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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of Santa Barbara

Art spots

Walking through a gallery or studio is a way to step out of the everyday and into someone else's perspective.

Based on 542 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Menchaca Chocolates image 1
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Chocolate factory

Chocolate factory blends cozy space with fun music and a craft station for decorating boxes. Guests enjoy relaxing arts activities and tasty chocolate treats. Board games and lively atmosphere make it perfect for all ages.

Offers relaxing arts and crafts activities combined with chocolate experiences. Guests can enjoy painting boxes while making memories.

People are saying

"I loved decorating my own chocolate box and choosing my toppings."

"The owners are friendly and helpful hosts."

"I loved decorating and sampling the delicious chocolate options."

Good to know

1

The workshop is suitable for all ages, making it a family-friendly activity.

2

Vegan and gluten-free options are available for those with dietary restrictions.

3

Menchaca Chocolates offers free parking at the El Mercado Shopping Center.

02
The Crafter's Library image 1

Bright, airy space with colorful art supplies invites creativity. Friendly dog adds a cozy vibe. Offers daily passes for painting, sewing, and macramรฉ, plus classes for all skill levels.

A community hub offers daily passes to explore and develop skills in painting, sewing, macramรฉ, and more. It supports trying a variety of crafts and learning new hobbies with sustained guidance.

People are saying

"It's so Kid Friendly; they loved the variety of crafts!"

"I took a paper making class and it was super fun."

"I loved the variety of art and crafts activities they got to try."

Good to know

1

The Crafter's Library offers a variety of crafting classes every week.

2

Reservations are recommended for private events to secure the upstairs area.

3

The store hosts a Drag Queen Story hour, promoting inclusivity for families.

03
Gracie Barra Santa Barbara image 1
Martial arts school

Martial arts school teaches Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu with a supportive community that feels like family. Coaches focus on discipline and respect for all ages. Great for children and beginners seeking a positive, fresh training style.

Offers a positive martial arts experience for children and suits those new to martial arts or seeking a different training approach.

People are saying

"It's so kid friendly; the instructors are patient and engaging."

"The Jiu Jitsu instructors are so attentive and skilled."

"The art instructors are so welcoming and encouraging."

Good to know

1

Public parking is available in the back on Anacapa, free for the first 75 minutes.

2

The school offers a structured curriculum that helps beginners learn the basics of Jiu-Jitsu.

3

Professors include a UFC fighter and elite BJJ instructors.

04
Eduardo Vicente Painting image 1

Eduardo Vicente Painting offers outstanding value with flawless finish and a smooth process. Prices stay notably low, making it easy to love your home's new look. Customer satisfaction is always a top priority.

Painting service stands out for its flawless finish and smooth process. Working with Eduardo Vicente Painting is straightforward and reliable.

People are saying

"Eduardo Vicente Painting was great to work with."

Good to know

1

The bid is reasonable and competitive for painting services.

2

The prep work done before painting is thorough and detailed.

3

The results of the painting job are excellent and meet high standards.

05
The Boho House Collective image 1
Short term apartment rental agency

Gardens burst with magical colors and a boho vibe. Cheerful paintings and ceramics add charm indoors. Relax in the hot tub and sauna for a peaceful, private retreat.

Cheerful paintings and ceramics brighten the apartment. A small number of pots sit alongside detailed wall art.

People are saying

"The hosts are so thoughtful and accommodating, making you feel taken care of."

"I loved the hot tub and the cold plunge."

"The art here is mostly paintings and pottery."

Good to know

1

Check-out time is at 10 am; plan accordingly.

2

The booking process is straightforward and user-friendly.

3

The property is clean and well-maintained, ensuring a comfortable stay.

06
Art From Scrap Creative Reuse Store image 1

Space feels awesome with a thrift store vibe offering affordable recycled materials. Shelves hold used arts and crafts supplies for various hobbies. Atmosphere encourages creative reuse and supports environmental care.

Affordable used arts and crafts supplies fill the shelves. Everything needed for various crafts exists, letting hobbies grow without high costs.

People are saying

"I found tons of fun, affordable art supplies for my hobbies."

"I found tons of fun and unexpected treasures here."

Good to know

1

The store offers a wide range of affordable used arts and crafts supplies.

2

Linen fabric is available in cuts from 2.5 to 1 yards, averaging $6 per yard.

3

Purchases support art classes for children and ocean conservation efforts.

07
Santa Barbara County Courthouse Gardens image 1

Spanish colonial architecture frames botanical gardens with over 25 plant types, offering a peaceful city oasis. Visitors admire colorful murals and a stunning Mural Room that tells local history. Climb the clock tower for spectacular city views and enjoy a museum-like, historic atmosphere.

A stunning Mural Room showcases exquisite paintings depicting the region's history. Colorful tiles and beautiful murals decorate the building and gardens, creating an impressive artistic atmosphere.

People are saying

"I loved the 360-degree view of the city and ocean."

"The historical architecture here is beautiful and elegant."

"The art here is magnificent, with colorful tiles and impressive paintings."

Good to know

1

Admission to the Santa Barbara County Courthouse Gardens is free.

2

Free tours are available daily at 2 pm.

3

The gardens host free outdoor movies on Friday nights at 8pm.

08
Old Mission Santa Barbara image 1

Spanish Colonial architecture with twin bell towers creates a peaceful setting for reflection. Replicas of Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel paintings add artistic depth. The site hosts the Madonnari Festival, showcasing vibrant street art near the historic mission.

Replicas of Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel paintings stand out here. The square hosts the Madonnari Italian Street Painting Festival with colorful art on the ground near the pink church.

People are saying

"This historical site is rich with California history."

"The ocean and mountain views here are incredible."

"I saw amazing street art being painted with chalk."

Good to know

1

Admission is $25 for adults, with free entry during services.

2

Parking is free and easy to find in the side lot.

3

The mission hosts events and services, allowing free access during those times.

09
The Painted Lemonade image 1
Painting studio

Painting studio offers a relaxed atmosphere with a welcoming vibe that supports fun group activities. Large painting parties connect people with a patient teacher and result in unique artworks everyone loves. Inclusive events attract diverse groups, including those with hearing and vision loss.

A large painting party brings people together to create art while connecting with a patient teacher. Everyone leaves with paintings they love, making the event feel special and successful.

People are saying

"It's so Kid Friendly; Ella inspired our little guests."

"The party artist Ellya was super professional and inspired our guests."

"I found Ella to be a fabulous and patient painting teacher."

Good to know

1

The paint and sip night is a creative and social event for groups.

2

The event is suitable for people with varying degrees of hearing and vision loss.

3

Expect a lively atmosphere with opportunities for social interaction.

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The Painted Cabernet image 1
Painting studio

Painting studio offers step-by-step instructions with high energy music that keeps the mood lively. Classes often run longer than planned, giving a more in-depth experience but seating is functional not comfy for long sessions.

Painting classes include step-by-step instructions but may skip some parts of the artwork. Sessions often run longer than scheduled, sometimes up to three hours, and may not finish the painting completely.

People are saying

"I always had a fun time and left happy with my work."

"I had an awesome time painting and creating art here."

Good to know

1

The class lasts approximately three hours, which is longer than advertised.

2

Instructors provide step-by-step painting instructions for all skill levels.

3

Classes are suitable for both beginners and experienced painters.

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