Walk With Me

October 19, 2025

The Arty Heart of Downtown Santa Barbara

The Arts District is a marketing construct, but it's a useful one, distinguishing the more upscale section of State Street from scruffier parts downtown. And, boy, is it rich with character. 21

September 3, 2025

A Five-Block Adventure in Downtown Ventura

Given how close Ventura is and how much I like to explore, I know remarkably little about the city. The car-free stretch of E. Main Street was the perfect place to start. 12

July 20, 2025

East Meets West on Mountain Drive

The stretch of Mountain Drive between Cold Spring and Cielito is popular with walkers and cyclists because it's pretty and winding and flat—with enough quirk to compete with the view. 7

May 28, 2025

On Summerland’s Western Fringe

Don't let the gentrification of the main drag fool you: the town's signature funkiness can still be found on the side streets. 9

February 23, 2025

Higher Education on the Mesa

The holiday break was the perfect time to explore the East Campus of Santa Barbara City College: no crowds, big views, lots to gawk at. 3

December 22, 2024

In the Shadow of Magnolia Center

Ever wondered what’s behind Magnolia Center on Hollister Avenue? Me neither. But I was jonesing for a walk in virgin territory, so voilà—and wherever people live, there are fascinating choices. 11

November 13, 2024

Downtown and a Little to the Left

If you find yourself overwhelmed by the many worthwhile strollable areas we have here, consider the one in this post: Canon Perdido to Anapamu, Highway 101 to Chapala. It's highly rewarding. 6

October 2, 2024

A Relatively Modest Montecito Enclave

With a proximity to several elementary schools that makes it appealing for parents of young children, Montecito Oaks has long felt like an entry-level neighborhood for Montecito. That's surely changing as the barrier to entry gets higher. 4

August 28, 2024

The Metamorphosis of East Mesa

With its family-friendly atmosphere and proximity to the beach, the neighborhood above Shoreline Park is a quintessential side of Santa Barbara. And it's changing fast. 18

July 31, 2024

The Ferrelo-Garcia Loop

There's quirk in them thar hills: two of Lower Riviera's lesser-known streets, and their offshoots, are loaded with moments to marvel at the Santa Barbaraness of it all. 1