Frequently Asked Questions
VISITING LA ARCADA PLAZA
What is La Arcada Plaza in Santa Barbara?
La Arcada Plaza is a historic Spanish Colonial Revival shopping courtyard located at 1114 State Street in downtown Santa Barbara, California. Built in 1926, it is home to more than 20 specialty boutiques, galleries, and restaurants set within an open-air European-style arcade. The plaza is free to visit, open to the public, and features original public art, bronze sculptures, a beloved turtle fountain, and a curated Treasure Hunt art trail that makes it one of Santa Barbara's most distinctive cultural destinations.
Where is La Arcada Plaza located?
La Arcada Plaza is located at 1114 State Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, between Figueroa Street and Anapamu Street in the heart of downtown Santa Barbara. It is approximately a 10–15 minute walk from Stearns Wharf and within easy walking distance of the Santa Barbara County Courthouse, the Museum of Art, and the historic El Paseo courtyard.
What are the hours at La Arcada Plaza?
La Arcada Plaza's courtyard is open to the public during daylight hours. Individual shops and restaurants within the plaza maintain their own hours, typically opening between 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM and closing between 5:00 PM and 9:00 PM depending on the business. Dining establishments may remain open into the evening. We recommend checking directly with individual tenants for current hours.
Is there parking near La Arcada Plaza?
Yes. Several public parking options are available within walking distance of La Arcada Plaza. Downtown Santa Barbara's public parking garages offer the first 75 minutes free, making them ideal for shopping and dining visits. Street parking on State Street and surrounding blocks is metered. The Paseo Nuevo parking structure on Chapala Street is one of the most convenient options, just a short walk from the plaza's State Street entrance.
Is La Arcada Plaza free to visit?
Yes, La Arcada Plaza is completely free to enter and explore. The courtyard, sculptures, turtle fountain, and Treasure Hunt art trail are all open to the public at no cost. Individual shops and restaurants charge for their goods and services.
Is La Arcada Plaza wheelchair accessible?
La Arcada Plaza is designed to be accessible to all visitors. The open-air courtyard features ground-level pathways and accessible entrances from State Street. Individual tenant spaces vary; we recommend contacting specific businesses in advance if you have specific accessibility needs. The plaza office can be reached at (805) 966-6634.
Can I bring my dog to La Arcada Plaza?
The outdoor courtyard and walkways of La Arcada Plaza are generally pet-friendly. Well-behaved leashed dogs are welcome in the open-air areas of the plaza. Individual shops and restaurants determine their own pet policies for interior spaces. Please clean up after your pet and be courteous to other visitors.
Is La Arcada Plaza good for families with children?
La Arcada Plaza is an excellent destination for families. The turtle fountain — home to Amelia, a bronze flying turtle named for Amelia Earhart, and real Red Ear Slider turtles sunning on the rocks below — is a beloved attraction for children of all ages. The Treasure Hunt art trail turns a visit into an interactive adventure, encouraging kids to find and identify the 22 sculptures and hidden treasures throughout the courtyard. The open-air layout offers comfortable space for strollers and free exploration.
SHOPPING & DINING
What shops are at La Arcada Plaza in Santa Barbara?
La Arcada Plaza is home to more than 20 specialty retailers offering an eclectic mix of fine art, gifts, jewelry, fashion, home décor, and one-of-a-kind finds. Tenants include Waterhouse Gallery, Ace Rivington, Catherine Gee, Coast 2 Coast, and a curated collection of boutiques not found in typical shopping centers. The plaza's tenant mix is intentionally distinctive — reflecting the creative, artisan character of Santa Barbara rather than national retail chains.
What restaurants are at La Arcada Plaza?
La Arcada Plaza features several dining options within and adjacent to the courtyard, ranging from casual café experiences to full-service dining. The plaza's al fresco courtyard setting makes it a popular spot for outdoor dining. For the most current list of dining tenants, visit laarcadasantabarbara.com/dining.
Are there art galleries at La Arcada Plaza?
Yes. Fine art is central to La Arcada Plaza's identity. Waterhouse Gallery is one of Santa Barbara's most respected fine art galleries and Gallery 113 features the work of local artists, both are located within the plaza. The courtyard itself functions as an open-air gallery with rotating sculptural installations and permanent bronze works integrated throughout the space. La Arcada has long positioned itself at the intersection of art, dining, and shopping in downtown Santa Barbara.
What services are available at La Arcada Plaza?
In addition to retail and dining, La Arcada Plaza offers a range of personal services including beauty, makers classes, and professional services. The plaza's service tenants bring a neighborhood feel to the destination, making La Arcada a place where visitors return regularly rather than simply passing through. Visit laarcadasantabarbara.com/services for the current services directory.
