The Funk Zone - Santa Barbara

• An Introduction to Santa Barbara's Creative Neighborhood •

Street view on E Yanonali St

What is the Funk Zone of Santa Barbara?

The Funk Zone is a trendy and vibrant neighborhood in Santa Barbara, California. It is mainly known for its art galleries, breweries, and wineries and is located in the area around the intersection of Anacapa and Yanonali Streets, near the waterfront. The area is named for its industrial past, as it was once home to several warehouses and factories. These buildings had mostly been neglected and dilapidated back then. Over the past fifteen years the neighborhood has since undergone redevelopment and gentrification. Despite its transformation, the name "Funk Zone" has stuck and is now widely used to refer to this neighborhood. Today it is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, offering a variety of dining, shopping, and entertainment options. 

Jules by the Sea Gift Shop

Map of the Funk Zone

The neighborhood is roughly bounded by State Street to the north, Cabrillo Boulevard to the south, and Garden Street to the east.

Courtesey of The Funk Zone Website

What is the Funk Zone known for?

Overall, people enjoy the Funk Zone for its unique atmosphere and the variety of activities it offers.

1. Art galleries: The Funk Zone is home to some art galleries, featuring work by local artists as well as artists from around the world.
2. Breweries and wineries: The neighborhood is known for its breweries and wineries, which offer tastings and tours.
3. Dining: The Funk Zone has many restaurants, cafes, and food trucks offering a range of cuisines, from traditional American fare to international flavors.
4. Shopping: The neighborhood has several unique boutique stores selling clothing, jewelry, home decor, and other items.
5. Entertainment: The Funk Zone is home to diverse live music venues, events, and other entertainment options.

The Lark Restaurant

10 Popular Spots in the Funk Zone 

• Santa Barbara Wine Collective - This winery features tastings of wines from local winemakers, as well as a selection of craft beers and small plates.
• The Lark - This established and popular restaurant with a social scene serves contemporary American cuisine with an emphasis on locally-sourced ingredients and unique flavors.
• Dart Coffee Company - specialty coffee roaster with high quality, ethically sourced coffee
• Lama Dog Taproom is a popular location for craft beer enthusiasts
• Topa Topa Brewing Company offers high-quality, locally-made beer known for its innovative flavors and styles
• Lucky Penny is known for its tasty wood-fired brick oven pizza
• Loquita is an energetic, hip spot with tapas-style dishes and tasty cocktails
• Helena Ave Bakery is known for its artisanal bread, pastries, and other baked goods
• Pali Wine Company offers tastings of their hand-crafted wines, which are made from grapes grown in the Santa Barbara region
• Mony's Mexican Food provides a laid-back casual atmosphere with authentic Mexican cuisine

Helena Avenue Bakery

The Urban Wine Trail

The Urban Wine Trail is a self-guided tour of wineries located in the downtown area of Santa Barbara, California. The trail includes a number of wineries located in the Funk Zone neighborhood, as well as others located elsewhere in the Santa Barbara vicinity. Many of the wineries on the Urban Wine Trail offer tastings and tours, and some also have on-site restaurants or outdoor seating areas. The trail is a popular attraction for tourists and locals alike and provides a convenient way to explore the local wine scene. The Urban Wine Trail is organized by the Santa Barbara Vintners Association, a non-profit organization that promotes the local wine industry. The association provides maps and information about the wineries on the trail, as well as events and other resources for wine lovers. The Urban Wine Trail is just one of several ways to explore the Santa Barbara wine region with a multitude of wineries and beautiful vineyards. Read more about Santa Barbara Wine Country here.

Santa Barbara Wine Collective

Funk Zone Murals

The Funk Zone in Santa Barbara is home to many murals, which are large paintings or artworks displayed on buildings or other structures. The wall art in the Funk Zone is created by a variety of artists and often features colorful, eye-catching designs. Many of these murals are painted onto the side of buildings in the neighborhood and can be enjoyed while walking or driving through the area.The Funk Zone murals are a vital part of the neighborhood's artistic and cultural identity and are a popular attraction for tourists and locals alike. These murals are a way for artists to express their creativity publicly and contribute to the local community. 

Wall Art at the Funk Zone

What is living in the Funk Zone like?

Living in the Funk Zone in Santa Barbara can be an enjoyable experience, as the neighborhood has a vibrant atmosphere and is located in a lively part of Santa Barbara. However, it is worth noting that the Funk Zone is a relatively small neighborhood, and like any urban area, it may have some challenges or drawbacks.

Townhouse Complex "Villa Del Mar"

• Pros of Living in the Funk Zone

One potential advantage of living in the Funk Zone is its proximity to a variety of amenities and attractions. The small neighborhood is within walking distance of the beach, as well as the numerous art galleries, breweries, wineries, and restaurants. It is also located near the downtown area of Santa Barbara, which provides additional shopping and entertainment options within walking distance. For people with culinary curiosity and who are interested in the art scene, and socializing this might be a neighborhood to consider when moving to Santa Barbara.

• Cons of Living in the Funk Zone

On the other hand, living in the Funk Zone may also have some challenges. As a relatively small and densely populated neighborhood, the Funk Zone can experience higher levels of traffic and noise compared to more suburban areas. Additionally, housing prices in the Funk Zone are high, due to the convenience and popularity of the neighborhood. Housing options are also limited in this neighborhood and are mainly comprised of a handful of Condo and townhouse developments, like Villa del Mar or Yanonali Court. Homes in these complexes come on the market rarely. So homebuyers often explore other nearby options, like El Escorial and East Beach Condos, as well as the newer builds on Chapala Street, like Sevilla or El Andaluz.

Funk Zone Mural

Living in Santa Barbara 

 If you are interested in living in Santa Barbara and learning about the different neighborhoods, explore my community pages on my website and find all currently listed properties.

Watch Funk Zone video tour in my Downtown video at timestamp 5:30 

 Watch some of my neighborhood tours and questions answered on my YouTube channel. 

Other information about Santa Barbara

• Santa Barbara Real Estate Market Update - End-of-Year 2022
• Shopping in Santa Barbara
• Best Spas in Santa Barbara

Available Homes near the Funk Zone ↓