of this real estate market, understands value, and follows up on everything, all the time. She was incredibly patient with our two year quest to find the perfect house. Every house hunting trip from across the country was well planned, and our time was never wasted. On top of her professionalism and expertise, she is delightful to spend time with. We are thrilled with the home we purchased, and grateful to Cristal for so wisely advising us through this process, right through to the close and beyond.”

- Laurie Siegel

“We met Cristal first in the course of renting a winter home (for three years), then buying a house using her as our agent. She was amazingly good at listening to our wants and showing us homes that fit our needs. Her mastery of the paperwork was perfect. Most importantly, there was never a situation where we doubted her straightforwardness or integrity. If we do another real estate transaction in Montecito (which I doubt, we’re happy with what we purchased), without question we’d use Cristal again.”

- Ken Saffir

“Susan and I just want to thank you for your efforts in the sale of our home. You are really quite amazing. Your competence, persistence, optimism and humor made the entire process effortless. Every problem that arose, you somehow fixed; any obstacle, you overcame. We have bought and sold many homes. It has never been such a painless and enjoyable process!”

- Michael & Susan Marquart

“A little something about “our” realtor, Cristal Clarke. My wife and I came to Santa Barbara about fifteen years ago looking for a seasonal home from which to enjoy the weather and amenities of the central coast. Being in the real estate business myself I was familiar with agents and brokers so entered the market with open eyes. We “flipped” a few houses in the early years, dealing with various agents and finally ended up in Montecito. That’s when good fortune put us together with Cristal. To say we were impressed is to put it mildly. Cristal really knows the market. She is familiar with the area, its history and trends. When we have questions about a particular property she either has the answers immediately or gets back to us by phone or email. There is no waiting or wondering with Cristal. She is an agent who is “on top of it.” Her recommendations as to price points, contractors, inspectors and title agents have proven to be exceptional, showing great insight and the highest professional standards. We consider ourselves exceedingly fortunate to say that Cristal Clarke is our realtor and would recommend her services to any serious buyer or seller.”

- Rob & Judi Kelch