ART, HISTORY & THE TREASURE HUNT
How old is La Arcada Plaza?
La Arcada Plaza was built in 1926 and is celebrating its centennial — 100 years as a Santa Barbara landmark — making it one of the oldest continuously operating shopping destinations in the American Southwest. The Spanish Colonial Revival architecture reflects the design vision that has shaped downtown Santa Barbara's distinctive aesthetic for nearly a century.
Who designed La Arcada Plaza?
La Arcada Plaza was designed and built under the supervision of famed architect Myron Hunt (1868–1952) in 1926. Hunt served as consulting architect to John Cooper on the project, bringing the Spanish Colonial Revival style that defines downtown Santa Barbara's distinctive architectural character. Hunt was one of California's most celebrated architects of the era — his other credits include the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, the Huntington Library in San Marino, and a wing of the Mission Inn in Riverside. La Arcada was built on the site of Our Lady of Sorrows Church, which had been destroyed in the 1925 Santa Barbara earthquake. The building is a designated historic property and an enduring part of the city's architectural heritage.
What is the turtle fountain at La Arcada Plaza?
The turtle fountain is the beloved centerpiece of La Arcada Plaza's courtyard. It features Amelia — a bronze flying turtle named for Amelia Earhart — created by James "Bud" Bottoms, Santa Barbara's Sculptor Laureate. Real Red Ear Slider turtles live in the fountain below, sunning on the rocks alongside the bronze sculptures. It has been a gathering spot for generations of Santa Barbara locals and visitors and remains one of the most photographed spots in downtown Santa Barbara.
What is the La Arcada Treasure Hunt?
The La Arcada Treasure Hunt is an interactive art experience that invites visitors to discover 22 sculptures, historic artifacts, and hidden treasures woven throughout the plaza's courtyard and walkways — from a bronze flying turtle and a Spanish galleon cannon to a Tiffany-designed clock and a red British phone booth. It is a beloved tradition for locals and tourists alike, and one of the experiences that makes La Arcada Plaza unlike any other shopping destination in Santa Barbara.
What is the London phone booth at La Arcada Plaza?
La Arcada Plaza is home to an iconic red London-style phone booth, one of the most photographed and recognized features of the courtyard. It has become a beloved Santa Barbara landmark in its own right — a quirky, charming detail that reflects the plaza's European character and its love of the unexpected. It is a popular backdrop for photos and a favorite discovery for first-time visitors.
Is La Arcada Plaza historically significant?
Yes. Built in 1926, La Arcada has been part of the city's cultural and commercial life for nearly 100 years, and its centennial marks a significant milestone for one of California's most enduring and beloved historic commercial properties. La Arcada Plaza sits within El Pueblo Viejo Landmark District — Santa Barbara's official historic district established in 1960, governed by the Santa Barbara Historic Landmarks Commission. The district covers most of downtown Santa Barbara and exists specifically to preserve the Spanish Colonial Revival character that defines the city's identity.
EVENTS & EXPERIENCES
What events happen at La Arcada Plaza?
La Arcada Plaza hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including art openings, live music, seasonal celebrations, holiday gatherings, and community events that bring locals and visitors together in the courtyard setting. The plaza's open-air architecture makes it a natural venue for outdoor events. For the current events calendar, visit laarcadasantabarbara.com/events or follow La Arcada on social media.
Can La Arcada Plaza be rented for private events?
La Arcada Plaza's courtyard and event spaces are available for private events, corporate functions, and special occasions. The historic Spanish Colonial setting provides a unique and memorable backdrop. For event rental inquiries, contact the plaza management at (805) 966-6634 or via the contact form at laarcadasantabarbara.com.
What is near La Arcada Plaza in Santa Barbara?
La Arcada Plaza is situated in the heart of downtown Santa Barbara, steps from the Santa Barbara County Courthouse, the Santa Barbara Museum of Art, and the Arlington Theatre. State Street, Santa Barbara's main commercial corridor, runs directly past the plaza's entrance. The Santa Barbara Waterfront, Funk Zone, and Stearns Wharf are approximately a 10–15 minute walk south down State Street.
LEASING & BUSINESS INQUIRIES
How do I inquire about leasing space at La Arcada Plaza?
La Arcada Plaza periodically has retail, gallery, dining, and service spaces available for lease. To inquire about current availability, please contact plaza management directly at (805) 966-6634 or submit an inquiry through laarcadasantabarbara.com/contact. La Arcada curates its tenant mix to maintain the distinctive character and quality that has defined the plaza for 100 years.