Santa Barbara
Welcome to Our Neighborhood
Tucked between the mountains and the Pacific, Santa Barbara is a postcard come to life — red tile roofs, white stucco walls, golden light, and bougainvillea everywhere. From Spanish Colonial history to modern wine bars, there’s a reason this place has been called the “American Riviera.”
At The Marlowe, you’re at the heart of it all — two blocks from the beach, steps from the train station, and a few minutes’ walk to State Street and the Funk Zone. Whether you’re here to explore or do absolutely nothing, it’s all right outside your door.
Our Favorite Local Gems
Coffee: Dune Coffee Roasters — house-roasted, just around the corner. Start your morning on their patio with a cortado.
Breakfast/Brunch: Dawn Patrol — create-your-own hash and breakfast tacos two blocks away. Shoreline Café — toes-in-the-sand brunch right on the beach.
Wine Tasting: The Funk Zone — a walkable district of tasting rooms, art studios, and surf vibes. We love Pali, Melville, Municipal Winemakers, and Seth Kunin Wines.
Dinner Out: The Lark — Santa Barbara’s iconic upscale dinner spot with local ingredients and a starlit patio. Lilly’s Taqueria — legendary tacos. Cash only. No nonsense. Loquita — Spanish tapas, strong cocktails, and beautiful tilework.
State Street Shopping: From big brands to indie boutiques, State Street is perfect for an afternoon stroll. Don’t miss DIANI, Ace Rivington, and Salt for modern California style.
The Beach & The Pier: Head straight down Chapala, cross the tracks, and you’re at West Beach in 5 minutes. Stroll the historic Stearns Wharf, grab fish & chips at Santa Barbara Shellfish Co., or catch sunset with a cone from Deep Sea Tasting Room.
Rent E-Bikes or Cruisers: Grab wheels from Cal Coast Adventures or SB Electric Bikes — cruise the waterfront, head up to the Mission, or just ride until it’s time for rosé.
Family-Friendly Spots: MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation is a fantastic hands-on science and art museum just a 7-minute walk away.
The Santa Barbara Mission and Rose Garden offer space to picnic, run, and soak in history — plus it’s a great photo op.
Hiking: Rattlesnake Canyon, Inspiration Point, and Tangerine Falls are all short drives with sweeping ocean views and peaceful trails.
Car-Free and Carefree
Most of our guests never need a car. From the train station across the street to the pedestrian-friendly charm of downtown, everything is walkable, bikeable, and beautiful.
“We didn’t drive once all weekend — beach, wine tasting, dinner, shopping — all without needing an Uber.”
— Brittany & Mike L, Guests of The Marlowe