Uptown Santa Barbara’s Open-Air Shopping, Dining & Community Gathering Place
Nestled in Santa Barbara’s Upper State Street district, La Cumbre Plaza has been a local shopping destination for generations. Opened in 1967, this beautifully landscaped open-air center combines shopping, dining, wellness, local art, and community events in a relaxed setting framed by the Santa Ynez Mountains. Unlike many traditional shopping malls, La Cumbre Plaza offers wide pedestrian walkways, Spanish-inspired architecture, fountains, mature landscaping, and inviting outdoor spaces that encourage visitors to slow down and enjoy the experience.
Whether you’re looking for national retailers, locally owned businesses, a great lunch, or an afternoon of browsing, La Cumbre Plaza remains one of Santa Barbara’s most convenient shopping destinations.
A Santa Barbara Tradition
For nearly six decades, La Cumbre Plaza has served both residents and visitors as an important commercial center. Originally developed as one of California’s first major outdoor regional shopping centers, it continues to evolve while maintaining the relaxed atmosphere that reflects Santa Barbara’s lifestyle. Today, the plaza features more than 50 retail stores, restaurants, fitness studios, galleries, and service businesses spread across an open-air campus.
Unlike the busy downtown shopping district, La Cumbre Plaza offers abundant parking, spacious walkways, and an easy pace that makes shopping comfortable year-round.
Shopping
Shoppers will find an excellent mix of national brands and specialty retailers covering nearly every lifestyle category.
Popular retailers include:
- Macy’s
- Pottery Barn
- Williams Sonoma
- Bristol Farms
- J. Jill
- Talbots
- LensCrafters
- Specialty boutiques
- Home décor stores
- Beauty and wellness shops
From fashion and home furnishings to gourmet kitchenware and specialty gifts, La Cumbre Plaza offers something for nearly every shopper.
Dining
After shopping, visitors can enjoy a variety of restaurants and cafés located throughout the plaza.
Dining options include:
- Fresh seafood
- Casual American dining
- Coffee shops
- Smoothie and açaí bowls
- Quick-service restaurants
- Healthy cafés
- Ice cream and desserts
Whether you’re meeting friends for lunch or grabbing coffee before continuing your day, the outdoor seating areas make dining especially enjoyable in Santa Barbara’s mild climate.
More Than Shopping
One of La Cumbre Plaza’s most distinctive features is its growing role as a community destination.
Visitors will also find:
- Local art galleries
- Fitness studios
- Children’s activities
- Wellness businesses
- Community organizations
- Seasonal events
- Public gathering spaces
The plaza has gradually expanded beyond traditional retail, creating a neighborhood atmosphere where shopping, recreation, and community activities comfortably coexist.
A Growing Arts Destination
A unique feature of La Cumbre Plaza is the presence of the La Cumbre Center for Creative Arts, an artist-run cooperative that has transformed part of the plaza into a creative hub. Multiple galleries showcase the work of Santa Barbara artists through rotating exhibitions, open studios, and the popular monthly Gallery Row Art Walk, adding a cultural dimension not commonly found in shopping centers.
Family Friendly
Families appreciate the plaza’s wide walkways, easy parking, and variety of activities.
Visitors will find:
- Children’s play opportunities
- Family restaurants
- Toy and specialty stores
- Seasonal holiday events
- Open courtyards
- Comfortable outdoor seating
Because everything is located on a single level, La Cumbre Plaza is easy to explore with strollers, wheelchairs, or young children.
Visitor Amenities
La Cumbre Plaza offers numerous conveniences for shoppers.
Amenities include:
- Free surface parking
- Electric vehicle charging stations
- Outdoor seating areas
- Security services
- Wheelchair accessibility
- Public gathering spaces
- Easy access from Highway 101 and Highway 154
- Convenient Upper State Street location
Nearby Attractions
Its location makes La Cumbre Plaza an excellent stop before or after exploring Santa Barbara.
Nearby you’ll find:
- Upper State Street shopping
- Santa Barbara Golf Club
- Loreto Plaza
- Numerous local restaurants
- Hotels
- Residential neighborhoods
- Hiking trails
- Downtown Santa Barbara (approximately 10 minutes away)
Shopping Tips
To enjoy the best experience:
- Visit weekday mornings for a quieter atmosphere.
- Explore the galleries during the monthly Third Friday Art Walk.
- Combine your visit with lunch or dinner at one of the plaza’s restaurants.
- Take time to wander through the landscaped courtyards and fountains.
- Check the plaza’s event calendar before visiting for seasonal activities and promotions.
Looking Ahead
Like many shopping centers across California, La Cumbre Plaza is entering a new chapter. Portions of the property are planned for future mixed-use redevelopment that will introduce housing while preserving retail, dining, and community spaces. The long-term vision is to create a more walkable neighborhood that blends shopping, residences, and public gathering areas, reflecting Santa Barbara’s evolving needs.
Quick Facts
Location: 121 South Hope Avenue, Santa Barbara, CA 93105
Opened: 1967
Type: Open-Air Shopping Center
Retailers & Restaurants: 50+
Hours:
- Monday–Saturday: 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
- Sunday: 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
(Individual business hours may vary.)
Parking: Free surface parking throughout the property.
SantaBarbaraLocal Editorial Note
While downtown State Street and Paseo Nuevo attract many first-time visitors, La Cumbre Plaza offers a different Santa Barbara experience. Its relaxed pace, convenient parking, growing arts community, outdoor dining, and mix of national retailers and local businesses make it a favorite among residents. Whether you’re shopping for your home, enjoying lunch with friends, attending an art walk, or simply taking a leisurely stroll beneath the palms, La Cumbre Plaza continues to be one of Santa Barbara’s most welcoming gathering places.
